A 20-month-old girl from Malaysia received a life-saving liver transplant in Shanghai, using part of her mother’s liver.
The baby had jaundice since birth and was diagnosed with bile duct blockages. These blockages caused bile to build up in her liver. Although initial surgery can help, most children in her condition eventually need a liver transplant.
At just one month old, the girl underwent surgery, but her health did not improve. Her symptoms worsened, prompting experts in Malaysia to recommend seeking help from Renji Hospital in Shanghai. Renji Hospital is renowned for its expertise in pediatric liver transplants.
The family contacted Dr. Xia Qiang, the hospital’s president. After evaluating the girl, Dr. Xia confirmed she needed urgent surgery.
To fund the procedure, the family raised money through local media, gathering enough funds in just three days. Contributions included a donation from Malaysia’s prime minister. Renji Hospital assisted the family with travel arrangements, including obtaining visas for their trip to Shanghai.
The surgery took place on April 26. Surgeons split the mother’s liver into two parts, transplanting one part into the girl. The operation was successful.
Both mother and daughter recovered well. The baby was moved from the ICU to a regular ward five days post-surgery. After weeks of treatment and rehabilitation, the family returned home.
Renji Hospital is the largest children’s liver transplant center globally, holding the record for the highest number of annual surgeries for ten consecutive years. Its patients have one of the best long-term survival rates worldwide.
The hospital has performed over 3,400 pediatric liver transplants with a five-year survival rate of 94 percent. Renji Hospital doctors have also collaborated with the University Malaya Medical Centre, guiding four liver transplant surgeries and helping to establish a professional medical team in Malaysia.
Additionally, the two institutions have agreed on international training projects.
Renji Hospital is a leading facility in Shanghai’s international medical tourism scheme. It attracts expat patients due to its high medical standards, innovative practices, international experience, and competitive pricing. According to hospital officials, the cost of a pediatric liver transplant in Shanghai is only a fifth of that in the United States.
