The patient is carefully monitored for several weeks for signs of rejection of the liver. This depends on many factors such as the age and general health of the patient and also the disease. The exact figure varies from one disease to another and at what stage in the disease transplantation is performed. Survival rates in centres performing transplantation have significantly increased in the last decade. In part this depends on how ill the individual was prior to the surgery.
Most patients spend a few days in an intensive care unit and about two to three weeks in hospital.
Initially in the intensive care unit all body functions including liver function are carefully monitored. Once patients are transferred to the ward the frequency of blood testing and other investigations decreases. Normal eating is encouraged and physiotherapy is used to restore muscle strength. Medicine to prevent rejection of the new liver is initially given by injection, but later in tablet form. During the first six weeks after transplantation, frequent tests are done to monitor liver function and detect any evidence of rejection.