St. Luke's Liver Transplant Program
Referral phase | Pre-transplant | Transplant | Discharge & follow-up | Resuming activity | FAQs | How UNOS works
Transplant phase
The call to come to the medical center for a liver transplant can come at any time. As Aurora St. Luke's Procurement Team facilitates the recovery of the liver from the donor hospital, the transplant patient is prepared for surgery at St. Luke's.
Following surgery, time spent in one of St. Luke's specialized Intensive Care Units varies for each patient. The total length of hospitalization generally depends on how sick patients were before their transplant and how well they are recovering after the surgery.
During the hospital stay, the transplant team monitors the function of the new liver and closely watches for signs of infection, rejection and medication side effects. Patients also are educated about their immunosuppressive medication program, which begins with the transplant, and what to look for and expect when they return home.
Physical therapy usually begins in the hospital and continues at home with an individualized exercise program planned by a rehabilitation specialist.
To learn more, click here or call 414-646-2550.
