Who We Treat | Highlights | Team | Locations | Appointments | Resources
Biliary atresia is a serious congenital condition that requires careful management and highly specialized surgical intervention. Columbia Center of Excellence for Biliary Atresia, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian, brings together a multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized experts to provide the best possible care for your child.
If your child has been diagnosed with biliary atresia and you would like to learn more about the latest treatment options, we can help. To contact the Columbia Center of Excellence for Biliary Atresia, please call (212) 305-3000 or complete our online appointment form.
Who We Treat
Our program offers comprehensive care for children diagnosed with biliary atresia, including those with additional congenital conditions that often accompany the disease. We specialize in early surgical intervention supported by the latest medical therapies to improve outcomes.
What is Biliary Atresia?
Biliary atresia is a rare disease where abnormal bile ducts prevent the liver from draining bile to the intestine, resulting in scarring and, eventually, liver failure. Surgery is necessary to restore healthy liver function and avoid or delay the need for a liver transplant.
Learn More About Biliary Atresia
Treatments We Offer
Surgically correcting biliary atresia as early as possible is key to reducing damage to the liver. Treatments we offer include:
- Kasai procedure: The damaged bile ducts are removed and replaced with a portion of the small intestine.
- Liver transplantation from a deceased or living donor may be necessary if there has already been extensive damage to the liver.
Stories & Perspectives
Ethan's Story
Ethan and Chad Glaser have a special father-son bond. They share a love of skiing that has taken them to the French Alps. But they share something even more intimate: the same liver. Read Ethan’s Story
Highlights of Our Center
Early Diagnosis for the Best Outcomes
Early diagnosis is critical for the best outcomes and to avoid or delay the need for liver transplantation. We have the experience to guide you and your family through the rapid decision-making process using advanced diagnostic tests, imaging, and surgical procedures.
The Latest Evidence-Based Support
While there is no medical cure for biliary atresia, we know that optimizing nutrition, fat-soluble vitamin repletion, and overall growth and development are important considerations for the best outcomes. Our team understands how to maintain your child's health before surgery and during recovery.
The Leading Pediatric Hospital in New York City
Our hospital partner, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, has been recognized for providing exceptional care for children from across the world for decades, and is a major referral center for high-risk surgical procedures. The hospital is designated the #1 children’s hospital in New York by U.S. News & World Report for 2023–2024.
The Experience and Skill Your Child Needs
Biliary atresia is a rare condition that requires a complex surgical correction. For the best results, you want to partner with surgeons with specific expertise and experience in treating this disorder. Our program included some of the leading experts in the nation. Our core team of specialists includes nationally recognized interventional radiologists, pediatric hepatologists, pediatric surgeons, nutritionists, and top-ranking pediatric transplant surgeons.
Coordinated Care for Related Conditions
Since children with biliary atresia may have other congenital anomalies, including heart disease, portal hypertension, and intra-abdominal altered anatomy, we offer seamless integration with other high-level subspecialties at Columbia, like our outstanding cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery program and our unmatched expertise in the medical, endoscopic, and surgical management of portal hypertension.
Care Across Every Stage of Your Child's Journey
Because a liver transplant or other intervention may still be necessary, patients with biliary atresia will need long-term monitoring by medical hepatologists into adulthood. Our dedicated Pediatric to Adult Transition of Care Program (PLATinum) facilitates the transfer from pediatric to adult providers to ensure your child gets the care they need as they grow older.
Advancing Research for Tomorrow's Cure
Columbia is also committed to advancing research in the diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease. The Zhao Lab primarily focuses on using complementary model systems to study human liver diseases, with a focus on neonatal cholangiopathy biliary atresia. Columbia is also active in clinical trials exploring new treatments and strategies for improving care today and tomorrow.
Learn More about the Zhao Lab
Explore current clinical trials for Biliary Atresia at Columbia | RecruitMe
Support for You and Your Family
We recognize that your child's illness impacts your entire family. Our team partners with primary care providers and the families of patients afflicted with this disorder, and our dedicated social workers will help alleviate the burdens and barriers to care so you can focus on what matters.
Our Team
At the Center of Excellence for Biliary Atresia, a team of expert pediatric physicians from multiple specialties work in concert to provide every family we see with a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.
Pediatric Hepatologists
Pediatric hepatologists are experts in liver diseases that affect children.
Mercedes Martinez, MD
Medical Director, Adult and Pediatric Intestinal/Multivisceral Transplant Program
Clinical Director, Human Studies Core, Columbia Center for Transplantation Immunology
Steven J. Lobritto, MD
Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Pediatric Surgeons
Pediatric surgeons specialize in a wide range of procedures for infants to young adults.
Steven Stylianos, MD
Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery
Surgeon-in-Chief, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
Pediatric Transplant & Hepatobiliary Surgeons
Pediatric transplant & hepatobiliary surgeons have specialty training in liver surgery, including transplantation.
Jean C. Emond, MD
Vice Chair, Department of Surgery
Tomoaki Kato, MD
Chief, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation
Clinical Director, Transplant Service at NYP/Columbia
Jason Hawksworth, MD
Chief, Hepatobiliary Surgery
Surgical Director, Adult Liver Transplant Program
Director, Robotic Liver Surgery Program
Interventional Radiologists
Nutritionists
Caylin Hughes
Caitlin Stewart
Social Worker
Paige Gorodetzky
Our Locations
We see patients at the main Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus in northern Manhattan. Our providers are also available for virtual visits in the comfort of your own home.
Columbia Center of Excellence for Biliary Atresia
3959 Broadway, Floor CHN7
New York, NY 10032
(212) 305-3000
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Make an Appointment
If your child has been diagnosed with biliary atresia and you'd like to learn more about the latest treatment options, we can help. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage. Contact the Columbia Center of Excellence for Biliary Atresia by calling (212) 305-3000 or completing our online appointment form.
Resources & More
Learn more about liver transplantations and our support services:
- FAQs About Liver Transplants
- FAQs About Living Donor Liver Transplantations
- Living Donor Advocate Team
- Psychosocial Resources for Transplant Patients
Columbia, in cooperation with other pediatric transplant centers, is participating in the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Liver Transplant. The Starzl Network has created educational resources for patients at various stages of the transplant journey. Learn more at the Starzl Network.