Asian Centre for Liver Diseases & Transplantation

Donor:

Once the donor’s condition is stabilized, he/ she will be transferred out of the ICU to the semi- or private room in the Liver Ward and will continue to be given pain medications and fluid via IV (intravenous) drip for a short period before beginning to eat and drink. Provided there is no complication, the donor is encouraged to:

‘Exercise’ as in walking around, flexing and relaxing the leg muscles, to help prevent the formation of blood clots and muscle wasting;
Take deep breaths and cough periodically to prevent pneumonia The donor usually stays in the hospital for seven to ten days after surgery. The donor can expect to experience pain and discomfort anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. After discharge from the hospital, the transplant coordinator will schedule a follow-up visit for the
transplant surgeon;
Liver ultrasound;
Blood tests every 3 months for 1 year post surgery.

1 to 3 months post-transplant surgery:

It is strongly recommended that the donor rest for 6 to 8 weeks before returning to work. Strenuous activity or heavy lifting should be avoided upon returning to work or lifestyle for up to 3 months. The incision needs time to completely heal and the pain/ discomfort to recede. It is imperative to start any exercise slowly and then build up gradually without putting too much strain on the abdominal muscles. The liver is known to regenerate to its normal size within 1 to 3 months post surgery and donor is expected to return to normal life by the end of the 3rd month. Though allowed, it is always best to limit alcohol intake to a moderate level.

Female donors are strongly advised not to get pregnant till after 6 months post-surgery.

Post 1 year transplant surgery:

The donor is required to go for annual ultrasounds of the liver and blood tests to ensure that there is no delayed complication as a result of the surgery.

Though the liver has regenerated to full size, the donor will not be able to donate again in the future. This is because only the tissue of the liver regenerates and not the bile ducts that is associated to it.