Abstract

The causes of jaundice in the first few weeks of life may be categorised into hematologic,enzymatic/metabolic, infectious and obstructive. Obstructive jaundice results from aninterruption in the drainage of bile in the biliary system. Surgical causes of jaundice inneonates are biliary atresia, inspissated bile syndrome, intrahepatic hypoplasia, choledochalcyst, Caroli’s disease and spontaneous perforation of the bile duct. Pediatricians should beaware of the pernicious consequences of unresolved biliary obstruction and should thusrefer neonates or infants with inexplicable jaundice for surgical exploration at an earlier age.