Problems involved in re-laparotomy for congenital biliary atresia: with special reference to postoperative ascending cholangitis.

Problems involved in re-laparotomy, particularly ascending cholangitis, were investigated in 129 patients with biliary atresia treated in Tohoku University Hospital in and after 1972. The occurrence of cholangitis after re-laparotomy for re-obstruction of the hepatic port, for peritonitis, for intestinal obstruction, for portal hypertension and after surgery for external fistula is not necessarily frequent. Surgery, if necessary, should be employed in these patients, paying careful attention to those who show cholangitis after the first operation.