Pediatric liver transplantation: A report from a pediatric surgical unit

• Main Authors: Sanjay Rao (Author), Ashley L. J. D'Cruz (Author), Rajiv Aggarwal (Author), Supraja Chandrashekar (Author), G Chetan (Author), Gayathri Gopalakrishnan (Author), Stephen Dunn (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0971-9261; 1998-3891; 10.4103/0971-9261.74512
• Keywords: Biliary atresia; chronic liver failure; living donor transplant; pediatric liver transplantation; Pediatrics; RJ1-570; Surgery; RD1-811
• Source: Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Vol 16, Iss 1, Pp 2-7 (2011)

Background: Liver transplantation is well established worldwide as an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease in children. Acceptance in India has been slow because of considerations of cost, infections, inability to support long-term care, and non-availability of expertise. Aim: This study was designed to report our experience with pediatric liver transplantation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight children underwent liver transplantation. Results: Biliary atresia was the commonest indication (n = 15) followed by metabolic liver disease. Twenty-six children had living donor transplants, mothers being the donors in a majority of these. Common surgical complications included bile leaks (n = 3) and vascular problems (n = 6). Common medical complications included infections, acute rejection, and renal failure. Overall, patient survival was 71%, while that for the last 14 cases was 92%. All survivors are doing well, have caught up with physical and developmental milestones and are engaged in age appropriate activities. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the feasibility of a successful pediatric liver transplant program in our country.