The Knowledge Board:
Transplants (Liver)
Patients who have had a liver transplantation will need to remain in the hospital for up to three weeks. During this time the doctors will check that the new liver is fully functioning. The patients will be given medicines to prevent the rejection of the newly implanted liver and the possibility of infections. It takes up to 8 weeks for the surgery wounds to heal and about 12 weeks to recover entirely.
Blood tests can reveal the first signs of rejection. This can be asymptomatic or the patients could have symptoms like: nausea, fever, pain and jaundice (a yellow colouring of the skin). In case of rejection a biopsy will be necessary to make sure that the liver has been rejected.
Immune suppressants, (some listed below), usually cyclosporin, are always given to prevent rejection. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent the risk of infections and antacid o reduce the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers. Although the risk of rejection decreases over time, patients who have undergone a liver transplantation will have to take immunesuppressants for the rest of their life. Long term use of immunesuppressants can give side effects varying from increased blood pressure and cholesterol to weakening of the bones and kidney problems.
Other medications used
Bactrim - PCP (pneumocystis Carnii Penumonia)
CYTOVENE® (ganciclovir)
ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir)
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