Life after liver transplantation can return to normal as it was before the symptoms appeared, lasting up to 30 years.

The success rate of liver transplantation is 89% in adults and 95% in children.

Liver Transplant Surgery

Liver transplantation is performed for several purposes and saves many lives. It is a delicate procedure requiring careful attention before and after surgery.

Most common indications include:

• Liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B or C
• Cirrhosis from alcohol abuse
• Fatty liver disease due to obesity
• Hemochromatosis
• Wilson’s disease
• Biliary obstruction

Life After Liver Transplantation

Life usually returns to normal within six months, but the patient must follow lifelong instructions starting immediately after surgery.

Right after surgery:

• The patient stays in the ICU until stable, then moves to a regular hospital room for 5–10 days.
• Doctors monitor liver function closely to detect complications early.

Common complications:

• Rejection of the new liver (acute or chronic)
• Bleeding or clotting in abdominal vessels
• Biliary obstruction or leakage
• Wound infection or hernia

Medications After Surgery

Patients must take lifelong immunosuppressants to prevent rejection, such as:

• Prednisone
• CellCept (Mycophenolate mofetil)
• Mycophenolic acid

Side effects may include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Recurrent infections

Doctors may adjust medications to reduce side effects.

Tips After Liver Transplantation

General guidelines:

• Take prescribed medications on time.
• Attend all follow-up appointments.
• Avoid sources of infection.
• Do not take live-virus vaccines for at least 6 months.
• Get the annual flu vaccine.

Managing stress:

• Consider psychological support sessions.
• Stay close to supportive family and friends.
• Share your experiences with others.
• Set realistic new goals that fit your post-surgery lifestyle.

Healthy living:

• Follow a diet low in fat and salt.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Eat five small meals daily.
• Avoid grapes (possible interaction with immunosuppressants).
• Include plenty of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and water.
• Choose low-fat dairy.
• Exercise daily, starting with walking right after surgery, then progressing to running, swimming, or cycling.

Survival Rates

• Adults: 89% survive one year, 75% survive five years.
• Children: 95% survive one year, 90% survive five years.

Conclusion

Life after liver transplantation can return almost to normal, but requires:

• Lifelong adherence to medications.
• Regular medical follow-ups.
• A healthy diet and active lifestyle.
• Avoidance of infection sources.

With commitment, patients can live long and fulfilling lives after liver transplantation.

Sources:

• Liver transplant
• Indications for liver transplant
• Success rate of liver transplant