About Paediatric Hepatology
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days (for diagnostic workup; transplant requires weeks)
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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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform paediatric hepatology. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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 |
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.
- 16 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore