At Manning Family Children’s, our Liver Transplant Program team provides
expert, multidisciplinary care for children with severe or life-threatening
liver disease. As the only freestanding pediatric liver transplant program
in Louisiana, we offer personalized evaluation, surgery, and long-term
management—supporting children and families from diagnosis through
recovery and beyond.
Whether your child needs an urgent transplant or ongoing monitoring, our
pediatric liver specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Manning Family Children’s for Liver Transplant Care
When your child is diagnosed with a serious liver condition, families deserve
specialized care and a team they can trust. At Manning Family Children’s,
families benefit from:
The region’s only pediatric liver transplant program: We offer a full range of transplant options and provide support through
the entire process—all right here in Louisiana, so you can stay
close to home while receiving the highest level of care.
Multidisciplinary team of highly trained liver care specialists: Each child is cared for by an experienced team that includes pediatric
hepatologists, transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, critical care providers,
psychologists, dietitians, and more.
Family-centered approach: We believe that parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child’s
healing. That’s why we work closely with families to ensure you're
always informed, supported, and involved.
Individualized evaluation and treatment planning: Every child is different, and so is their care. Our team looks closely
at your child’s specific needs through a thorough evaluation and
creates a personalized treatment plan.
Liver Conditions We Treat
A liver transplant may be recommended for children with the following conditions:
Acute liver failure: Sudden loss of liver function that requires immediate care
Alagille syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the liver and other parts of the body
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: An inherited condition that can lead to liver and lung disease
Autoimmune hepatitis: A condition where the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation
and damage
Biliary atresia: A blockage in the bile ducts that prevents bile from draining properly
Cirrhosis of the liver: Scarring of liver tissue that interferes with normal liver function
Cholestatic diseases: Conditions that reduce or block the flow of bile from the liver
Liver tumors and cancers: Uncontrolled cell growth in the liver that can affect its function
Metabolic liver diseases: Inherited disorders that affect how the liver processes nutrients and
removes waste
Other rare or complex liver diseases
Types of Liver Transplants Offered
Our team performs every type of transplant surgery, including:
Whole liver transplant: A full liver is transplanted from a donor
Live donor liver transplant: A portion of a healthy liver is transplanted from a donor
Split liver transplant: A liver from a donor is divided and shared between two recipients
Segmental liver transplant: A smaller portion of a liver is transplanted, typically for infants or
smaller children
Meet the team
Medical Providers
Patricio Arias Valencia, MD, Director of Pediatric Hepatology and Medical Director of Liver Transplant Program
Additional specialists—including infectious disease experts, therapists,
lab technicians, and social workers—may also be involved in your
child’s care, depending on their needs.
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you make decisions regarding
your child’s healthcare. Contact us at
504.896.9238.
Gastroenterology, Pediatric GastroenterologyView Profile
