Initial experience of single-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy using conventional instruments for correctable biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery aims to minimize surgical trauma. Yet there has been no report on its application to the treatment of correctable biliary atresia (BA). We present here our initial mini-series of successful single-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (SILH) for correctable BA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed 4 correctable BA patients (Type I/II, 3/1) who underwent SILH between May and July 2011. Ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal contrast studies, and blood tests were performed during the follow-up period. The age at operation, operative time, postoperative hospital stay, resumption of full diet, postoperative complications, and perioperative laboratory tests were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median age at operation was 21 days. The median operative time was 2 hours. Blood loss was minimal. The median follow-up duration was 4.5 months. Jaundice gradually declined after 3-5 days in Type I and 6 days in Type II BA patient. There was no mortality or surgical complication so far.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, SILH for treatment of correctable BA is safe and effective.