Post-operative care for Liver transplant
A liver transplant involves replacing a dysfunctional liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is needed in those cases where a patient’s liver is not functioning adequately. There is a great risk associated with the procedure itself, along with the medication administered to prevent the new liver from rejection. Understanding the process correctly, and providing good quality post-operative care can speed up the patient’s recovery. If you are experiencing symptoms denoting liver disease, visit the Best Liver Transplant Hospital in Delhi for a checkup and get a proper assessment of your condition from the experienced doctors there.
If you have been diagnosed with liver failure and have received a liver transplant, adequate post-operative care will ensure a full recovery speedily.
Post-operative care following a liver transplant
At the hospital: The patient’s condition is monitored for signs of complications, bleeding, or infections for the first two days. The liver function is analyzed frequently with blood tests. The doctors will shift the patient to a general ward, depending on the stability of the blood tests and return of strength. Loss of appetite, fatigue, or vomiting is common in this period, which is treated with medicines.
After discharge: A discharge summary is given that details the protocols required. Family members should get acquainted with the various tests needed to monitor the liver function frequently. They must look out for any warning signs that could indicate complications. Conducting regular checkups at the Best GI Surgery Hospital in Delhi will hasten the recovery process.
- Preventing infections: You need to take all precautions to prevent infections from coming in the way of recovery. Family members must keep the house clean always using disinfectants. The number of visitors should be restricted. You must take all antibiotics and medicines on time. If permitted by the doctors, you can go out after a few months but wear a face mask at crowded places. You must cut your nails regularly and also clean your hands frequently with soap or antiseptic solution
- Nutrition: Loss of appetite is normal after a liver transplant. In time, the appetite shows gradual improvements. It is essential to eat a high-protein diet to speed up the wound-healing process and regenerate the liver. All food, especially meat, needs to be cooked thoroughly. Fruits and vegetables must be washed well before eating. Drink only boiled or filtered water. Eat small and frequent meals, and avoid large meals. You also need to consume more calcium-rich foods like milk or cheese. Avoid deep-fried and spicy foods
- Activity: Avoid intense workouts and lifting heavy weights for a while. Remain active with simple exercises like walking or climbing stairs. These activities will improve mobility and provide strength. Simple breathing exercises will expand your lungs and open up air passages
- Regular tests and checkups: It is crucial to make follow-up visits to your hospital once a week in the initial recovery period. Frequent blood tests are necessary to analyze if the liver is functioning correctly and if blood counts are normal. Change your dressings when required, and check the progress of your wounds.
- Medications: Anti-rejection medicines play an essential role in recovery. They need to be taken life-long to prevent your body from rejecting the new liver. Eat other medication in time, such as antibiotics, antacids, or blood thinners, to avoid complications.
Proper post-operative care will guarantee your speedy recovery and a return to a normal, active life. Visit Saroj Hospital, the best Centre for Liver Transplant in Delhi, if you are experiencing symptoms of liver disease. The hospital provides world-class amenities and has highly-advanced equipment for diagnosis and treatment. The well-qualified doctors at the hospital have performed several liver transplants and enjoy a high success rate.