Q.  What is Biliary Atresia?

A.  Biliary Atresia is the congenital absence or closure of the ducts that drain bile from the liver.  The cause of the disease remains unknown.  More information can be found here.

 

Q.   What is a Kasai procedure?

A.  Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the preferred treatment is to remove the atretic biliary ducts outside the liver and attach the small intestine directly to the liver at the spot where bile is found or expected to drain.  The segment of intestine that connects to the liver also connects to the rest of the intestine and forms a “Y” connection called a “Roux-en-Y-hepatoportojejunostomy”.  More information can be found here.

 

Q.  Where can I find out more information about pediatric liver transplants?

A.  At the Childrens Liver Association for Support Services or C.L.A.S.S.

 

Q.  When and where did Trey have his transplant?

A.  The Lied Transplant Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha (Website) performed Trey and Christas surguries on July 7th, 2006.

 

Q.  Who was Treys donor?

A.  Treys aunt Christa volunteered to be his donor.

 

Q.  What restrictions will be on Trey as he grows up?

A.  Not much.  Liver transplant kids grow up to be healthy adults.  At an early age his immune system will be compromised because of his medication so common sense restrictions are in place to help him avoid people who are sick.  Once that medication level is decreased (some time around two years post transplant) his system should kick in and most if not all of the restrictions will be not as big a concern and he can go on to do all the things that other little boys will be doing.

 

Q.  What kinds of medications does Trey have to take?

A.  When he first left the hospital he was taking up to 8 medicines each day (some twice a day) to help with everything from rejection to infection.  Presently he is down to just three which he takes twice a day.  One is to continue help fight infection, one is to help soothe his tummy, and the last his rejection medicine, Prograf.  He will take Prograf every day for the rest of his life.

 

Q.  How are Trey and Christa doing today?

A.  Very well.  Christa is now an LPN after having graduated from Hamilton Colleges nursing program.  Trey has met all of the Drs.’ expectations and exceeded them in some areas.  He continues to improve and catch up on lost time every day.

 

Q.  Where can I get more information about becoming an organ donor?

A.  At the Donate Life website.