中文 | English
Biliary atresia is a rare but serious condition in which the bile ducts inside or outside the liver are damaged, scarred, and blocked shortly after birth. This blockage prevents bile from flowing from the liver to the gallbladder and intestine, causing bile to accumulate in the liver, leading to progressive liver damage, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis if not treated promptly.
Biliary atresia occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 live births and is the most common reason for pediatric liver transplantation. Importantly, the incidence is higher in Asian populations, making awareness particularly critical in our Flushing community. The condition is typically diagnosed in the first 2-3 months of life when a newborn develops persistent jaundice, pale stools, and dark urine.
While biliary atresia is primarily diagnosed and initially treated in infancy, many patients now survive into adulthood with their native liver (post-Kasai procedure) or after liver transplant. Dr. Jing Tong provides long-term gastroenterological care for these patients, including monitoring for complications, managing cholestasis, and coordinating with transplant hepatologists.
Advanced training in hepatology and biliary diseases at one of the nation's leading medical centers.
ERCP expertise for managing biliary complications in post-Kasai and post-transplant patients.
Compassionate communication with families in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese about complex biliary conditions.
Supports biliary atresia patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care with seamless continuity.
The exact cause is unknown. Current theories include viral infection triggering immune-mediated bile duct destruction, genetic factors, and environmental exposures during fetal development. It is not inherited and cannot be prevented.
The Kasai procedure (hepatoportoenterostomy) is surgery that removes the damaged bile ducts and connects the liver directly to the small intestine to allow bile drainage. It is most successful when performed before 60 days of age. About one-third of patients achieve good long-term bile flow.
About 50% of biliary atresia patients who undergo the Kasai procedure will need a liver transplant by age 20. Those whose Kasai procedure fails to establish bile flow typically need transplant within the first two years of life. Liver transplant outcomes for biliary atresia are generally excellent.
Biliary atresia has a higher incidence in Asian populations, with rates approximately 2-3 times higher than in Caucasian populations. The reasons are not fully understood but may involve genetic susceptibility factors more prevalent in Asian populations.
Adults with biliary atresia need regular monitoring of liver function, surveillance for cirrhosis complications and liver cancer, management of cholangitis episodes, nutritional assessment, and evaluation for liver transplant if liver function deteriorates. Dr. Tong provides comprehensive long-term follow-up.
Get comprehensive long-term management from Dr. Jing Tong in Flushing.
