Cholecystoappendicostomy in a child with Alagille syndrome.

The authors performed a partial biliary diversion on a 10-month-old child with Alagille syndrome using the appendix vermiformis as a conduit between the gallbladder and the abdominal wall skin. Three years later the patient is well, and his previously severe pruritus is controlled. The appendix has a lumen closer to that of the biliary tree, does not accumulate significant amounts of bile, and provides a smaller stoma. The small bowel is undisturbed, and there is less interference with a possible future liver transplant.