What are the most common complications following a liver transplant?
The two most common complications following your liver transplant are Rejection and Infection. These complications are most common in the first year following your transplant. • Rejection: Your body’s immune system is designed to destroy foreign cells such as bacteria and viruses, which are harmful to you. Your immune system attacks the cells of the new liver because they’re not like your body’s own cells. This attack is called “rejection,” the most serious problem that can happen after a transplant. To prevent rejection of the new liver, you need to take anti-rejection medicines called “immunosuppressants”. Examples are tacrolimus, cyclosporine, azathioprine, mycophenolate, prednisolone etc. Approximately 50% of liver transplant recipients experience at least one episode of rejection. Usually this rejection episode resolves completely with treatment. If you do not take your medication properly as instructed, your chances for rejection are higher. • Infection: Micro organisms called ba
