What is a split liver transplant at Children's Health?

A split liver transplant involves dividing one donor liver into two portions for two different recipients.

How rare is a split liver transplant?

Split liver transplants are rare, performed at only a few select pediatric centers in the country.

Can a child receive half of an adult liver?

Yes, specialized techniques allow for the division of an adult liver to be used for both an adult and a child.

Home / Health / Rare Split Liver Transplant Saves Two

Rare Split Liver Transplant Saves Two

12 Dec

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Summary

Innovative technology enabled one donor liver to help two transplant patients.
A two-year-old and a 53-year-old received portions of a single liver.
This rare split liver transplant procedure is performed at select pediatric centers.

In a remarkable medical feat, doctors in North Texas successfully utilized a single donated liver to save the lives of two patients. This innovative split liver transplant procedure involved dividing an adult liver into two parts, enabling a two-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman to receive life-saving transplants.

Pediatric transplant surgeon Dr. Young Kwon performed the extremely rare surgery at Children's Health Medical Center in Dallas. This advanced technique, performed at only about 10 pediatric hospitals nationwide, offers a vital solution when suitable donor organs are scarce, especially for young patients like Luna Sifuentes who had end-stage liver failure.

Both recipients are recovering well, with Luna showing excellent prognosis and expected to lead a normal life. The family of the donor is acknowledged for their life-giving sacrifice, allowing their loved one's legacy to live on through two individuals. This advancement in transplant technology underscores the critical role of organ donation and medical innovation.