Pediatric Liver Transplant

As the body’s second-largest organ, the liver helps the immune system function and thrive. It removes toxins, creates substances that help the body function properly and stores resources that keep the body strong and healthy. When the liver fails to do its job, the results can be dangerous and even life-threatening. When medication and other therapies don’t work, your child may need a pediatric liver transplant.

Three of the most common conditions that might cause a child to need a liver transplant include:

• Biliary atresia: Biliary atresia occurs when scarring blocks bile from passing into the intestine. It builds up in the liver and causes liver damage. The liver produces bile, which helps digest food. Bile ducts carry this substance where it needs to be.
• Liver-based metabolic conditions: A dysfunctional liver affects a child’s metabolism. Over time, it may cause issues with the kidneys or other organs.
• Genetic cholestasis syndromes: This in an inherited condition that causes bile to build up. It may result in end-stage liver disease.

Less commonly, a liver transplant may help children with the following:

• Acute liver failure: This is a rare condition, often with no known cause, in which the liver fails to work.

• Cystic fibrosis: This condition causes the body to produce a thick and sticky mucus that can cause problems for various organs.

• Liver tumor: This could be caused by liver cancer. Transplantation is helpful when liver cancer cannot be surgically removed safely.

Pediatric liver transplants can be accomplished a number of different ways depending on your child's needs. No matter what type of liver transplant your child needs, Ochsner Children's has experience and expertise to perform the procedure.

Pediatric liver transplant options include:

• Whole liver transplant: The surgeon transplants a whole donor liver to the patient.

• Split liver transplant: A donated liver gets divided into two parts. The smaller part gets used for the pediatric patient, and the larger section may be transplanted into an adult.

• Living donors: Part of a living person’s liver is removed and transplanted to a child. The liver section remaining in the donor, along with the pediatric recipient’s liver, both grow to proper size over time.

• Cadaveric donors: The liver is removed for transplant following the donor’s death.

Undergoing pediatric liver transplant is a life-changing event for the entire family and can impact physical, mental and financial health. To address this, Ochsner surrounds transplant families with a host of support services and programs.

A few of the support services and programs at Ochsner Children's includes:

• Access to Brent House Hotel, located on Ochsner Medical Center's campus to allow quick access to Ochsner for pre- and post-transplant needs

• Child-life specialists who are specially trained to identify and manage a range of pediatric issues revolving around illness and hospitalization

• Specialized support navigating the transplant process, provided by dedicated pediatric transplant social workers

• Ongoing mental healthcare delivered by transplant psychologists

If your child has a pediatric liver transplant at Ochsner, you’ll interact with a team of pediatric specialists from various departments. Each specialist brings a unique area of expertise and works to ensure your child has a positive transplant experience.

Members of your child’s team may include:

• Child-life specialists

• Dietitians

• Gastroenterologists and hepatologists

• Hospitalists

• Intensivists

• Nurse coordinators

• Palliative care physicians

• Pharmacists

• Transplant psychologists

• Transplant social workers

• Transplant surgeons

Pediatric patients may be able to meet with their transplant team virtually for some appointments.

Done on a smartphone, tablet or computer, virtual visits may be used for pre-transplant screenings, education and help accessing resources to make the transplant journey smoother. Virtual visits are also available for some post-transplant checkups.

 "I feel confident in the doctors and staff and everyone who's made us feel like this is not an ending -- this is like a new beginning." – Stephanie H., pediatric patient's mother

"Every one of the ICU nurses were like champions. They made us feel like she's in good hands, she's in the best hands that she could be in at this moment." - Jesse H., pediatric patient's father

"We’re forever thankful for her and to her [Stephanie, altruistic liver donor]. Because of her, our daughter has a chance." – Alexis C., mother of pediatric liver transplant recipient

"The Ochsner surgeons did a phenomenal job… I think more people would be a living liver donor if they knew it was possible. It’s so worth it." – Stephanie P., liver donor for pediatric patient

A living donor for a child can be a biological relative, like a parent, sibling or adult child, a relative by marriage, or an unrelated person with a personal connection, like a family friend or teacher. Directed non-directed donors who are emotionally connected or altruistic are also valid options. Learn more about Ochsner's living donor liver transplant program.

Nationally, the wait time for a pediatric liver transplant averages between 1.5 to 6 months, though waitlists can range from 30 days to over 5 years. Wait times vary heavily depending on the severity of the child's illness, blood type, and the local availability of suitable organs.

A pediatric liver transplant typically requires a 2- to 3-week initial hospital stay, though complete healing of the incision usually take 2 to 4 months.