Laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.

Conventional surgery for extrahepatic bile-duct atresia (EHBDA) usually requires a large, painful, muscle-cutting laparotomy, dislodgment of the liver, and wide manipulations, followed by adhesions and possible complications that may disturb the postoperative course and hamper liver transplantation (LT). The main role of laparoscopy in EHBDA has been for diagnostic purposes. Besides all the advantages of minimally-invasive access, it allows excellent visibility and dissection of tiny hilar structures.