Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh - Pediatric Liver and Intestine Transplantation

Description of Services

When world-renowned transplant surgeon Thomas E. Starzl, MD, PhD, initiated Children’s pediatric liver transplantation program in 1981, it quickly became the premier tertiary care provider for children with end-stage liver disease. Since then, the program has expanded to offer operations for children who need intestinal transplant or multivisceral transplant procedures previously thought to have been impossible.

Our unique group of dedicated clinicians, surgeons and scientists, who also are affiliated with the UPMC Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, optimize the cases of children undergoing transplantation.

Through ground-breaking research and advanced training programs, Children’s Hospital has developed innovative therapies for previously fatal liver and intestinal disorders. For example, pediatric intestinal transplants, either alone or in combination with other organs, were significantly advanced at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and now provide a viable surgical solution for children with short-gut syndrome. Patients of Children’s pediatric intestinal transplant program represent the world’s first and most successful series of small intestine transplants. Children’s also offers pediatric living-related liver transplants as a lifesaving alternative to the national cadaveric organ shortage.

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC:

Has performed more than 1,000 pediatric liver transplants in children to date, making Children’s the most active pediatric liver transplant center in the country.
Has performed more pediatric intestinal transplants than any other center in the country.
Maintains the only dedicated Intestinal Care and Rehabilitiation Center — a multidisciplinary center designed to coordinate the evaluation, treatment and follow-up care for children with complex or chronic digestive conditions.