Pediatric Liver Transplant Program
If we find that your child needs a liver transplant, you can be confident that our transplant surgeons and physicians are among the most skilled and experienced in the Northeast, and our success rate is excellent.
Our program is now part of the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplant (SPLIT), a special network of the best pediatric transplant centers in the U.S. and Canada. The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) and other members of SPLIT are committed to applying research to improve outcomes for your child and other liver transplant patients.
Our experts will first attempt to treat your child’s liver disease and symptoms non-invasively with medications. The choice of treatment often depends on the child’s age and the nature and progression of the illness. However, if your child does not respond to other treatments and their condition is rapidly deteriorating or life-threatening, your physician may recommend a liver transplant.
There are a number of specific conditions that often require a liver transplant. These include:
- Acute liver failure
- End-stage liver disease
- Portal hypertension with bleeding
- Recurring cholangitis
- Liver-related unacceptable or diminishing quality of life (poor growth, failure to thrive)
If your child needs a transplant, rest assured that they will be in the hands of surgeons and specialists who are among the most skilled and experienced in the Northeast.
Our team provides advanced, compassionate care for your child as he or she prepares for, undergoes and recovers from transplantation. We will take every precaution necessary to keep your child healthy, strong and free of complications, so that they can recover fully and go on to live an active and productive life.
Your child may receive a new organ from:
-
A deceased donor, who has given permission for their organs to be donated. You will often hear this referred to as a cadaveric procedure.
-
A living donor, who gives your child a part of their liver. The liver is the only organ that can quickly regenerate on its own and function properly. Our surgeons, remove a portion of the donor’s liver and immediately transplant it to your child. We can conduct tests to see whether or not you or other family members are candidates to be living donors.
We appreciate that transplantation affects the whole family, and knowing what to expect will greatly ease your worries and fears. With that in mind, our team will make sure that you understand all aspects of the transplantation process—from organ donation to recovery after surgery and, ultimately, life-long follow-up care.
Please be assured that we will be available 24/7 to address any questions and concerns you may have. Remember, when you are at CHAM, you are not alone.