Pediatric liver transplantation: A report from a pediatric surgical unit

• Main Authors: Sanjay Rao, Ashley L. J. D′Cruz, Rajiv Aggarwal, Supraja Chandrashekar, G Chetan, Gayathri Gopalakrishnan, Stephen Dunn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons
• Subjects: Biliary atresia; chronic liver failure; living donor transplant; pediatric liver transplantation
• Online Access: http://www.jiaps.com/article.asp?issn=0971-9261;year=2011;volume=16;issue=1;spage=2;epage=7;aulast=Rao
• ISSN: 0971-9261; 1998-3891

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.