Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is a rare liver condition that affects infants. It occurs when the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines, are blocked or missing. Bile helps digest fats and remove waste. When these ducts are not working properly, bile builds up in the liver, leading to damage and liver disease. Symptoms usually appear within a few weeks of birth and can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and pale stools. Treatment often involves surgery to restore bile flow, and many children may eventually need a liver transplant.