When a child's liver is severely damaged, families need clear guidance, empathy, and the right team. Under Dr. Saurabh Singhal's program, parents receive end-to-end support—from diagnosis to long-term follow-up—so children can return to healthy, active lives. For families exploring liver transplant in Delhi, this page explains when a transplant is needed, how it's done, and what to expect afterward.

Why a Pediatric Liver Transplant May Be Needed?

The liver is essential for digestion, metabolism, detoxification, and protein production. In children, several conditions can lead to irreversible liver injury. The most common cause is biliary atresia—a condition in infants where bile ducts are absent or blocked, causing bile to back up and scar the liver. Other reasons include metabolic and genetic disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease, tyrosinemia), some cancers, acute liver failure, and rare autoimmune diseases. Early evaluation improves outcomes.

Understanding Biliary Atresia (In Simple Terms)

• What it is:Bile ducts are missing or damaged, so bile can't drain properly.
• Why it matters:Ongoing bile build-up injures the liver, leading to scarring (cirrhosis).
• When transplant is considered:If initial procedures or medical care can't preserve function, transplant becomes the definitive treatment.

Surgical Approaches (Tailored to Children)

Living-Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT)

• A relative donates a small, size-matched portion of liver.
• Both livers regenerate to near-full size over weeks to months.
• Benefits include timely surgery and excellent outcomes in experienced hands.

Deceased-Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT)

• Uses a liver from a donor who has passed away, matched by blood group and size.
• Allocation follows transparent, government-regulated wait-list protocols.

ABO-Incompatible Options (When Needed)

• If no matching donor exists, specialized protocols (plasmapheresis, tailored immunosuppression) can allow transplantation across blood groups—an important bridge for urgent cases.

With contemporary anesthesia, microsurgical techniques, and pediatric ICU pathways, outcomes for liver transplant in Delhi at experienced centers are excellent and continue to improve.

The Transplant Journey: What Parents Can Expect

Preparation

• Thorough medical work-up (bloods, imaging, heart–lung assessment) to confirm fitness.
• Nutritional optimization and infection screening.
• Family counseling about the procedure, recovery, costs, and long-term care.

During Surgery

• The diseased liver is removed; the donor graft is implanted and connected to blood vessels and bile ducts.
• The operation typically lasts several hours, performed by a specialist pediatric transplant team.

Early Recovery (Hospital Stay)

• Pediatric ICU monitoring for bleeding, clotting, fluid balance, and graft function.
• Early feeding and gentle mobilization as advised.
• Parents receive training on medicines, hygiene, and home monitoring.

Long-Term Follow-Up

• Scheduled visits, blood tests, and imaging.
• Growth, nutrition, vaccinations, and school reintegration are reviewed regularly.

Possible Complications (And How We Manage Them)

Rejection

• The immune system can treat the new liver as "foreign."
• Managed with immunosuppressants, careful dosing, and close lab monitoring.

Infections

• Immunosuppression increases susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections—especially early.
• Strict hygiene, safe food/water practices, and up-to-date vaccinations reduce risk.

Bile-Duct Problems

• Leaks or strictures can occur where the ducts are joined.
• Often identified early and corrected with endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical procedures.

Vascular Issues

• Thrombosis (clots) in the hepatic artery or portal vein is a pediatric-specific concern.
• Prompt detection via doppler/ultrasound and rapid intervention are critical.

Medication Side Effects

• Some drugs can affect kidneys, blood pressure, magnesium, blood sugar, mood, or bone health.
• Pediatric transplant teams individualize doses and add supportive therapies to protect long-term growth and development.

Life After a Pediatric Transplant

Most children return to school, sports, and age-appropriate activities. With consistent medicines, regular check-ups, and family support, they can enjoy a near-normal childhood. Parents should maintain a simple home-monitoring routine (temperature, weight, jaundice check, urine/stool color) and keep a written medication log.

Why Families Choose Dr. Saurabh Singhal

• Pediatric Focus:Dedicated pathways for infants and children, from ICU to clinic.
• Comprehensive Team:Surgeons, hepatologists, pediatric anesthetists, ICU clinicians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
• Precision & Safety:Standardized protocols for LDLT/DDLT, ABO-incompatible strategies, and rapid-response management of complications.
• Parent Partnership: Clear communication, caregiver education, and 24/7 escalation channels.

If your child needs an expert opinion on a possible liver transplant in Delhi, consult Dr. Saurabh Singhal—an experienced liver specialist in Delhi leading a multidisciplinary pediatric program. For second opinions, fast-track assessments, or transplant readiness checks, book an appointment today. A healthier tomorrow can start now with the right team and plan.