What is biliary atresia and how is it treated?

Absence of bile duct: The liver makes bile and the bile cannot get into the intestine. Treatment is removing the bad/scarred duct area at the edge of the liver and sew up a piece of intestine. If it is successful, bile will begin to flow into the intestine. If not, liver becomes very hard and transplant will be necessary. Also, earlier surgery gives best outcome.

Obstruction of bile: Biliary atresia is a disease of infants and newborns that results in obliteration of the bile dusts resulting in jaundice and eventually liver failure. It needs to be addressed early before infant is two months old. Surgery can correct it in one third of the cases. Any baby who is jaundiced after three weeks of age needs to be worked up.