Abstract

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most important cause of cholestatic jaundice in infants, and deserves to be the first to be excluded in the differential diagnosis. Although the incidence of BA varies according to geographic destinations worldwide, it is estimated to be 1 in 5000-18000 live births, being most common in Asia followed by North America and Europe. Our country lacks information about the true incidence of the condition; however, it is speculated that it shall be somewhere between Europe and Asia. BA continues to be a serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in our country.