Biliary atresia : Treatment

Treatment

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 8 weeks old. However, a liver transplant may still be needed.

Prognosis (Expectations)

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.

Complications

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

Calling Your Health Care Provider

Call your health care provider if your child appears jaundiced, or if other symptoms of biliary atresia develop.

• Biliary atresia : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

• Biliary atresia : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Biliary atresia : Treatment

Review Date : 11/2/2009
Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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