The first successful paediatric liver transplantation for acute liver failure is another sparkling gem in the crown of the Colombo North Centre for Liver Diseases (Ragama) of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. The Colombo North Centre for Liver Diseases evolved with a name-change in May this year from the North Colombo Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Liver Transplant Unit established in May 2012, contributing pioneering work to saving numerous lives, while also taking on referrals from across the country. Diluni needed a very urgent liver transplant, as otherwise she would die in a few days. A team member of the Colombo North Centre for Liver Diseases says that usually it would take about two months to prepare a child who was suffering from cirrhosis and needed a transplant. Diluni needed a transplant soon because she not only had acute liver failure but also cerebral oedema and encephalopathy (a decline in brain function).

Source: Sunday Times October 10, 2021 00:22 UTC