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About liver transplants
Liver transplantation is considered for children with chronic liver disease when other forms of treatment are ineffective, or when a child no longer has a good quality of life. A small number of children also present with acute liver disease and transplant is necessary. There are three specialist children's liver units in the UK and each offers liver transplantation. The units are based at: The Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust The Liver and GI Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Paediatric Liver Service, King's College Hospital, London The transplant team consists of a large number of experienced individuals and includes doctors, nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, transplant coordinators, dietitians, social workers, play therapists, psychologists etc. Their aim in offering liver transplantation is to provide your child with an improved quality of life and for many children it is life saving. Some facts about liver transplantation in children - Every year approximately 100 children will receive a liver transplant in the UK
- The main indication for liver transplantation in children is biliary atresia
- A significant number of babies under the age of one requiring a liver transplant will have biliary atresia
- The five year survival for elective liver transplantion is approximately 85% in the UK
- Children who undergo a liver transplant will require monitoring and daily medication for the rest of their lives to prevent them from rejecting their new liver – transplant is not a cure, it is a treatment programme
Join the organ donor register: There is always the need to increase the number of organs available for liver transplantation, particularly in children. If you want to find out more information about organ donation in the UK or how you can register to be an organ donor, visit www.uktransplant.org.uk It is also recommened that you talk to your family to make your wishes known.
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