Hepaticojejunostomy

Hepaticojejunostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the anastomosis, or connection, of the hepatic duct to the jejunum, a part of the small intestine. This procedure is typically performed to bypass an obstruction in the biliary tract, which could be due to various causes such as gallstones, biliary atresia, or cancer.

Procedure

The hepaticojejunostomy procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the abdomen to access the liver and small intestine. The surgeon then identifies the hepatic duct, which is the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder. The surgeon then creates a new pathway for bile to flow from the liver to the small intestine by connecting the hepatic duct to the jejunum. This is done using sutures or staples. The incision is then closed and the patient is taken to recovery.

Indications

Hepaticojejunostomy is indicated in cases where there is an obstruction in the biliary tract that prevents bile from flowing from the liver to the small intestine. This could be due to gallstones, biliary atresia, cancer, or other conditions. Hepaticojejunostomy can also be performed as part of a liver transplant procedure.

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, hepaticojejunostomy carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also a risk of bile leakage, which can lead to inflammation and infection. In some cases, the anastomosis may become blocked or narrowed, requiring further treatment.

Postoperative Care

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in the hospital for several days. Pain management and prevention of infection are important aspects of postoperative care. Patients may also require dietary modifications to facilitate bile flow and digestion.

File:Hepaticojejunostomy.jpg

Hepaticojejunostomy procedure

See Also

• Biliary tract
• Hepatic duct
• Jejunum
• Liver transplant