No, there is not a cure. However, if the infant is diagnosed early, a surgery called a Kasai can be performed. The Kasai attempts to reestablish bile flow by joining a section of the small intestine directly to the liver to act as a bile duct.
Surgeons have found they have better results if the Kasai is done during the infant’s first 6 to 8 weeks of life. A small percentage of Kasai’s will be successful, and get good bile flow. Others will get some bile flow putting off transplant a few months to years. Sadly, some will get little or no bile flow and will require liver transplantation soon after the failed Kasai. Liver Transplantation is the only cure for Biliary Atresia.
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