Preoperative evaluation of biliary atresia

Abstract

Biliary atresia can be a challenging diagnosis to make as there is no single definitive diagnostic laboratory or imaging study available and no single agreed upon diagnostic algorithm. The purpose of this article is to review the complex puzzle of clinical, laboratory, and imaging studies that aid in the evaluation of infants suspected of having biliary atresia. We have reviewed historical and current manuscripts and society guidelines, added our own experience in evaluating infants for biliary atresia, and then summarized the findings to provide a concise review of what we feel is the modern approach to diagnosis of biliary atresia.