Current Status of Pediatric Liver Transplantation in India

Liver transplantation is now an established mode of therapy in children with fulminant hepatic failure and end stage liver disease due to various causes. The indications have evolved over the last few years to include various metabolic disorders. A thorough pre transplant evaluation followed by pre-emptive identification and management of anticipated complications is essential for the success of a liver transplant. Low socioeconomic and educational levels and insufficient social assistance have a considerable impact on practicality of a transplant taking place, the follow up and overall outcome of patients undergoing transplantation in India. Nevertheless, the liver transplant programme in India has come a long way over the past ten years with patient survival rates comparable to the best centers in the world. The improvements in surgical and medical expertise have contributed in a big way to this achievement.