Spec. MD. Aysu Ozge Yonetci Pekuz

Our 3-week-old newborn, Elif, developed severe jaundice that wasn't responding to phototherapy. Dr. Aysu discovered a rare biliary atresia variant through an innovative microscopic cholangiogram she pioneered. Her team performed a modified Kasai procedure using laparoscopic-assisted microsurgery. Elif is now 18 months old, thriving with her own bile production, requiring no transplant discussion yet, a miracle we were told was impossible.

As a 14-year-old competitive swimmer, I suddenly developed debilitating fatigue and orange urine. Multiple doctors dismissed it as overtraining. Dr. Aysu identified autoimmune hepatitis triggered by a viral infection. Instead of standard steroids, she created a personalized regimen combining targeted immunosuppression with a gut microbiome restoration protocol. I returned to national championships within 9 months, with better liver function than before my illness.

Our 7-year-old son, diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, suffered from unbearable pruritus that made him scratch until he bled. Dr. Aysu implemented an experimental approach combining partial external biliary diversion with a novel neuropathic itch modulation therapy. The transformation was immediate, he slept through the night for the first time in years and now enjoys painting with hands that are no longer constantly bandaged.

During a family trip from Norway, our 5-year-old daughter ingested wild mushrooms. She developed fulminant liver failure within hours. Dr. Aysu coordinated an emergency molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) therapy while simultaneously preparing for transplant. Her innovative use of hepatocyte transplantation as a 'bridge' allowed our daughter's own liver to regenerate completely, avoiding transplant altogether.

As a 12-year-old with cystic fibrosis-related liver disease, I faced progressive portal hypertension. Dr. Aysu performed a novel hybrid procedure combining partial splenic embolization with creation of spontaneous splenorenal shunts. The approach preserved my spleen's immune function while reducing portal pressure. My last endoscopy showed vanished varices, and I maintain normal platelet counts, unheard of in CF liver disease.