There are a number of conditions in infants where there is abnormal metabolism of bile. In most cases, the liver disorder can be corrected.
Sclerosing cholangitis occurs in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease. In these two disorders, the bile ducts gradually get damaged and bile can no longer be excreted into the bowel. The condition is difficult to treat.
Strictures (narrowing) of the bile ducts can occur from surgical trauma and can lead to poor excretion of bile. This may occur after removal of a gall bladder and the surgeon inadvertently damages the bile duct. Besides seeking medical help, a visit to a lawyer would not be a bad idea if this ever happens.
There are some rare disorders of the bile duct where the ducts become large and cystic like but are unable to function normally
In some cases, cancers of the pancreas, liver or gall bladder can obstruct the bile duct and cause stools to turn white.
A few medications like some anta acids and anti fungal drugs may transiently turn stools white. When the medications are stopped, the stools revert back to normal color.
In any situation where stools turn white, a visit to the health care worker is highly recommended. The doctor will most like get a history, physical and probably get a few radiological tests to assess the liver and bile duct. The treatment depends on the cause.
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