After Liver Transplant

When the surgery is complete, patients are taken to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) on 5 Founders. Patients wake up attached to special equipment including a breathing machine (ventilator) that was required during the operation. Several tubes and drains remove secretions from the stomach and abdomen. Some of these are removed after the first day following surgery, but others remain longer.

Possible Complications and Side Effects

Since liver transplantation is a complex procedure and patients with liver disease can be very sick, complications can and do occur. There are many potential complications of the transplant procedure itself, as well as possible side effects from the immunosuppressive medications patients are required to take following the procedure. Fortunately, complications are infrequent and most patients do not experience significant problems after transplant, but it is important to be aware of issues that may occur.

The Penn liver transplant team is extremely experienced in both the diagnosis and treatment of post-transplant problems. Not all complications can be anticipated, but the following is a list of the most common problems*:

  • Postoperative bleeding
  • Bile leak or blockage
  • Infection
  • Rejection
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Neurological or psychiatric side effects
  • Diabetes
  • Recurrent disease
  • Poor liver function requiring retransplantation

*For complete descriptions, see our patient guide.

For more information, please view our patient guide.

Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

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Liver Patient Guide