title: Pediatric liver transplantation: A report from a pediatric surgical unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Liver transplantation is well established worldwide as an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease in children. Acceptance in India has been slow because of considerations of cost, infections, inability to support long-term care, and non-availability of expertise.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to report our experience with pediatric liver transplantation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight children underwent liver transplantation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Biliary atresia was the commonest indication (n = 15) followed by metabolic liver disease. Twenty-six children had living donor transplants, mothers being the donors in a majority of these. Common surgical complications included bile leaks (n = 3) and vascular problems (n = 6). Common medical complications included infections, acute rejection, and renal failure. Overall, patient survival was 71%, while that for the last 14 cases was 92%. All survivors are doing well, have caught up with physical and developmental milestones and are engaged in age appropriate activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study demonstrates the feasibility of a successful pediatric liver transplant program in our country.
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals, Bangalore, India.
authors: Sanjay
authors: S
authors: Rao
authors: Ashley L J
authors: AL
authors: D'Cruz
authors: Rajiv
authors: R
authors: Aggarwal
authors: Supraja
authors: S
authors: Chandrashekar
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Chetan
authors: Gayathri
authors: G
authors: Gopalakrishnan
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Dunn