Sahana Shankar is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist based in Melbourne, VIC, Australia. She looks after babies, children, and teens who have problems with their digestive system, especially when the liver, bile ducts, or pancreas are involved.
For many families, these issues can be scary and confusing. Conditions like cholestasis and biliary atresia can affect how bile flows and how the liver works. There are also other liver-related conditions such as Alagille syndrome and portal hypertension. In some situations, kids may need extra help and close follow-up over time.
Sahana Shankar also cares for children with long-term digestive and gut health needs. This can include cystic fibrosis, where the digestive system can be affected, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which may lead to ongoing trouble with digestion and growth. Diarrhea is another common reason families seek care, and it can have many causes, so getting the right diagnosis matters.
Some cases are linked to early life or pregnancy-related factors. For example, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can be relevant for babies. ABO incompatibility is also listed among the conditions she manages, and it can affect newborns during the first days of life.
There are times when care is very complex and involves specialist planning. Sahana Shankar works in this space where advanced treatment may be part of the story, including support around liver transplant and pancreas transplant. Families can feel overwhelmed in these moments, so clear next steps and steady monitoring are important.
Overall, the focus is on practical, family-centred care for children with liver, bile and gut conditions. In many cases, it’s about getting symptoms under control, watching progress, and adjusting the plan as the child grows. At times, that also means coordinating with other parts of the hospital team so care stays in one place and doesn’t feel scattered.