Liver transplant in children: A lifesaving gift

Verified by Dr. Darius Mirza: Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Liver & HPB Program, Dr. Aabha Nagral: Senior Consultant Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dr. Shailesh Sable: Consultant HPB & Liver Transplant, Dr. Rohan Chaudhary: Consultant HPB & Liver Transplant and Dr. Ketul Shah: Consultant HPB & Liver Transplant, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

For children with severe liver disease, a liver transplant can be a life-saving gift. This complex surgery replaces a diseased liver with a healthy one, giving the child a chance at a normal life.

Why do children need a liver transplant?

• Biliary atresia: This rare condition affects the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the intestines.
• Neonatal hepatitis: This is a serious inflammation of the liver that occurs in newborns.
• Metabolic liver disease: These are inherited disorders that affect how the body processes nutrients.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: This is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the liver.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as hepatoblastoma, can affect the liver and require a transplant.

What happens during a liver transplant?

A liver transplant is a complex surgery that is usually performed by a team of surgeons and other healthcare professionals. The surgery typically takes several hours and involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The child will be given anesthesia and prepared for surgery.
• Removal of the diseased liver: The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and remove the diseased liver.
• Transplantation of the new liver: The new liver will be carefully positioned and attached to the blood vessels and bile ducts.
• Closing the incision: The surgeon will close the incision and apply bandages.

Life after a liver transplant

• After a liver transplant, the child will need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week to recover. They will also need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent their body from rejecting the new liver.
• With proper care, most children who receive a liver transplant can live long and healthy lives. They will be able to participate in most activities and enjoy a good quality of life.

3 Benefits of liver transplantation in children

• Improved survival: Liver transplant significantly improves the survival rate for children with end-stage liver disease.
• Improved quality of life: Children who receive a liver transplant can enjoy a better quality of life, including improved energy levels, appetite, and growth.
• Reduced risk of complications: Liver transplant can prevent or reduce the risk of complications associated with end-stage liver disease, such as jaundice, ascites, and encephalopathy.

It’s important to note that liver transplantation is a major surgery with associated risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, rejection of the new liver, and side effects from immunosuppressant medications. However, with careful planning and experienced medical care, the benefits of liver transplantation for children can outweigh the risks.

If you have a child with liver disease, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a liver transplant. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and determine if it is right for your child.

Consult our liver transplant specialists, Dr. Darius Mirza: Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Liver & HPB Program, Dr. Aabha Nagral: Senior Consultant Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dr. Shailesh Sable: Consultant HPB & Liver Transplant, Dr. Rohan Chaudhary: Consultant HPB & Liver Transplant and Dr. Ketul Shah: Consultant HPB & Liver Transplant at the best hospital for liver transplant in Mumbai-Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.