Immediately after the operation, you will be taken to the intensive Care Unit, where you will remain for 24-48 hours, or longer if necessary. You will remain sedated for the first couple of hours, or longer if necessary. A tube will already have been placed through your mouth which will go down into your lungs. This will be attached to the ventilator and will assist breathing, and clearing secretions from your lungs. Although the tube is not painful, it can be uncomfortable. You may feel that you are not getting enough air, but your are. Relax and let it do the work. As you will not be able to talk, just nod yes or no. After a few hours the tube will be removed and replaced with an oxygen mask.

You will have up to four wound drains placed either side of your abdominal wound, these will remain in place until drainage is minimal. Also, a urine catheter will be in place. It is important to measure your urine output every hour for the first couple of days. This will usually be removed within a week of your transplant. On the day after your operation you will have an ultrasound scan of your abdomen carried out to visualise the blood vessels, bile ducts, liver and spleen. You will probably not remember this, as you may still be drowsy from the sedation. When you are well enough you will be transferred to 7B, where you will stay until discharge.