Comparative study of open and laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy in children undergoing living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia

This propensity-matched study compared laparoscopic versus open Kasai portoenterostomy in 125 children who subsequently required liver transplantation for biliary atresia. Laparoscopic approach showed lower rates of portal vein hypoplasia, eliminated need for vein grafts during transplant, and reduced postoperative complications requiring re-operation.