Biliary atresia is a condition in newborn babies in wherein bile is blocked from moving from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a substance that is made and released by the liver. Then, it moves through a network of tube-like structures called bile ducts to the small intestine, where it helps the body break down and absorb food. In children who have biliary atresia, the bile ducts are blocked because of damage and scarring. As a result, bile can’t flow to the small intestine. Instead, it builds up in the liver and damages it.
The main treatment is a surgery called the Kasai procedure. In this surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged bile ducts from outside the liver and replaces them with a piece of the patient’s small intestine. The small intestine will then drain the liver directly to the small intestine. This surgery is successful in most cases of biliary atresia. However, if it is not successful, the child will likely need a liver transplant. The child may need a liver transplant even if the surgery is successful, depending on when the surgery is performed.
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Frequently asked questions
Q. At what age is biliary atresia diagnosed?
This is the most common type. It appears after birth, most often when a baby is about 2 to 4 weeks old.
Q. Why do babies get biliary atresia?
Q. How long can you live with biliary atresia?
Overall survival with a native liver (not transplanted) ranges from 30-55 percent at 5 years of age; and 30-40 percent at 10 years of age. It is thought that approximately 80 percent of patients with biliary atresia will require liver transplantation by the age of 20.
Q. How can I make my baby liver strong?
Vegetables and fruits should be particularly important in your children's diet. Make sure there are vegetable or fruit at all meals and snacks. This group of foods will provide fiber, vitamins and minerals that help the liver to work efficiently.
