This
information is designed to give a general overview of a rare condition
termed as "Biliary Atresia" which affects infants.
Before
reading this, it may be helpful to read about the liver and how
it works from any medical physiology book. One important function
of the liver is to make a substance called bile. Bile is a liquid,
which passes into the gut through small tubes called bile ducts.
Bile is necessary for the proper digestion of fat within the diet.
What
is Biliary Atresia?
Biliary
atresia is a condition in which inflammation develops within the
bile ducts around the time of birth. The inflammation can occur
in any of the bile ducts both inside and outside of the liver.
This leads to bile duct damage and reduces the flow of bile which
subsequently causes scarring (fibrosis or cirrhosis) of the liver.
The bile ducts outside the liver are always irreversibly damaged
preventing any bile flow into gut. The gall bladder is also affected.
Last created on 21-02-2001
Last updated
on 18-11-2006
