Trapianto di fegato pediatrico: valutazione dei fabbisogni e proposta di realizzazione di un algoritmo di riferimento e trattamento in regione Toscana

The Italian donation and transplantation network is organized at a regional level. Each regional authority provides transplant care to its residents, either within its local hospitals or referring patients to extra-regional care facilities within predefined management algorithms. Despite its deceased donation activity, in Tuscany there is not yet any formal pediatric LT (PLT) program. This research project aims to design a regional referral and management algorithm for children affected with liver disease, in view of the institution of a regional PLT center. Recently, the scenario of PLT has been reshaped by introduction of technological advancements, in the form of splitting liver techniques, living donor transplantation and minimally invasive or robot–assisted liver resections. All of these issues should be addressed to provide health care administrators and professionals thourough overview of PLT and of the challenges related with implementation of such a practice at a regional level.