About Pediatric Hepatology
Key Highlights
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Provides specialized, age-appropriate care for children's unique liver and digestive systems.Offers comprehensive management from diagnosis through long-term follow-up and transition to adult care.Focuses on minimizing invasive procedures through advanced diagnostic techniques and non-invasive tests like FibroScan®.Involves a multidisciplinary team approach, often including nutritionists, surgeons, and social workers, for holistic care.Aims to preserve liver function, support normal growth and development, and improve long-term quality of life.
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 (elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin) found on routine blood work.
- Suspected or diagnosed congenital liver conditions like biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, or Wilson disease.
- Chronic liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or viral hepatitis (B, C).
- Evaluation of metabolic disorders affecting the liver (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, glycogen storage diseases).
- Management of complications from liver disease, including portal hypertension, ascites, or nutritional deficiencies.
How to prepare
- Gather all previous medical records, including birth history, growth charts, and results of any prior tests or imaging.
- The child may need to fast for a specific period before blood tests or certain imaging studies, as directed by the doctor.
- Prepare a list of all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies.
- For procedures like a liver biopsy or endoscopy, specific pre-procedure instructions regarding fasting and medication adjustments will be provided.
- Parents/caregivers should be ready to discuss the child's full medical history, diet, and any family history of liver or autoimmune diseases.
Risks & possible complications
- Risks associated with diagnostic procedures, such as bleeding, infection, or reaction to sedation/anesthesia during a liver biopsy or endoscopy.
- Potential side effects from medications used to treat liver conditions (e.g., immunosuppressants, antivirals).
- Progression of the underlying liver disease despite treatment, potentially leading to cirrhosis or liver failure.
- Nutritional challenges and growth faltering due to chronic liver disease.
- Psychological and social impact on the child and family from managing a chronic condition.
- Rare procedural complications specific to interventions, such as bile leak or injury to adjacent organs.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is highly dependent on the specific condition and procedures performed. Many consultations and non-invasive tests require no specific recovery time.
- After invasive procedures like a biopsy, the child will be monitored for a few hours for any signs of bleeding or pain.
- Post-procedure care instructions will include activity restrictions (e.g., avoiding strenuous play), wound care if applicable, and signs to watch for that require immediate medical attention.
- Long-term recovery involves regular follow-up visits to monitor liver function, adjust medications, and assess growth and development.
- Nutritional support, often guided by a pediatric dietitian, is a critical component of ongoing management to ensure optimal growth.
- The hepatologist will guide the family on managing the child's condition at home, school, and during activities.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
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Expected recovery time: Varies by condition; from none for consultation to several weeks for major procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric 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 pediatric 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 pediatric hepatology compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 50 Thousand | 0-2 days | ~ Varies by condition; from none for consultation to several weeks for major procedures | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 175 Thousand | 0-2 days | ~ Varies by condition; from none for consultation to several weeks for major procedures | Know More |
Arjun Nair is a playful 3-year-old...
Arjun Nair is a playful 3-year-old who was failing to gain weight despite a healthy appetite. His belly was distended, and he had pale, greasy stools. Born with Biliary Atresia, he had a Kasai procedure as an infant, which initially worked. Now, his Pediatric Hepatologist was concerned about progressive cirrhosis and portal hypertension. To evaluate the extent of liver damage and fibrosis to plan the next steps, potentially a transplant, a liver biopsy was necessary. His parents were terrified. The procedure was done under general anesthesia. The results showed significant cirrhosis, firmly placing Arjun on the liver transplant list. While the news was difficult, it provided a clear, actionable path. The family's emotional journey shifted from fearful uncertainty to a focused, hopeful determination as they rallied around Arjun, preparing for the transplant that would give him a future.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologists for Pediatric Hepatology
Explore experienced pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists who regularly perform pediatric 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