A Comparative Study of the Histology of Rudimentary Biliary Tract at Porta Hepatis and the Postoperative Bile Flow in Biliary Atresia

Abstract

Specimens of excised rudimentary biliary tract which were obtained from the porta hepatis at the time of surgery was investigated histologically from the viewpoint of number and size of ductulus utilizing Image Processing System (MUTOH) in thirty five patients with uncorrectable biliary atresia. Cases were divided into two groups depending on their postoperative course, particulary the amount of postoperative bile flow. Group A (13 cases) : no jaundice, good bile flow (more than 100 ml/day at the time of postoperative 6 months). Group B (22 cases): jaundiced, poor bile flow (less than 100 ml/day at the time of postoperative 6 months). There was no significant difference of the number or the size of ductulus at the porta hepatis between these two groups.