Liver Transplant Program
Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report
Liver Transplant Program
Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report
Pediatric liver transplant
The Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at Children's Mercy Hospital provides a comprehensive approach to treating children with end-stage liver disease and/or failure. The Liver Transplant Program is a key component of our comprehensive Liver Care Center, which provides the full spectrum of medical and surgical care for children with liver disease. Our team of surgeons, nurses, and coordinators are specially trained in pediatric transplant care, with many physicians having more than 30 years of experience. Our care team also includes a full range of support services to meet the needs of every patient and their family members.
What makes our Liver Transplant Program unique
As part of the pediatric liver transplant program at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, you are more than just a number. You will have a dedicated transplant coordinator who will be with you every step of the way, before, during and after transplant. We will care not only for your child, but your entire family’s wellbeing. During one of the toughest times in your child’s life our team members will be there to support you.
What to expect
We know that the liver transplant process can be a time of stress for families. Our goal is prepare patients and families for what to expect during a liver transplant, from start to finish, so you feel empowered to best navigate your child's care.
Liver transplant surgery services
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Comprehensive care, family support and education for children (ages 18 and under) with liver failure or transplants.
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Evaluation and management of children with acute and chronic end stage liver failure through the Liver Care Center.
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Preparation of patients for liver transplantation.
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Whole organ, reduced size and split liver transplants.
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Post-transplant follow-up care.
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Liver transplant coordinators, surgeons and physicians are available for consultation and patient management assistance at all times.
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Ongoing assistance to physicians who requested consultation for the long-term management of transplant patients. Areas of emphasis include:
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Immunosuppression regiment.
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Management and prevention of related infectious and non-infectious complication.
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Comprehensive team approach to the management of hepatic malignancies.
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Follow-up available through Pediatric Liver Care Center Clinics.
Resources
The Liver Transplant team provides a variety of resources for you and your child as you prepare for a transplant.
Research highlights
The Liver Transplant team is dedicated to constantly improving the care provided to patients. Ongoing research projects are helping improve outcomes and enhance overall patient care.
Health care providers interested in the Liver Transplant Program’s latest publications and updates on clinical and research efforts can visit GI Connect.
Quality Improvement Program
This program is designed to evaluate our team's care processes in order to make regular improvements that are beneficial to patients and families. The Quality Improvement Program has resulted in:
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Average PICU stays down from 6-7 days to 4-5 days average stay, by establishing a dedicated anesthesiology group.
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Decreased days on breathing tube (from 2 days to a half day).
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Amount of antibiotics down to 48 hours post-transplant.
Milestone Moment: Dr. Hendrickson’s 100th Liver Transplant
Congratulations to Dr. Richard Hendrickson, who recently completed his 100th liver transplant here at Children’s Mercy. Despite the long hours and challenging cases, performing transplant surgery is incredibly meaningful to him. "If I can get a child out of the hospital in good health, that's rewarding," he said. Learn more about his 14 years of amazing work at Children's Mercy.
En bloc Liver/Kidney Transplant: Trevion’s Story
When you see 13-year-old Trevion goofing around with his dad and sisters and playing basketball with his friends, you would never know that he recently had a double organ transplant to replace his liver and kidney. Trevion was the first Children’s Mercy Kansas City patient to receive an en bloc liver/kidney transplant.
Biliary atresia and Liver transplant: Lacie’s story
Lacie was born with biliary atresia. The Liver Care Center has been with this determined young woman every step of the way, from her first NICU stay to her “textbook” liver transplant 14 years later.
Liver transplant: Brendan’s story
Diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency as an infant, Brendan Elam’s condition was stable until he was about 7 years old. That’s when his liver began to fail, eventually leading to the need for a liver transplant at Children’s Mercy. Brendan’s transplant and recovery went well, and today he’s an active college student pursuing a degree in music education.
Liver transplant: Gable's story
At 22 years old, Gable Dull is living his best life, recently married, studying law and enjoying hunting and fishing. But nearly a decade ago, his future was uncertain. He was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a rare inherited condition. A liver transplant at Children’s Mercy Kansas City has helped him get healthy and stay that way.
Liver transplant: Marissa's story
Marissa Ebbing has had a lot to overcome in her young life--prematurity, liver cancer, and then a liver transplant. But with her Children's Mercy Hematology/Oncology and Liver Care Center teams, she's not just surviving, but thriving!
Children's Mercy Transplant Center
At Children’s Mercy, one of our greatest achievements is helping critically-ill children avoid transplant. Still, some children require a transplant to survive, and when that’s the case, our expert clinicians are able to meet that need.