What does biliary atresia refer to?

Biliary atresia refers to a congenital disease affecting the biliary tree, which is a critical anatomical system involved in the transport of bile from the liver to the intestine. This condition occurs when the bile ducts are absent, blocked, or improperly formed at birth, leading to a disruption in bile flow. As a result, bile accumulates within the liver, causing damage and potentially leading to liver failure if not addressed.

Early diagnosis and intervention, often through procedures like a Kasai procedure to create an alternate pathway for bile drainage, are essential for improving outcomes in affected infants. Recognizing biliary atresia as a congenital condition highlights its origins in early fetal development, distinguishing it from other liver or biliary tract diseases that are acquired or secondary to disorders.