Patient's question:
My child has been doing well since birth, but recently, they suddenly developed abnormal facial color. The hospital examination revealed biliary atresia, and a liver transplant was recommended. We were worried about our child, so we went ahead with it. Will we regret the biliary atresia liver transplant?Doctor's answer:
The gallbladder or extrahepatic bile duct can be anastomosed with the jejunum; if the extrahepatic bile duct is completely occluded but intrahepatic bile ducts still exist, anastomosis between the hepatoduodenal ligament and the jejunum can be performed. If both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts are completely occluded, or if bile duct obstruction has already led to biliary cirrhosis due to delayed surgery, and the effect of hepatoduodenal ligament jejunostomy is unsatisfactory, liver transplantation can be considered. Biliary atresia is a major indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Your attending physician will comprehensively evaluate the child's condition to determine whether liver transplantation is appropriate.