At Children’s Wisconsin, we know a liver transplant is a life-changing journey. You won’t go through it alone. Our transplant team partners with you and your family from the very first visit through long-term recovery. We bring together experts from across specialties to care for your child. Your team may include:
- Pediatric liver doctors (hepatologists)
- Transplant surgeons
- Nurse practitioners
- Transplant coordinators: helps your family stay organized, informed and supported every step of the way
- Dietitians
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
- Child life specialists
Before
The transplant process starts with a full evaluation. This helps us decide if a liver transplant is right for your child at this time. We also do second opinions from other transplant programs.
We’ll review your child’s health history, do a physical exam and order testing to check how the liver is working. Tests may include:
- Blood tests to check liver function and overall health
- Tests to look at kidney, heart and lung function
- Imaging tests like ultrasound or a CT scan
- Liver biopsy to identify the cause of the liver disease
- Viral screening to check for infections that might affect the health of the transplanted liver
Your family will also meet with many of our experts to prepare for the road ahead.
If a transplant is the right choice, your child will join the national waitlist through United Network of Sharing (UNOS). The wait for a donor liver can range from days to months. Some children may receive part of a liver from a healthy living person. Our team will guide you through both options.
During
When your child gets a liver, you’ll get a call to come to the hospital right away. Once your child is here, we’ll do final testing to confirm the liver is a good match.
During surgery, the team removes the damaged liver and replaces it with the healthy donor liver. The surgery takes several hours. While your child is in the operating room, a team member will keep you updated.
After surgery, your child goes to the pediatric intensive care unit. We monitor closely for infection or signs of rejection of the transplanted liver. As your child recovers, we help you learn how to care for them at home, including how to manage medicine, diet and activity.
After
A liver transplant is not a cure — it’s a lifelong commitment. Your child will take daily medicine to stop their immune system from attacking the new liver. These medicines prevent rejection but can also raise the risk of infection. Our team will teach you what to watch for, including:
- Fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine or abdominal pain
- Fatigue or changes in behavior
Your child will also need regular checkups, blood work and care from the transplant team. As they grow, we’ll help them learn how to manage their health and medicine on their own.
Most children go on to live full, active lives after a liver transplant. Our program is proud to offer excellent outcomes.
