Liver Transplantation

What to Expect After Liver Transplant Surgery

After the transplant operation, you will be taken to the transplant intensive care unit, where a team of trained transplant specialists will take care of you. You will meet physicians, nurses, pharmacists, residents, and social workers all whom specialize in transplant care.

Your heart rate, blood pressure, respirations, liver function, kidney function, and intravenous fluids will be measured and recorded.

Blood tests will be performed to test the function of the newly transplanted liver and if there is bleeding or infection. Your wound will be examined and recommendations will be made on the activity you should do that day and on your diet. You will be encouraged to walk as much as you can. While you are in the hospital, you will speak with a dietitian to learn about healthy eating habits to maintain the health of your new liver.

Potential Issues After Transplantation

Short-term

• Bleeding
• Infection (bacterial or viral)
• Bile leak

Long-term

• Infection (bacterial or viral)
• Acute rejection
• Chronic rejection
• Biliary stenosis
• Skin cancer, lymphoma
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis