What happens during the transplant operation?
The surgeon makes a chevron-shaped incision below the ribcage, removes the diseased liver and sews the new liver in its place. Because of the complexity of the liver and the time it can take to re-attach its vessels, the surgery can last from 8 to 10 hours, sometimes even longer. What should a recipient expect immediately following transplantation? Recipients typically stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) for two to three days if there are no complications. The transplant patient will have intravenous lines to monitor his or her condition and several drainage tubes to help drain fluid from around the liver and bile duct. These lines and tubes require specialized nursing care. Recipients usually can go to a transplant surgery floor to regain strength and prepare for going home. If all goes well, a recipient can expect to spend an average of two to three weeks in the hospital.
