Pediatric Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Feryal Gün Soysal explained liver and biliary tract surgery in children for you.
Liver and biliary tract diseases are among the health problems that can be encountered not only in adults but also in children. Congenital anomalies, called congenital, are more common in children. Among these, biliary atresia is at the forefront. Biliary atresia (bile duct atresia) is a progressive, inflammatory disease of the biliary tract. It occurs once in 5000 births. Babies have complaints of jaundice and very light-white poop, and this should be kept in mind along with the internal causes of prolonged neonatal jaundice. Bile duct cysts, also called choledochal cysts, are among the common problems related to the bile ducts. It is more common in girls and should be considered in children with jaundice and abdominal pain. It is diagnosed with a simple abdominal ultrasonography. These are among the health problems that require surgical intervention.
The type of surgical treatment is decided according to the condition of the cyst!
If there are cystic lesions in the bile ducts, it is necessary to determine the type and detect additional anomalies. Further examinations are carried out in this regard. These include methods such as MR cholangiography and peroperative cholangiography. After the diagnosis is made, it is decided whether endoscopic or open surgical techniques will be applied, depending on the condition of the cyst. The surgery plan is determined according to the condition of the cyst.
Tumoral lesions of the liver and bile ducts can also be encountered in all children starting from the neonatal period. Abdominal swelling, weakness, fatigue, and bile duct masses may be symptoms of jaundice. It should be evaluated together with Pediatric Oncology and a chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical treatment plan should be made.
Although it is more common in adults, we often see gallbladder stones in children, among the reasons; genetics, use of certain drugs, hematological diseases. Examinations for the cause must be performed before the operation. The treatment is laparoscopic removal of the sac.
In some cases, pancreatic lesions may also be seen in children. Inflammation of the pancreas, congenital anomalies in the ducts, and tumors may occur.
It has a wide range of effects in children. In the treatment of diseases of the liver, bile duct and pancreas, which are seen to have a wide spectrum, follow-up should be done together with pediatric gastroenterology.
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