For the first time in Ukraine, a part of a liver was transplanted to a five-month-old baby from its mother
A unique liver transplant operation was performed at the Okhmatdyt Hospital for a five-month-old boy, which became his only chance for survival. According to the hospital’s press service, the operation was the first liver transplant in Ukraine from an adult donor for such a young patient. The team of doctors consulted with medical experts from Japan and Korea to choose the best approach.
Born prematurely at 36 weeks, little Matvii suffered from a rare condition called biliary atresia, which meant that his gallbladder and bile ducts were missing. This led to the accumulation of toxins in the liver and the rapid development of cirrhosis. The late diagnosis made other treatment options impossible, and a liver transplant was the only way out.
Matvii was admitted to Okhmatdyt in critical condition at the age of four months with severe liver and kidney failure. For a week, intensive care physicians, resuscitators and nephrologists supported the functions of his organs with the help of special equipment. When the boy’s condition was stabilised, the doctors decided to perform the transplant.
‘Mono-segment liver transplantation from an adult donor requires very precise calculations, as the organ must match the weight and physiological characteristics of the child. Matvii’s donor was his mother, whose liver was ideally suited for this extremely complex operation. The lobe we transplanted weighed 118 grams,’ explained transplantologist Oleg Godik.
The operation lasted almost a day: first, the doctors took the organ from the mother, and then transplanted it into the boy. After the operation, Matvey underwent a difficult rehabilitation course, and his mother was able to see him only on the third day.
Matvey was discharged home and will continue his recovery. For the next six months, he will undergo regular check-ups under the supervision of Okhmatdyt doctors.
