Glucagon administration for the treatment of postoperative cholangitis after Kasai's operation--a preliminary report.

Clinical application of glucagon in postoperative ascending cholangitis after Kasai's operation for biliary atresia is reported. Therapeutic use of glucagon in two patients succeeded in treating ascending cholangitis, but failed to prevent progression to hepatic fibrosis. Prophylactic use in two patients prevented development of ascending cholangitis. Prophylactic glucagon administration appears to improve the prognosis of patients with biliary atresia who have undergone a Kasai's operation.