Question
Is green-white stool in newborns a sign of congenital biliary atresia?
Answer
Congenital biliary atresia is a serious digestive system disorder characterized by the blockage of bile ducts within and outside the liver. This condition can lead to severe liver failure and poses a threat to life. In cases of complete biliary atresia, newborns’ stools will turn into a clay-like white color and will not appear yellow. Since bile cannot be excreted into the intestines, the absence of bile in the stool leads to this unique color change. Without timely surgical treatment, biliary atresia can result in liver failure. It is recommended that parents take their baby to the hospital for surgery as soon as possible.