Biliary atresia

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Bile produced in the liver

Digestive system

An operation called the Kasai procedure is done to connect the liver to the small intestine, going around the abnormal ducts. It is most successful if done before the baby is 10 - 12 weeks old. However, a liver transplant may still be needed.

Early surgery will improve the survival of more than a third of babies with this condition. The long-term benefit of liver transplant is not yet known, but is expected to improve survival.

• Liver failure
• Infection
• Surgical complications
• Failure of the Kasai procedure
• Irreversible cirrhosis

Call your health care provider if your child appears jaundiced, or if other symptoms suggestive of this disorder develop.

Review Date: 12/11/2006
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.