Liver Transplant: Post-Transplant Care
Throughout our 25-plus year history, the Liver Transplant Program at Stanford has helped more than 1,400 people recover from transplant surgery. Better yet, fewer than 5 percent of our patients experience post-operative surgical complications.
Using a team approach that includes dedicated nutritionists, psychologists, and transplant nurses, post-operative care helps you return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Post-transplant care at Stanford is:
- Dedicated: From the operating room to inpatient recovery and your transition home, we meticulously plan and coordinate all aspects of your care.
- Personalized: Each person's transplant and recovery is different. Whether you need help getting out of bed or controlling discomfort, we deliver care and support to meet your unique needs.
- Comprehensive: We have an entire team of nurse coordinators dedicated to helping you avoid complications. Through regular clinic visits and follow up phone calls, we catch early warning signs and deliver prompt treatment to protect your new liver.
- Close to home: Our experts travel to hospitals throughout Northern California to help you get the best possible care after your transplant. Learn more about our outreach clinics.
Recovering From Your Transplant
Your new liver is a gift that comes with many responsibilities. In the days following your transplant procedure, our team of experts does all the heavy lifting - protecting your liver from rejection and helping you physically and mentally recover from major surgery.
As you are ready, we prepare you for your transition home and teach you how to make your new liver last a lifetime.
Recovering from transplant surgery:
- Intensive care unit (ICU): Immediately after surgery, you stay in our ICU. Here, specialized nurses and doctors provide round-the-clock monitoring for early signs of complications, such as infection and high blood pressure.
- Transplant unit: After your condition is stable we transfer you to the transplant unit. While continuing to monitor for signs of complications, we also help you get back into activities of daily living, such as eating solid food, getting out of bed, and walking.
- Discharge: After five to 10 days, you may be healthy enough to leave the hospital. However, you'll still need help taking care of yourself. Many people go to a rehabilitation facility before going home. Here, specialized therapists and nurses provide daily care while you get back your strength and independence.
Education
Before you leave the hospital, our dedicated liver transplant team teaches you how to take care of yourself as you recover.
Information we discuss may include:
- The different medications you need, possible side effects, and what to do if you run out
- How often to come back for liver disease testing and follow up care
- The signs of organ rejection and what to do if you experience them
- How to stay healthy and active
- How to protect your new liver from liver disease
- What to do if you feel sick
There is a lot of information for you to absorb, which is why we have developed the Stanford Liver Transplant Discharge Manual.
Support
We offer a range of support services to help you cope with the many challenges you and your family may face before and after your procedure:
- Our Caregiver Solid Organ Transplant Support Group gives you the opportunity to talk with others who share your journey through liver disease and transplant
- Social Work and Case Management helps you and your family prepare for discharge and coordinates services to help you have a smooth transition home