If you need a liver transplant, learning what to expect can help you throughout the process.
Emory Healthcare liver transplant experts want to prepare you for the initial evaluation, approval, surgery and recovery.
How Liver Transplant Works
What To Expect Before, During and After a Liver Transplant
The MARS machine saved my life because it provided the time that I needed to wait to get a liver.
—Simone, MARS liver dialysis and liver transplant recipient
Before Your Liver Transplant Surgery
You may be on the waitlist for a donor liver. Or, you may have a living liver donor. If you have a living donor, our transplant team will work with you to schedule your procedure.
If you are on the liver transplant waitlist, your transplant coordinator will call you when a potential liver donor becomes available. Your coordinator will ask about your current health to be sure you don’t have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may prevent you from undergoing transplant surgery.
Your surgeon will also examine the donor liver to be sure it’s strong and healthy.
If your coordinator and surgeon decide to move forward with liver transplant surgery, we will ask you to come to the hospital.
What To Expect When You Arrive for Your Transplant Surgery
When you arrive at Emory University Hospital for your liver transplant, our team will perform several tests. These include blood tests, a chest X-ray and EKG.
You will also talk with your transplant surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Liver Transplant Surgery
During liver transplant surgery, you will receive anesthesia to put you to sleep. You will have a breathing tube in your throat and a nasogastric (NG) tube in your nose. Both tubes will remain in place during and after your surgery. The tubes help you breathe and prevent your stomach from filling with air.
During liver transplant surgery, surgeons make an incision in your abdomen to remove your old liver and replace it with your new one.
You can expect your liver transplant surgery to take six to eight hours.
Post-Transplant Surgery Care
A liver transplant is a major surgery. You will need lots of time to heal.
After your liver transplant surgery, you will stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for one to four days. Here, you will rest and recover.
When you are ready to leave the ICU, our team will transfer you to the hospital’s surgical floor. You can expect to stay here for up to a week while you regain strength and mobility. Soon after surgery, you will work with physical therapists to get out of bed and begin walking.
While you recover in the hospital, you will also meet your post-transplant coordinator. This transplant team member will teach you how to care for your new liver. They will also arrange follow-up care and appointments. You can reach your post-transplant coordinator at any time by calling 855-366-7989.
Life After Liver Transplant Surgery
Living with a new liver will be life-changing. You will feel better and notice decreased symptoms of liver disease. Our team is committed to helping you return to normal activities as much as possible.
Going Home and Post-Transplant Care
When you leave the hospital, you may need to make lifestyle changes as you adjust to and care for your new liver. It’s important for you to keep track of daily activities, vital signs and medications. You should also slowly increase your walking and focus on eating healthy and drinking plenty of water. Avoid driving until your doctor says it’s ok. You should also avoid lifting more than 20 pounds for up to eight weeks after surgery.
If you need help with recovery, our team may recommend you stay at Mason House. This is a private guesthouse near Emory University Hospital.
Possible Post-Transplant Complications
It’s not uncommon to experience complications after liver transplant surgery. Your transplant team will talk with you about signs and symptoms to watch for.
Some of the most common post-transplant complications are:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Infection (bacterial and viral)
- Organ rejection
When To Call the Transplant Team
Call your transplant coordinator if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Blood in urine or bowel movements
- Blood pressure higher than 160/90 for two readings in a row
- Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or chills
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Excessive tiredness and fatigue
- Fever Inability to take medications for any reason
- Increased pain, redness or drainage at your incision
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Painful urination
- Persistent headache or flu-like symptoms
- Swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
- Unexplained rash, sores or bruising
- Weight gain of more than three pounds in a day or five to seven pounds in a week.
- Weight gain over three pounds in one day or five to seven pounds in a week
Post-Transplant Medications
You will need many medications after your liver transplant. Our team will help you understand each one and how to take it. Do not take any new medications without checking with your transplant team.
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