Recovery, care, and life after liver transplant
Care doesn’t stop after transplant surgery
The day of your liver transplant is the first day of a new journey. Our liver transplant team at Penn Medicine is with you every step of the way. Penn Medicine organ recipients become part of our transplant family. That means we’re here for you with care and support, not just while you’re on the waiting list or in the operating room, but for life.
Recovering from liver transplant surgery
Transplant surgery recovery is a physical and emotional process. We understand that this is a hopeful time, but also a challenging one. Whether it’s weeks or years after your transplant, our team is always here to provide care, answer questions, and support you in any way you need.
We also understand that loved ones are key to recovery, so we encourage them to be with you throughout your recovery time in the hospital and during meetings with your care team.
Your recovery starts as soon as liver transplant surgery is over. We move you into the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), where we watch you closely. You’ll start taking medications to help you heal and help your body adjust to your new liver. You’ll also have tests to make sure all your organs are working as they should.
After a few days, you move from the ICU into a regular hospital room. We provide education on what to expect as you heal and how to take care of yourself at home.
Your total time in the hospital will be about seven to 10 days. After that, you’ll recover at home for a few weeks.
Your total recovery time depends on your health before transplantation and whether you have any complications after surgery. Most people are able to return to work within about three months. After six to 12 months, you’ll be able to return to normal activity levels.
During the first six weeks after transplant surgery, you’ll have frequent blood tests and other exams to monitor the function of your new liver. This follow-up care is vital for detecting early signs of organ rejection or infection. Over time, liver transplant rejection becomes less likely. After your condition is stable, you may only need check-ups once or twice a year.
Your new liver requires special care. You’ll continue to take immunosuppressant and other medications to reduce the risk of rejection. You’ll need to follow a healthy diet, protect yourself from getting sick or developing infections, and maintain your check-up schedule.
Managing risks after liver transplant surgery
Rejection of the donor liver is the most serious risk as you move forward after surgery. We keep a close eye on you for the rest of your life to lower the risk of rejection and other complications, such as:
- Infection: The immunosuppressant medications you need to prevent rejection of your new liver also lower your immune response. Your providers will watch you for signs of bacterial or viral illnesses and treat you quickly.
- Bile duct issues: Bile ducts carry bile from your liver to your gallbladder and small intestine. When a liver is transplanted, your bile ducts are connected to the new liver. About 15-20 percent of people with a liver transplant experience a narrowing of the bile ducts or problems with blood supply.
What happens if a liver transplant is rejected?
If we suspect your body is rejecting your liver, we’ll do a biopsy to confirm. You may receive a higher dose of immunosuppression medication or a different type, plus steroids.
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