The liver and its bile ducts process nutrients and carry bile to the intestine. Conditions in children include gallstones, choledochal cysts (a widening of the bile duct), biliary atresia in newborns, and some liver masses. These conditions are less common than many others we treat, and they benefit from experienced, coordinated care.
Yellow skin or eyes that persist
Jaundice beyond the first two weeks of life, especially with pale stools and dark urine, should be evaluated promptly.
Pain after eating
Upper-right belly pain after fatty meals may be gallstones, which are increasingly seen in older children and teens.
A belly mass with jaundice
A choledochal cyst can present with pain, jaundice, and sometimes a lump.
A finding on imaging
Liver cysts or masses are sometimes discovered on scans done for other reasons.
Fever with belly pain
Infection in the gallbladder or bile ducts can cause fever, pain, and vomiting.
When to call, and when to go straight in
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for severe belly pain with fever, vomiting with yellow skin or eyes, or a newborn with worsening jaundice and pale stools. For a scheduled evaluation, ongoing mild symptoms, or questions about imaging results, call our office.
Talk it through
Discuss this with Dr. Frykman
Request an appointment and a member of the team will call you back. Urgent concerns are triaged the same day wherever possible.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal
Symptomatic gallstones are typically treated by removing the gallbladder through small incisions, often with a same-day or overnight stay.
Reconstruction done right
Choledochal cysts are removed and the bile duct is reconstructed to prevent future problems, using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
Urgency for newborns
Biliary atresia requires prompt diagnosis and surgery, and I coordinate quickly with pediatric hepatology to avoid delays.
Multidisciplinary planning
Hepatologists, radiologists, and when needed oncologists join in planning so each child gets a complete, unified approach.
Before
Imaging and expert review
Ultrasound is usually first, followed by MRI or specialized bile duct imaging when needed. We review everything with you and the wider team.
Day of surgery
Precise, well-planned surgery
The operation is tailored to the diagnosis. I will explain the expected length and update you as soon as we are finished.
Recovery
Steady healing with close follow-up
Gallbladder patients often go home quickly. Reconstructive surgery needs a few days in hospital and periodic check-ins over the following months.
Diet advances gradually; a lower-fat diet may be suggested at first.
Bloodwork may be repeated to confirm the liver is functioning well.
Incisions are typically small and need simple care.
Return to school within one to two weeks for most children.
Long-term follow-up is arranged for reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Philip K. Frykman
Board-certified pediatric surgeon
Liver conditions call for experience and teamwork, and I make sure your child has both from day one.
Yes. The liver still makes bile, and most children have no long-term dietary restrictions.
Left untreated it can cause infections and other problems, which is why removal and reconstruction are recommended.
Most newborn jaundice is harmless, but jaundice that persists with pale stools can signal biliary atresia, where early surgery matters.
The vast majority of liver and bile duct conditions we treat do not involve transplant. If it ever becomes relevant, we connect you with a transplant center early.
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