Transplant Unit

What happens when I get to Hospital?

Once you arrive on the ward further blood tests and x-rays will be performed. If a relative has accompanied you, then the ward staff will try and arrange overnight hospital accommodation for them although unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed as there are a limited number of rooms available. They will be very welcome to stay with you until you go to the operating theatre.

Your operation

The length of the operation varies with each person but takes between six to ten hours on average. If you have had previous surgery it may take longer. The anaesthetist will put you to sleep, and ensure that you remain asleep and painfree during the operation.

Following your transplant

Immediately after your transplant operation you will be taken to either the Intensive Care Unit or the High Dependency Unit. You will be closely monitored and will have a nurse designated to solely look after you. Most people stay in the unit for one to three days, although this obviously varies depending on your condition.

When you wake up in the unit you may be aware of a breathing tube going from your mouth to your lungs. This is attached to a breathing machine ( ventilator ) and assists with your breathing until you are awake enough to breathe sufficiently unaided. Most people do not remember this period on a ventilator. As soon as you are able to breathe on your own the breathing tube will be removed.

Some people return to the unit from theatre breathing unaided, but will need to receive additional oxygen for a day or two. This will make you very thirsty, but you will be able to have frequent mouthwashes, and ice to suck, until you have recovered sufficiently to start drinking.

Every effort will be made to ensure that you experience as little pain as possible. You will be prescribed pain killing drugs (analgesics) and shown how to take deep breaths and move in the easiest way.

You will have a large wound in the shape of an inverted T. This will be covered by a dressing. Two tubes come from the wound – these are usually removed within two to three days. You will also be attached to a number of intravenous lines in order to provide you with nutrition, fluids and drugs, a naso-gastric tube passing through your nose to your stomach to drain the stomach contents, and a catheter to drain away your urine. Most people find that these lines are restrictive and uncomfortable as opposed to painful. They are usually removed during the first few days.

When will I go to the ward?

Once your condition is stable, and you are able to breathe unaided you will be transferred to the Transplant Ward (C9). The staff on this ward are specialists in caring for patients who have undergone transplant surgery. As you regain strength and confidence you will be encouraged to gradually regain your independence.

The average length of stay in hospital after a liver transplant is usually about three weeks. Again this can vary, depending on a number of factors. There are a number of problems that we expect to see in the first few weeks following a transplant. These include rejection.