Hepatic Portoenterostomy in Infants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Hepatic portoenterostomy, or Kasai procedure, is surgery to treat biliary atresia. Biliary atresia is a blockage of the bile ducts (tubes) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps with digestion.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your baby has trouble breathing.
- Your baby has a seizure.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your baby's skin or eyes are more yellow than before surgery.
- Your baby is urinating less or not at all.
- Your baby's vomit has blood in it.
- Your baby is not able to eat or drink.
Call your baby's doctor or surgeon if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby's surgery area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- Your baby is irritable and crying more than usual.
- Your baby is weak or sleeps more than usual.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines can prevent or treat a bacterial infection or help decrease your baby's pain.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Feeding your baby:
You may need to meet with a dietitian to make sure your baby is getting enough calories and nutrition. Your baby may need vitamin supplements or high-calorie formula. Ask about breastfeeding. If your baby is able to eat foods, ask about giving him or her mashed fruits, vegetables, or other baby foods.
Care for your baby's surgery area as directed:
Your baby's surgeon will tell you when it is okay to bathe your baby. Carefully wash the surgery area with soap and water. Gently pat the area dry and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your baby's bandages when they get wet or dirty.
Follow up with your baby's doctor or surgeon as directed:
Your baby may need to return to have his or her stitches or staples removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your baby's visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Hepatic Portoenterostomy in Infants
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
