After liver transplant surgery, patients are taken to the intensive care unit. There, they are closely monitored.

The breathing tube will remain in place until it is found that the patient can breath independently. Patients continue to receive IV fluids and pain medications. A bladder catheter will drain urine so that the patient does not need to use a urinal or bedpan.

Once the patient fully wakes up from the anesthesia and has been “extubated,” the Transplant Team will continue to assess the patient daily to see how well the new liver is functioning. The patient will continue to receive fluids and nutrition intravenously, but will eventually move to a normal diet. Physical therapy is started so the patient can regain muscle strength.

The average hospital stay for a liver transplant is usually several weeks.

Postoperative Care & Recovery
Once patients are discharged home, they must monitor their temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and weight. They will need to have regular lab tests and to have periodic follow-up visits with the Jefferson Transplant Service, especially in the months immediately following the transplant.

Liver transplant patients are often prescribed a special diet to prevent water retention and to maintain a normal weight and blood pressure. This is very important for their overall good health.

Most importantly, patients who have a liver transplant must continue to take their immunosuppressant drugs. Immunosuppressants help to decrease the risk that their bodies will reject their new liver. These drugs must to be taken for the rest of their lives.

Liver Transplant Recovery
Every patient is different, but most liver transplant patients are able to return to their normal activities with 6 to 12 months. Individual expectations should be discussed with the Transplant Team.