Liver Transplant Program
Experience and Excellent Outcomes
Children who need a liver transplant come to Nemours Children’s Liver Transplant Program for the best possible outcomes. As one of the first programs in the country to offer living donor procedures, we help more children get life-saving transplants sooner.
Our renowned liver transplant team works with pediatric gastroenterology and GI surgery programs ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. We treat children with the most severe and complex conditions. And we’re involved in research to improve outcomes for kids everywhere.
We provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. After the transplant, we’re here as your child grows and develops. We offer convenient follow-up care at our hospital in Delaware, or through video visits.
Our team takes care of everything so you can take care of your child when they need you most.
Our Program
Kids who have an organ transplant can and do grow up healthy and strong. See how we help children play, jump and run again.
“Hazel's mom, Jessica, was a match and was able to donate part of her liver to Hazel.”
Now, 4 years later, this strong, happy 6-year-old is enjoying the childhood she almost didn't have.
The Very Best in Transplant Care
When a child has liver failure or liver disease that can’t be treated by other surgery or medicines, a liver transplant may be the answer. Many of our patients receive a transplant from living donors, which can mean a shorter wait time.
Nemours has experience with a wide array of liver conditions in children. We know when a transplant is needed and can begin the process quickly. This expertise makes a difference.
Our Care Team
Our liver transplant team includes many highly skilled professionals who work closely with your family. You can expect to meet:
- Liver transplant surgeons — specially trained pediatric liver transplant surgeons who perform the procedure
- Liver transplant coordinators — specially trained nurse practitioners who manage the process, including appointments, testing and evaluations and more
- Hepatologists and gastroenterologists — liver and digestive health specialists who manage care before, during and after surgery
- Pediatric infectious disease specialists — evaluates, monitors and treats children for infections pre- and post-transplant
- Transplant anesthesiologists — evaluate safety before and during surgery, and support vital functions while under anesthesia
- Critical care physicians — care for kids in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
- Dietitians — keep kids healthy and strong with nutrition and meal planning
- Psychologists and psychiatrists — offer a wide range of emotional and coping support
- Social workers — provide your child and family emotional support, and help you prepare for each step of the process
- Child life specialists — specially trained to work with kids who are sick and receiving treatment in a hospital setting
- Other professionals — financial coordinators, teachers, pastoral care teams and many others who make life a little easier
Meet the Nemours liver transplant team
Liver Tumor Collaboration
Our program also offers the capabilities to treat liver tumors through our TARE-Y90 treatment program. As one of the only children’s hospitals providing this treatment, we offer patients the option to have their tumors resected or shrink the tumor to a point that they can have a transplant. With coordination from our cancer team, your child will be seen by U.S. News and World Report-ranked experts to provide the best outcomes.
Related Specialties
Excellent Liver Transplant Outcomes for Kids
Our transplant surgeons and specialists offer nationally recognized care. That’s because we have excellent outcomes and provide the highest quality services.
68
21
22,000+
We have one of the largest, most active pediatric liver transplant programs. Our surgeons have vast experience in liver transplants. We performed 68 liver transplants over the last decade.
We collaborate with world-renowned Thomas Jefferson University. We work closely with the transplant team at Thomas Jefferson University’s Transplant Institute for our adult living donor surgeries. You can trust that the living donor will get the very latest, most advanced care available.
We’re researching pediatric liver disease and transplantation. Our team is involved in important liver disease research and clinical trials. We’re also a member of the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation . This international multi-center collaboration works to make liver transplants safer and more successful for kids all over the world.
Advanced Care Facilities
We have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. From our operating rooms and labs, to our private rooms and amenities, you get quality care at a hospital just for kids. Take a virtual tour of Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
A Home Away From Home for Traveling Families
If you’re coming in from out of town, your family has access to a Ronald McDonald House located right across from our campus. This can help make your visit more convenient and affordable.
When Your Child Needs a Liver Transplant
If your child needs a liver transplant, you have questions. Find out what happens before, during, and after the procedure from the experts at Nemours® KidsHealth®.
