Hepatic Hilar Lymph Node Reactivity at Kasai Portoenterostomy for Biliary Atresia: Correlations With Age, Outcome, and Histology of Proximal Biliary Remnant

What is it about?

This is the first report of the histology of hepatic hilar lymph nodes sampled along with a detailed analysis of the excised remnants of the atretic the biliary tree, and outcome of the Kasai procedure.

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Why is it important?

Lymph node response to infection is absent in almost half of all lymph nodes samples in infants undergoing palliative surgery for biliary atresia, suggesting that infection is not a major cause of atresia. The presence of germinal centers, a response to antigen, in hilar lymph nodes predicts successful drainage after Kasai portoenterostomy.