Experience in India

Abstract

Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for children with end-stage liver disease. Uptake of pediatric liver transplant has been very slow in India. Only a small minority of children who need a transplant actually receive one. Though there are several large adult liver transplant programs in India, the numbers of pediatric transplants done annually are very small. A dedicated pediatric liver transplant program was setup in Bangalore, focusing on developing expertise in treating small children. This chapter describes the formidable challenges faced by the team and how these were gradually surmounted. The current outcomes of children after transplant within the program are highlighted.