Encouraging results with a modified Sawaguchi hepatoportoenterostomy for biliary atresia.

Since 1974, 25 patients with biliary atresia underwent a modified Sawaguchi hepatoportoenterostomy. Seventeen of 18 patients operated on before the age of 10 weeks became free of jaundice within 2 to 4 months and had biliary intestinal continuity established by 10 months of age. Two of these patients experienced sudden diminution of bile flow with return of jaundice. Both responded to transconduit repeat resection of the portal fibrous tissue with resolution of jaundice, which allowed take-down of the biliostomy. At last follow-up 1 to 13 years postoperatively, all 17 patients were free of jaundice (94 percent of total). One patient in this group never had drainage of bile and eventually died from sepsis. In contrast, five of seven patients operated on after 10 weeks never had drainage of bile. Four of these patients died from hepatic failure and one from bleeding varices. Two patients initially had bile drainage and became anicteric, but thereafter, acute cessation of bile flow and reccurrence of jaundice occurred. Reoperation resulted in a definitive increase in bile flow in both of these patients. The modified Sawaguchi procedure is definitely preferable to liver transplantation as primary treatment in infants with biliary atresia, especially if operation is performed before the age of 10 weeks.