When your child has liver transplant surgery, you and your family need care and support from a team of experts. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh gives life-saving care to kids with end-stage liver disease. Each member of our liver transplant team plays a vital part in your child’s story.
Get To Know Your Child’s Liver Transplant Team
Every child and family differ. Your pediatric transplant team provides expert care for your child’s needs at every age. Our doctors, nurses, and other team members care for your child’s needs.
Physical Needs
The needs of babies, kids, and teens getting a liver transplant are not the same as those of adults. Pediatric transplant teams have the unique skills to treat even the youngest kids. Members of your child’s care team who address their physical needs may include:
Pediatric transplant coordinator
A pediatric transplant coordinator is a registered nurse. They care for kids throughout the liver transplant process.
Your transplant coordinator answers all your questions. They make sure you and your child have the information you need during each phase of care:
- Testing.
- Getting ready for surgery (preoperative care).
- Surgery.
- After surgery (postoperative care).
Your transplant coordinator tracks your child’s health. They make sure all other transplant team members have what they need to care for your child. For instance:
- Next steps in your child’s care.
- Notes from exams.
- Test results.
Your transplant coordinator also connects you with other team members. These team members offer support to your family.
Infectious disease doctor
Kids who have liver transplant surgery need to take medicines called anti-rejection drugs. These drugs help keep your child’s body from rejecting their new liver. They also put them at greater risk for infection and illness.
The infectious disease doctor will:
- Make sure your child has all needed vaccines.
- Talk with you about your child’s history of infections.
- Make a plan to help keep your child healthy after surgery.
Transplant liver doctor
Your child’s transplant liver doctor works closely with the entire team. They check your child’s liver function and manage any medicines your child takes. They monitor your child for health issues that could complicate surgery.
Pediatric liver transplant surgeon
Your child’s transplant surgeon performs the liver transplant operation. They oversee your child’s care while they’re getting ready for surgery and in the hospital after. The transplant surgeon works with your child’s liver doctor and other transplant team members to:
- Help your child recover after surgery.
- Prevent and manage any issues that arise after surgery.
Clinical nurse specialist
A clinical nurse specialist has special training in caring for kids who are having liver transplants. They help prepare your family for what life will be like after surgery.
Transplant pharmacist
After the transplant, your child will take anti-rejection drugs. These drugs help your child’s body accept their new liver. Your transplant pharmacist works with you and your family to teach you about your child’s medicines.
Nutritionist
What your child eats plays a critical role in the health of their liver both before and after surgery. Your team includes a nutritionist (dietitian). They work with you to make sure your child eats a balanced and healthy diet.
Emotional needs
Liver transplant surgery can be stressful. You may have many emotions during the wait for a new liver. You may also wonder what life will be like after transplant surgery.
Members of the team teach your child about the transplant process. They also help them deal with their feelings. These team members use tools that are right for your child’s age.
Your child’s emotional support team may include:
Child life specialist
A child life specialist is a vital pediatric liver transplant team member. They are specially trained to help your child name and process their feelings before, during, and after surgery. Your child life specialist is your partner in making sure your child is coping well.
Transplant psychologist
A transplant psychologist can help your child — and you — manage the stress of transplant surgery. They talk with you and develop a plan to care for any mental health issues that may arise.
Caring for Your Family
While some transplant team members focus on your child’s health, others care for your family’s well-being. The team members know the strain transplant surgery can place on the whole family. You’ll get help from:
Credit analyst
A credit analyst helps you check your health insurance benefits. They make sure you know what your insurance will cover. If your insurance won’t cover some items, a credit analyst can help you prepare for and manage those costs.
Transplant social worker
Your transplant social worker supports you and your family during your child’s liver transplant process. Your social worker can:
- Arrange to stay near the transplant center to be close to your child.
- Connect you with help to manage any costs from the surgery.
- Find a support group for parents of kids who’ve had surgery.
- Offer support for your child’s siblings.
Caring for Your Child After Liver Transplant Surgery
Your transplant team supports you with the details you need to care for your child during recovery after surgery. Your transplant team makes sure you:
- Can identify the signs of liver rejection and know what to do if you see them.
- Have all your child’s medicines and know how to give them.
- Know which vaccines your child should — and should not — get.
- Know your child’s dietary needs after liver transplant.
Your child may also benefit from physical therapy. A physical therapist helps your child get stronger. This gives them more energy while recovering from surgery.
Your transplant team is there for you and your family. Talk to your transplant coordinator if you have questions about caring for your child after a liver transplant.