What happens during the recovery period after liver transplantation in the intensive care unit and nursing unit in the hospital?
Initially when the patient is in the intensive care unit, we closely monitor the patient’s bodily functions, including the liver function, very carefully. Once the patient has been transferred to the floor nursing unit, we decrease the frequency of blood testing, allowing eating, and initiate physical therapy and activity to help regain muscle strength. Some of the medicines to prevent rejection are initially given intravenously or by vein, but others are given by mouth immediately and eventually all medications are given by mouth. During the first six weeks after liver transplantation, we will request that the patient have frequent blood tests and other exams to monitor liver function and detect any evidence of rejection or infection in the new liver.
