Pediatric Liver Transplantation Information for Healthcare Professionals

Chapter 5: Transplant Team

The professional members of the team include the doctors, coordinators, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, child life specialists and pharmacists who have been specially trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric transplant patients and their families. 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist

Pediatric gastroenterologists are physicians skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.  The gastroenterologist will be your primary physician during the pre-transplant period from evaluation to surgery.  After the transplant surgery, the pediatric transplant surgeon and gastroenterologist will work collaboratively to provide care for your child in the hospital and after discharge.

Transplant Surgeon

The transplant surgeon is the physician who will transplant the new liver into your child’s body.  The transplant surgeons are skilled in pediatric surgery and procedures of the liver, gallbladder and blood vessels.  The surgical team will make daily rounds to see your child and to review lab test results and other procedures.  After your child is discharged, they will continue to monitor the medications and change them as necessary.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

The clinical nurse specialist will help prepare your child for liver transplantation.  She is available to answer questions and discuss problems concerning the transplant surgery and your child’s health before and after transplantation.  She will coordinate care and immunosuppressant management with your local physician and the transplant surgeons.

Social Worker

The social worker will provide counseling to help you cope with the many stresses that often accompany transplantation and a long hospitalization of your child.  She will also help you find the resources needed for additional expenses associated with transplantation, such as transportation and lodging.

Nutritionists

The nutritionist is a registered clinical dietician who will evaluate your child’s nutritional status before and after the transplant.  They will keep detailed records of your child’s linear growth and muscle development.  They will work closely with you to develop the best diet for your child.

Child Life Specialist

The child life specialist will be available to direct supervised play in the hospital’s playrooms and coordinate special activities for the children at the hospital.  This specialist will work with your child to help him cope with the hospital experience.

Others

Many other specialists will help care for your child.  These specialists include pharmacists, radiologists, pathologists and renal doctors and respiratory therapists.