Normal life looks a lot different these days, especially in healthcare. But there is one thing that hasn’t changed at Children’s Colorado: Your child’s health and safety are our highest priority. Kids need great pediatric care as much now as ever, and it’s for that reason that we’re reactivating services we temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. We are here to deliver safe, thoughtful, high-quality care for kids who need it. Learn what to expect – and all the ways we’re keeping patients safe.
If you're concerned that you or your child may have been exposed to COVID-19, please do NOT visit an emergency or urgent care location. Instead, call your doctor or our free ParentSmart Healthline at 720-777-0123 for guidance.
In life-threatening emergencies, find the emergency room location nearest you. For non-life-threatening medical needs when your pediatrician is unavailable, visit one of our urgent care locations.
To help inform you about the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates, experts from Children's Colorado have gathered information from local and national health authorities.
The Liver Transplant Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado offers a unique and specialized program devoted to the care of children who require liver transplantation. Our unique multidisciplinary team cares for kids and families from the time of diagnosis to transplant and all the way through long-term post-transplant care.
We know that waiting isn’t easy
Our team understands the concerns and needs of families who are waiting for a transplant, and we strive to make the process as easy for you as possible. We coordinate with pediatricians and family doctors, referring gastroenterologists and insurance companies to address your child’s health needs both before and after transplant.
What disorders does Children’s Colorado treat with liver transplants?
There are a variety of indications for pediatric liver transplantation, including:
What to expect during your child’s visit to the Liver Transplant Program
The goal of your first visit is to assess the status of your child’s liver disease and to provide you with treatment options including, but not limited to pediatric liver transplantation. During the appointment, you and your child will see the following experts:
Why choose Children’s Colorado for your child’s liver transplant?
#1In the nation for GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report
100%Patient survival for transplants in 2019
2.1Months median transplant wait time in 2019
A nationally recognized Liver Transplant Program
As a nationally recognized Pediatric Transplant Program, Children’s Colorado has the only pediatric-focused multi-specialty liver transplant program in the Rocky Mountain region. Our team includes transplant surgeons, transplant hepatologists, pediatric transplant anesthesiologists, pediatric interventional radiologists, infectious disease specialists, pediatric intensive care specialists, transplant coordinators and nurses, transplant pharmacists, psychologists, dietitians and social workers.
One of only a few pediatric-focused liver transplant centers in the region
We are one of a select few pediatric liver transplant programs in the country with seven board-certified pediatric transplant hepatologists holding certifications of advanced qualification in transplant hepatology. Your child will be cared for by these experts and leaders in the field of pediatric liver care and transplantation.
We offer multiple liver transplant options
Based on your child’s type and stage of liver disease, the following different types of transplants may be available:
Access to other pediatric medical specialties as needed
Support groups, annual patient gatherings and directed family educational events
Understanding pediatric liver transplant criteria
Since the very first liver transplant in the world was performed at the University of Colorado in 1963, our state has had a rich history in the field. Shikha Sundaram, MD, FAASLD, Medical Director of our Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, explains how the extremely high demand for liver transplants necessitates a meticulous evaluation process to ensure the highest success rates.
Watch the video to understand how Children’s Colorado uses a multidisciplinary team of specialists to evaluate patients and find the best matches between donors and recipients.
Pediatric liver transplant: weighing options and understanding factors
Colorado has become a national destination for pediatric liver transplants because of shorter wait times and a growing volume of non-directed live transplants. In this video, Michael Wachs, MD, Surgical Director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, explains how Children’s Colorado is particularly well-suited to handle both local and national liver transplant patients.
Watch the video to learn about general deceased donations, live donations, the non-directed live donor program, wait times, outcomes, the importance of multidisciplinary care for complex conditions, and the strategic partnership that Children’s Colorado shares with Donor Alliance.
Looking for a second opinion?
Whether you’re still searching for a diagnosis or exploring treatment options for your child, we’re here to help. Learn how to request a second opinion from U.S. News and World Report’s #1 pediatric gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery program.
We're here when you need us with the same safe, high-quality care we've always offered, even during the pandemic. Now, in many cases, you can get that care without even leaving home because we offer virtual visits across every one of our specialties.
Manolo Gonzales had a life-threatening defect that was causing his liver to fail. Rebecca donated a portion of her liver not knowing who the recipient would be. The transplant changed Manolo's life.
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Provider affiliation
Children's Hospital Colorado providers
Children’s Hospital Colorado providers are faculty members of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Our specialists are nationally ranked and globally recognized for delivering the best possible care in pediatrics.
Community providers
Some healthcare professionals listed on our website have medical privileges to practice at Children’s Hospital Colorado, but they are community providers. They schedule and bill separately for their services, and are not employees of the Hospital.