A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care and treatment provided by a team of experts in pediatric disorders is essential for optimal outcomes. Mayo provides this type of expertise with a practice in a child-friendly environment. The pediatric hepatology clinic at Mayo includes pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatric surgeons, pediatric nutritionists, and liver transplant personnel. In addition, there is ready access to a variety of other Pediatric subspecialists, radiologists and liver pathologists, all in one centralized location. In addition to routine clinical care, the hepatology group is involved in clinical research and education, and members are active in several national and international advisory groups.
Biliary atresia is characterized by the absence of the large bile duct outside the liver.
Bile and waste products normally excreted in the bile accumulate in the liver and cause progressive injury. The cause of the disorder is not known, but it does not appear to be a genetic or inherited disease. Affected patients usually appear healthy at birth, but persistent jaundice is soon apparent. For patients who do not respond to surgery, liver transplantation offers the only hope of long-term survival. Biliary atresia is the most common indication for liver transplant in children.