Biliary atresia is a life-threatening liver disease in infants where the bile ducts inside or outside the liver become inflamed and blocked. This prevents bile (a digestive fluid) from draining into the gallbladder and small intestine, causing bile to back up and damage liver cells, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure.
The exact cause of biliary atresia is still under investigation, but research points to several potential triggers:
Symptoms typically develop between two to eight weeks after birth:
Time is of the essence when treating Biliary Atresia. If the Kasai procedure is performed within the first 60 days of life, the success rate for establishing bile flow is significantly higher. Delayed surgery increases the risk of irreversible liver cirrhosis, making a liver transplant the only viable option. Early screening and prompt surgical care are crucial to preserving the infant's native liver.
Our care extends beyond the operating room. We offer specialized nutritional support, as infants with Biliary Atresia often struggle to absorb essential fats and vitamins. Continuous monitoring by our paediatric hepatology team ensures that any signs of cholangitis or portal hypertension are managed immediately, providing the best possible quality of life for your child.
A surgical bypass that connects a loop of the small intestine directly to the liver to restore bile drainage.
Specialized formulas and vitamin supplements to support growth and development despite impaired bile flow.
Ongoing assessment and preparation for a potential liver transplant if the Kasai procedure is insufficient.
Includes blood tests, liver ultrasound, and often a HIDA scan or liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of jaundice.
Performed under general anesthesia, where the damaged bile ducts are bypassed using the infant's own intestine to restore bile flow.
Focuses on nutrition and preventing infections (cholangitis). Long-term monitoring of liver function is essential for a healthy outcome.
"Dr. Chowdhary's expertise in the Kasai procedure was a miracle for our baby. He explained the risks and benefits so clearly, and today our son is thriving."
"We were terrified about such a major surgery on a 2-month-old. Dr. Sujit's calm and professional approach gave us the confidence we needed."
"The best decision for our child's liver health. The team at Apollo and Dr. Chowdhary are world-class. Our infant recovered remarkably well."
"The precision in Dr. Chowdhary's neonatal surgery is incredible. His confidence gave us immense peace of mind during a very stressful time."
"We traveled from another city just for Dr. Chowdhary. His approach is very scientific and methodical yet very caring."
"The nursing staff and Dr. Sujit are a fantastic team. They handled our infant's surgery with so much care and warmth."
"The best decision we made for our child's health. Dr. Chowdhary is incredibly patient and explained everything so well."
Biliary Atresia surgery requires extreme precision in small infants. Experience in hepatobiliary reconstruction is the most important factor in a successful outcome.
It is a rare childhood disease of the liver where the bile ducts are blocked, leading to bile buildup and liver damage.
It is the primary surgical treatment that bypasses the blocked bile ducts by connecting a loop of the small intestine directly to the liver.
It should ideally be performed before 60 days of age. Early surgery significantly improves the chance of restoring bile flow.
While the Kasai procedure helps delay or avoid a transplant, many children with biliary atresia may eventually require a liver transplant later in childhood.
Persistent jaundice beyond 2 weeks of life, pale or clay-colored stools, and dark urine are key red flags.
Typically, children stay in the hospital for 7 to 10 days for monitoring of bile drainage and nutritional support.
Long-term follow-up involves nutritional supplements (fat-soluble vitamins), antibiotics to prevent cholangitis, and liver function monitoring.
Early Kasai surgery is critical for restoring bile flow in biliary atresia. Schedule a consultation today.
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