Perioperative management of a neonate with congenital biliary atresia complicated by severe pneumonia undergoing hepatic hilar jejunostomy: A case report

The earlier a child with biliary atresia undergoes surgery after diagnosis, the better the prognosis. However, newborns often present with additional symptoms, most commonly pneumonia, which complicate in stabilizing the child's internal environment preoperatively, challenges anaesthetic management during surgery and hampers postoperative recovery. In current clinical practice, nursing care tends to focus more on symptomatic treatment rather than on a comprehensive pre- and postoperative assessment. This paper aimed to summarize the perioperative nursing experience of a neonate with biliary atresia and severe pneumonia. The study design of this article is a case report. After 17 days of intensive treatment and care, the child recovered and was discharged from the hospital, with ongoing progress noted during regular outpatient follow-ups. A thorough nursing assessment encompassing preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care for children with biliary atresia, along with clearly defined nursing priorities at each stage, is essential for safeguarding the child's well-being throughout the perioperative period and supporting optimal postoperative recovery. This case study offers a comprehensive assessment of the child's condition throughout hospitalization. It highlights essential nursing interventions and monitoring strategies during the perioperative period, particularly preoperative and postoperative care. The insights gained can serve as a valuable reference for nursing practices in paediatric intensive care units, enhancing care for similar cases.