Biliary Atresia Treatment in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune

Overview – What is Biliary Atresia?

Biliary atresia is a rare but serious condition in infants that affects the liver and bile ducts. To understand what biliary atresia is, it is important to know the role of bile ducts. Normally, bile ducts carry bile—a digestive fluid that helps in breaking down fats—from the liver to the small intestine. In biliary atresia, these ducts are blocked, scarred, or absent, which prevents bile from flowing properly. Instead of moving to the intestine, bile gets trapped inside the liver, causing inflammation, scarring, and eventually liver damage.

The biliary atresia meaning can be summed up as a progressive liver disease in infants that requires urgent medical attention. If untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure within the first two years of life.

Biliary Atresia Symptoms

Most babies with biliary atresia look healthy at birth. The biliary atresia symptoms usually begin between two to eight weeks of life. Parents should watch for:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that does not improve with time
• Pale or clay-colored stools instead of normal yellow or brown stools
• Dark-colored urine
• Swollen belly due to fluid build-up
• Poor weight gain or slow growth
• Enlarged liver or spleen on examination

If these symptoms are left untreated, the baby may eventually develop liver failure. Early recognition and biliary atresia treatment play a crucial role in saving the child’s life.

Biliary Atresia Causes

The exact biliary atresia causes are not fully known. Doctors believe it may be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors. Some possible causes include:

• Abnormal development of bile ducts before birth
• Viral infections that damage bile ducts
• Problems in the immune system that cause inflammation
• Genetic mutations (though it is not usually inherited from parents)
• Exposure to toxins during pregnancy

In some cases, biliary atresia may occur along with other birth defects affecting the heart, spleen, or blood vessels.

Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia

Timely diagnosis is critical to prevent permanent liver damage. Pediatric specialists may recommend:

• Blood tests – To check liver function and bilirubin levels
• Ultrasound – To look for absent or damaged bile ducts and liver abnormalities
• Hepatobiliary scan – A radioactive dye test to check if bile flows from the liver into the intestine
• Liver biopsy – Small tissue samples are taken to look for scarring and liver cell changes
• Cholangiogram – A dye test performed during surgery to confirm if the bile ducts are blocked

Biliary Atresia Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no medicine that can cure biliary atresia. Surgery is the only effective option.

1. Kasai Procedure (Hepatoportoenterostomy)

The first step in biliary atresia treatment is usually the Kasai procedure, also called biliary atresia surgery. In this operation:

• The damaged bile ducts outside the liver are removed.
• A loop of the small intestine is directly connected to the liver to allow bile drainage.

This biliary atresia operation is ideally done before the baby is 8 weeks old for best results. While the Kasai procedure does not cure the disease, it helps delay liver damage and gives the child more years of healthy growth.

2. Liver Transplant

If the Kasai procedure fails or if liver damage is too advanced, a liver transplant becomes the only option. This involves removing the diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor.

Risk Factors and Complications

Complications of biliary atresia include:

• Frequent infections in the bile ducts (cholangitis)
• Poor nutrient absorption leading to malnutrition
• Liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension
• Internal bleeding due to enlarged veins in the stomach or food pipe
• Fluid build-up in the belly (ascites)

These risks make early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Prognosis and Outlook

Without treatment, most babies with biliary atresia do not survive beyond two years. However, with timely biliary atresia surgery and advanced care:

• Many children grow and develop normally for several years.
• Some may still require a liver transplant later in life.
• Nutritional support and vitamin supplements help improve recovery.

At Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, our pediatric specialists provide personalized treatment plans and long-term care to help children with biliary atresia lead healthier lives.

Conclusion

Biliary atresia is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. With early diagnosis, the Kasai procedure or a liver transplant can significantly improve survival rates. At Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, our team of expert pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and liver specialists ensure comprehensive care for infants diagnosed with biliary atresia.

We are proud to be recognized as the Best pediatric hospital in Pimpri Chinchwad, with access to the Best Pediatrician in Pimpri, Pune, offering advanced facilities and compassionate care for your child.

Find Biliary Atresia Treatment Near You

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital provides advanced pediatric care for biliary atresia treatment in Pimpri-Chinchwad and nearby areas, including Hinjewadi, Wakad, Baner, Aundh, Pimple Saudagar, Bhosari, Ravet, Chinchwad Gaon, Tathawade, Nigdi, PCMC, Pimpri, Moshi, and Chakan. With expert pediatric specialists, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and compassionate care, we ensure the best outcomes for children requiring biliary atresia surgery.