Post surgical care

  • How soon after surgery I will be able to walk?

    • Two to three days after surgery patients start walking. At the beginning, a patient will be assisted by a nurse or a physiotherapist. They will show you how to properly get out of bed and they will support your first steps.
    • It should be noted that your body after surgery will be more sensitive to infections. Therefore, during first postsurgical days, it is highly recommended to stay in the premises of post-surgical care unit and to avoid contacts with relatives and friends.
    • After surgery, while spending time in bed, it is important to do breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia. After surgery you will be visited by physiotherapist who will show you the necessary exercises. These exercises will strengthen the weakened muscles, improve blood circulation and prevent lung congestions.
  • How soon after surgery I will be able to eat?

    • Immediately after surgery you will not be able to eat or drink. After few hours you will start drinking small sips of liquid. On the following day after surgery, the amount of liquid consumed usually is no longer restricted, and you will also be allowed to consume liquid foods. Within 3 – 4 days after surgery you will progress to regular diet.
    • Your doctor will evaluate how much liquid you should drink each day. Please keep in mind, that you will be required to consume more liquid than you used to drink during dialysis – it may amount up to several litres a day. Right after transplantation, some people experience massive urination (polyuria). There is no reason to worry about because the amount of urine will eventually decrease. However, in this case, you will temporarily injest liquid intravenously.
  • How soon after surgery I will be able to go home?

    • Usually within 3 – 4 weeks after surgery patients feel strong enough to leave the hospital and continue treatment at home.
    • However, post-surgical period in the hospital can be lengthy (see Section on Complications at Early Post-Surgical Period).