Is surgery the only treatment for biliary atresia in newborns?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 4-month-old baby has jaundice. The doctor is suggesting surgery.

After seeing the report, can you please guide me on what is better for us and if is surgery the only option?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your description, the child is having jaundice and as per the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it is obstructive jaundice (a condition characterized by the obstruction of bile flow from the liver to the small intestine). It could be biliary atresia as per the ultrasound report.

Treatment for biliary atresia is only surgery and surgery should be performed as early as possible within two to three months, or else the surgery will be a failure. Please take a second opinion with other pediatricians and pediatric surgeons too, it is a serious issue. Please do not neglect.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Actually, the surgery is known as Kasai surgery where the blocked ducts from the liver are removed and a new tube is formed so that the bile juice is secreted into the intestine. It is the surgery for biliary atresia.

Please consult your pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. They will let you know more in detail. It should be performed at the earliest after detection or else it is of no use.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.