After the liver transplant from a brain-dead donor, Hieu's health gradually stabilized, showing clear changes. Two months post-surgery, he no longer had jaundice, ate better, his abdomen reduced in size, and he became more cheerful and active. For his family, these seemingly ordinary changes brought immense joy after a long battle with his illness.

Le Thi Huong, 33, Hieu's mother, said she truly felt her son was returning to a normal child's life. "He smiles more, enjoys playing, and asks for foods he couldn't eat before. Our family is grateful to the organ donor because, thanks to that sacrifice, our son has a chance to be healthy and grow up like other children," the mother shared.

The child patient receiving treatment in the hospital. Photo: Family provided

Pham Duc Hieu was born in 2019. At one month and 10 days old, he began to show abnormal symptoms: jaundice, yellow eyes, pale stools, dark urine, and a gradually enlarging abdomen. Doctors at Thanh Hoa Children's Hospital diagnosed him with congenital biliary atresia, a condition where bile ducts inside and outside the liver are blocked, leading to bile retention and early cirrhosis. In Southeast Asia, the incidence of this severe disease is about one in 9,000 to one in 5,000 newborns.

More alarmingly, common complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and bile duct infections often strike suddenly, like a "biological bomb" waiting in the body. This kept the parents in constant fear, knowing that a delayed emergency response could mean losing their son forever.

Hieu received treatment at the National Children's Hospital. His first surgery, at two months and 10 days old, involved removing his gallbladder and a portion of his cirrhotic liver. Post-surgery, he was hospitalized multiple times due to infections, high fever, swollen limbs, abdominal distension, a weak constitution, dull skin, and poor appetite.

Doctors called Hieu's mother into a room to discuss his condition. The treatments had not yielded expected results, and his liver disease continued to worsen. A liver transplant was the solution needed as soon as possible to save his life.

"Hearing that, I was stunned," Huong recalled. She understood her son was on the brink of life and death, but simultaneously, another worry arose: a liver transplant required a substantial amount of money, about 500 million VND, which the family could barely afford.

"I would pay any price to save my son, but where would I get the money for the surgery?" the mother said. With her husband separated, Huong's sole income of 5 million VND per month was barely enough to care for her son, while her elderly father, Hieu's maternal grandfather, was frequently ill. Many advised her to give up hope, saying, "It's so expensive to treat him, maybe just stop."

Hieu during his days in the hospital. Photo: Family provided

Due to insufficient funds, Hieu endured seven years of illness and prolonged treatments. Every one to two months, he had to be hospitalized. Sometimes, his condition would worsen suddenly, forcing his mother to rush him over 100 km to the hospital. Each treatment period lasted 10 days, sometimes half a month. At home, Hieu's health remained weak, with frequent minor illnesses, while his liver function continued to decline. The disease caused his abdomen to swell, making walking difficult. His childhood lacked playful outings, favorite foods, or normal school days like his peers.

Fortunately, Hieu received partial financial support for his liver transplant from the Mat Troi Hy Vong program (Hy Vong Fund - VnExpress). A brain-dead donor's liver was found to be compatible. The liver was transported to the National Children's Hospital, where doctors performed the transplant on Hieu in 6/2026, when his liver function could no longer be sustained.

The surgery lasted 11 hours, from 10:00 to 21:00. During that time, his mother sat outside the operating room, constantly checking the clock and silently praying. When doctors announced the successful liver transplant, Huong "could not believe what she had just heard." All her worries, fears, and the months of struggling to save her son culminated in tears. She covered her face and cried, for the first time in a long while truly feeling that her son had a chance to live.

After the transplant, doctors reported stable liver function. Hieu was discharged home and scheduled for follow-up appointments.

Hieu healthy after the liver transplant. Photo: Family provided

Liver transplantation is one of the most complex techniques in gastroenterology and hepatobiliary surgery, offering a chance at life for many patients with end-stage liver disease. In 2022, over 37,000 transplants were recorded globally, mostly from brain-dead donors. Living-donor liver transplantation is common in some Asian countries, including Vietnam. Experts state that most liver transplants in Vietnam are from living donors, with a five-year survival rate of 75%, comparable to other countries.

Doctors acknowledge that cost is a barrier limiting the number of liver transplants. Most child patients with chronic end-stage liver disease require continuous hospitalization or follow-up visits, leading to a heavy financial burden. Typically, a 40-day hospital stay costs about 300 million VND. Post-transplant, children need regular follow-ups, a strict diet, and meticulous hygiene, estimated to cost 5-10 million VND per month. Especially during the first two years, annual costs are approximately 200 million VND.

The day Hieu was cleared for discharge was one of Huong's happiest days. "I was so happy I didn't know what to say. All those days hoping for my son's health finally came true," Huong emotionally shared. Her son still needs long-term monitoring and care after the transplant, but at least Hieu has another chance to grow up, go to school, and live a normal life like other children.

Ten cua ban - Mat Troi Hy Vong

ID chuong trinh: 195961

Thuy Quynh