Billiary Atresia Complications

Biliary atresia is usually diagnosed during the first two months of life. Common signs are:

• newborn jaundice that does not improve by four weeks of age especially if it appears after two weeks of age
• dark urine and pale, clay-coloured stools
• enlarged liver or swollen abdomen

Since the symptoms of biliary atresia may also be experienced in other diseases, several tests are necessary to make a diagnosis. The following tests are performed: blood, urine and stool samples are analyzed; the liver and bile ducts are examined with ultrasound; a liver scan showing the liver and bile ducts is performed; a liver biopsy is obtained. If the test results suggest biliary atresia, an operation is performed to examine the bile ducts and an x-ray is taken during the operation to determine whether the bile duct is blocked.