Learn about Paediatric Hepatology Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Paediatric Hepatology and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Paediatric Hepatology

Paediatric Hepatology is a specialized medical field focused on diagnosing, managing, and treating liver, gallbladder, and bile duct disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. A Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist is a doctor with advanced training in both digestive and liver diseases specific to this age group. This comprehensive care involves detailed evaluation through blood tests, imaging (like ultrasound or MRI), and sometimes liver biopsy to pinpoint conditions such as neonatal jaundice, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, autoimmune hepatitis, or biliary atresia. The goal is to provide tailored medical management, nutritional support, and, when necessary, coordinate advanced interventions like liver transplantation to ensure optimal growth, development, and long-term liver health for the child.

Key Highlights

    Provides specialized, age-appropriate care for complex liver conditions in children.Focuses on early diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term liver damage and support normal growth.Involves a multidisciplinary team approach, often including nutritionists, surgeons, and transplant specialists.Offers comprehensive management from medical therapy to advanced surgical options like transplantation.Emphasizes family education and support throughout the treatment journey.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) in newborns or older children.
  • Unexplained abdominal pain, swelling, or a palpable mass in the liver area.
  • Abnormal liver function tests found on routine blood work.
  • Symptoms of chronic liver disease such as easy bruising, poor growth, or fatigue.
  • Suspected congenital liver or biliary tract disorders (e.g., biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome).
  • Management of viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C), autoimmune hepatitis, or metabolic liver diseases.
  • Evaluation and care before and after a pediatric liver transplant.

How to prepare

  • Detailed review of the child's medical history, growth charts, and previous test results by the specialist.
  • Fasting may be required for specific blood tests or imaging procedures as advised.
  • For procedures like a liver biopsy, blood clotting tests will be performed to ensure safety.
  • Parents will receive clear instructions regarding medication adjustments (e.g., stopping blood thinners).
  • A pre-procedure consultation to discuss the plan, address family questions, and obtain informed consent.

Risks & possible complications

  • Risks associated with diagnostic procedures: Bleeding, infection, or pain at biopsy site; allergic reaction to contrast dye during imaging.
  • Potential side effects from medications used to manage liver disease.
  • Progression of the underlying liver condition despite treatment.
  • Complications related to advanced disease, such as portal hypertension, ascites, or liver failure.
  • Risks specific to major interventions like liver transplantation, including organ rejection and infection.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery varies widely based on the condition and whether a procedure was performed. For non-invasive management, normal activity can often resume quickly.
  • After a liver biopsy, rest is required for 24-48 hours, avoiding strenuous activity for about a week.
  • Close monitoring of symptoms and scheduled follow-up blood tests are crucial to assess treatment response.
  • Strict adherence to prescribed medications and dietary recommendations (e.g., vitamin supplements, specific formulas) is essential.
  • Long-term follow-up with the hepatologist is typically needed to monitor liver health and child development.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days (for diagnostic workup; transplant requires weeks)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Varies by condition; from days for simple management to months for major surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering paediatric hepatology in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for paediatric hepatology compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 5 Thousand – 150 Thousand 0-3 days (for diagnostic workup; transplant requires weeks) ~ Varies by condition; from days for simple management to months for major surgery Know More
Turkey TRY 17.5 Thousand – 525 Thousand 0-3 days (for diagnostic workup; transplant requires weeks) ~ Varies by condition; from days for simple management to months for major surgery Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Aadya Verma is a bright 8-year-old...

Aadya Verma is a bright 8-year-old girl from Mumbai, living with her parents and younger brother. She loves dancing and school. For over a year, Aadya experienced persistent, unexplained fatigue, itchy skin, and occasional yellowing of her eyes. Her pediatrician noted mildly elevated liver enzymes on routine bloodwork, but a cause wasn't found. The symptoms waxed and waned, affecting her energy for dance class. Her parents, increasingly worried, were referred to a Pediatric Hepatologist. The specialist, after a detailed history and examination, suspected an autoimmune liver disease like Autoimmune Hepatitis. She recommended a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of inflammation and scarring, explaining it was a key step to planning safe, effective treatment. The procedure was done under sedation. Aadya was anxious but comforted by child-life specialists who used dolls to explain the process. The biopsy itself was quick, and she recovered in the hospital for a few hours of observation. The biopsy confirmed Autoimmune Hepatitis with mild fibrosis. This allowed for a precise treatment plan starting with a steroid (prednisolone) to suppress the immune attack on her liver. Within weeks, Aadya's energy returned, the itching vanished, and her jaundice cleared. Her liver enzymes normalized on follow-up blood tests. Emotionally, the journey was taxing. Before the biopsy, Aadya felt different and scared about being 'sick.' Her parents carried a heavy burden of fear and uncertainty. After the diagnosis and start of treatment, there was immense relief in having a name for the condition and a clear path forward. Aadya regained her spark, and the family felt empowered to manage her health, transitioning from fear to hopeful vigilance.

Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologists for Paediatric Hepatology

Explore experienced pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists who regularly perform paediatric hepatology and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Srikanth K P
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srikanth KP
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sakshi Karkra
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srikanth KP
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bhaswati Acharya
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sufla Saxena
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nagendra Kumar VR
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated