antireflux valve in post cholecystojeju-nostomy cholangitis: an animal study

background: one of the most important post-operation problems encountered with hepaticojejunostomy (kasai operation) in patients with biliary atresia is cholangitis. the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of anti-reflux valve in decreasing the incidence of cholangitis after hepaticojejunostomy.   methods: ten dogs were randomly divided into two groups of equal size. in group a roux-en-y cholecystojejunostomy was performer and in group b antireflux valve was also added. three months later, liver biopsy was taken to evaluate histopatholic changes.   results: the incidence of cholangitis was significantly reduced in dogs in which anti-reflux valve procedure was performed.   conclusions: anti-reflux valve procedure effectively decreased post-roux-en-y cholecystojejunostomy cholangitis in dogs. therefore it is plausible and might be beneficial for patients being treated for biliary atresia. iran j med sci 2006; 31(2): 91-93.   keywords ● cholangitis ● kasai operation ● antireflux valve ● roux-en-y cholecystojejunostomy