Biliary Atresia Treatment India

Biliary Atresia Treatment in India – Sample Opinion for Medical Case Received // Case Number – OP/2025/2907 // 3 months old baby // Tanzania

Case Summary : According to the medical reports, shared with us, Baby E.C., a 3 months old year baby from Tanzania, was a suggestive case of Unconfirmed Biliary Atresia with possibility of cholestatic Jaundice We would have to diagnose the baby completely and come at a confirmation on the ailment before we could start a treatment.  

Biliary Atresia- is a serious liver problem in babies where the tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile (a fluid that helps digestion) from the liver to the intestines are blocked or damaged. Because the bile can’t flow out it builds up and hurts the liver which can lead to severe liver damage if not treated.

Cholestatic Jaundice – Cholestatic jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, is a condition where bile flow from the liver to the small intestine is blocked, leading to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). This blockage can be due to various causes, including gallstones, tumors, or inflammation of the bile ducts.

Investigations Needed to confirm the diagnosis—Baby E.C would need to go through detailed physical and clinical investigations which will include Virology markers, Ultrasound of Abdomen, PT INR, CA 19-9, AFP, Auto immune- ANA(IF), CMV Igg, LFT, KFT, X Ray Chest, ECHO, ECG testsand other related investigations to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Plan: Final treatment plan could be decided after investigations only. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we may have 2 scenarios –

1. If the liver is alright and the patient’s symptoms are because of jaundice and obstructions, in such case, the baby may possibly require Kasai portoenterostomy (KASAI) surgery.

2. If the Liver is damaged beyond the chance of recovery, the baby will need a Liver Transplant Surgery (with either of the biological parent with a better match perspective can be the liver donor).
   
   Kasai portoenterostomy (KASAI)- is a surgery for babies with biliary atresia, where bile ducts are blocked or missing. Doctors create a new path for bile to flow from the liver directly into the intestine. While not a cure it helps improve liver function and can delay the need for a liver transplant. 
   
   Liver Transplantation isa surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver from another person. The liver may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor. Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may be able to donate a portion of their liver(same blood group / O group). In case they are not blood group compatible patient may need to undergo Electrophoresis therapy before liver transplant. The success rates of transplant are better if the donor is from the immediate family. Donor has to be between 18 to 45 years as required by the human transplant act of our country.

Kindly note: The advised treatment plan is solely based on the reports shared with us; the final line of treatment will be decided post clinical and physical evaluations of the patient on arrival only.

We’d recommend the following hospitals having Top doctors as below-

2. Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon // Dr. Giriraj Bora will be the treating doctor.

2. KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad // Dr. Sachin Daga will be the treating doctor.

2. BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Bengaluru. // Dr Suresh Raghavaiah will be the treating doctor.

2. Aster Hospital -Kochi // Dr. Mathew Jacob will be the treating doctor.

2. BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi // Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary will be the treating doctor.

Estimated Costs of the Treatment:

• The estimated cost for detailed evaluation will be approx. USD 800-1000 on OPD basis for the patient.
• In case, the need for Liver Transplant occurs, the additional cost of Diagnosis for Patient and donor fitment may come between $1000 – $1200.

The estimated cost of KASAI Surgery at various hospitals is as below:

The estimated cost of Liver Transplant Surgery at various hospitals is as below:

Kindly Note –The given cost is a tentative cost based on the shared information. The exact line of treatment and cost can be provided only after reviewing the latest investigation. Kindly note that cost may change in case the diagnosis or line of treatment changes or due to any other prevailing situation.
 
** As the baby is on breast feed, it is important that the mother travels along with the baby.

Stay in India:  For Liver Transplant – Patient will require 1 week to finish investigations.

• In case, the Baby need KASAI Surgery, then the stay in hospital would be 6-7 days. The follow up treatment would last for another 2 weeks.

• If Liver transplant surgery, then hospital stay will be for 21 days for the patient & 9-10 days for the donor. Post-transplant, the patient will have to stay in India for about 4-5 weeks for follow-up.

The Inclusions in the Costs given for KASAI surgery Package –

1.      The cost of all investigations related to the treatment.
2.      The cost of the treatment.
3.      The doctor’s fee and surgery charges .
4.      The stay of patient and 1 attendant during hospital admission.
5.      All meals for the patient and the attendant as per the available menu while in hospital.
6.      Medical Consumables and Medicines while in hospital.
7.      The fee for dietician and nursing while in hospital.
8.      It also includes complementary Airport Transfers, Forex Services and assistance.

The Inclusions in the Costs given for Liver Transplant Surgery:
 
1. Full standard evaluation tests for recipient & one donor 
2. Donor & Recipient surgery
3. Investigations & Bedside Procedures for both donor & recipient
4. 18 days hospital stay for recipient & 10 days hospital stay for donor (beginning the day before the operation).
5. All meals for the patient and the attendant as per the available menu while in the hospital.
6. The cost of Consumables and Medicines while in the hospital.
7. The fee for dietician and nursing while in the hospital.
8. It will also include complimentary airport transfers

Exclusions: 

1.      Any consultation other than in discussion
2.      Extended stay.
3.      The stay of the attendant while the patient is in ICU.
4.      Covid Tests

On Arrival:

Patient and his attendants will be received at the airport by our Representative. Apart from the medical and nursing team, one Case Manager will take care of all the needs. We shall also assist them with the reasonably charged accommodation near the hospital.  Patient and attendant may arrange 30-35 USD per day toward accommodation at the Guest House.

Additional Information of Liver Transplant -The hospital will need a few documents that need to be prepared before they start from there. These are:
 
1. Affidavit from donor’s relative (consent from spouse / father to go ahead with the procedure and donor relative has no objection for the donation). 
2. Affidavit from patient for acceptance of Transplant – Attested by court / Superintendent of police or above. 
3. ID proof (any one)
a. Driving License
b. PAN card
c. Passport
d. Others {Bank account} 
4. Proof of relationship (any one)
a. Family photograph
b. Birth certificate of patient and donor/school certificate. 
5. 15-16 photograph each of donor and recipient

Note: The  Additional Information of Kidney Transplant and Kasai portoenterostomy (KASAI) treatment -The hospital will need a few documents that need to be prepared before they start from there. These are:

 
1. Affidavit from donor’s relative (consent from spouse / father to go ahead with the procedure and donor relative has no objection for the donation). 
2. Affidavit from patient for acceptance of Transplant – Attested by court / Superintendent of police or above. 
3. ID proof (any one)
a. Driving License
b. PAN card
c. Passport
d. Others {Bank account} 
4. Proof of relationship (any one)
a. Family photograph
b. Birth certificate of patient and donor/school certificate. 
5. 15-16 photograph each of donor and recipient

Disclaimer – This is a sample opinion for better understanding of non-medicals and patients. The above is an opinion which has been accumulated from the many good but different opinions received from multiple doctors. The treating doctor is the best person to give you accurate information.  The actual Treatment Plan may vary from case to case. Transplant to be done on the basis of the transplant protocol to be followed and completed as laid by the Ethic Committee.