Liver Transplant Program
Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report
Liver Transplant Program
Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report
March 2025 update
Due to current surgical staffing issues, our liver transplant procedures are temporarily on hold. We are actively recruiting surgeons to resume operations, help drive the expansion of our transplant center, and better serve patients and families now and in the future.
In the meantime, all post-transplant patients continue to receive care through the Children’s Mercy Liver Transplant program, as well as all other Gastroenterology services.
The Liver Transplant Program is a key component of our comprehensive Liver Care Center, which provides the full spectrum of medical care for children with liver disease. Our team of physicians, nurses, and coordinators are specially trained in pediatric transplant care, with many physicians having more than 30 years of experience. Our care team also includes a full range of support services to meet the needs of every patient and their family members.
Liver transplant services
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Comprehensive care, family support and education for children (ages 18 and under) with liver failure or transplants.
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Evaluation and management of children with acute and chronic end stage liver failure through the Liver Care Center.
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Preparation of patients for liver transplantation.
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Post-transplant follow-up care.
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Liver transplant coordinators and physicians are available for consultation and patient management assistance at all times.
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Ongoing assistance to physicians who requested consultation for the long-term management of transplant patients. Areas of emphasis include:
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Immunosuppression regiment.
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Management and prevention of related infectious and non-infectious complication.
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Comprehensive team approach to the management of hepatic malignancies.
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Follow-up available through Pediatric Liver Care Center Clinics.
Research highlights
The Liver Transplant team is dedicated to constantly improving the care provided to patients. Ongoing research projects are helping improve outcomes and enhance overall patient care.
Health care providers interested in the Liver Transplant Program’s latest publications and updates on clinical and research efforts can visit GI Connect.
Quality Improvement Program
This program is designed to evaluate our team's care processes in order to make regular improvements that are beneficial to patients and families. The Quality Improvement Program has resulted in:
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Average PICU stays down from 6-7 days to 4-5 days average stay, by establishing a dedicated anesthesiology group.
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Decreased days on breathing tube (from 2 days to a half day).
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Amount of antibiotics down to 48 hours post-transplant.