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. There are varying degrees of failure of the liver, and even with imperfect function the patient will remain quite well. Unfortunately, there is no dialysis treatment for the liver. Whereas a person with kidney failure can be maintained on an artificial kidney machine until a suitable time for transplantation, no such artifical liver is available.