The post-operative period

After the transplant surgery, your child will go directly to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Approximately one hour after arrival in the PICU, you will be able to come into the room to see your child. Pain medication and sedation will be used to keep your child comfortable. Also, he or she will have several IV's and a Foley catheter in his or her bladder.

The nurse in the PICU will explain the purpose of the monitors and tubes that your child has attached at this time. Before you enter your child's room, you will be asked to wash your hands, because hand washing is the most important way to protect your child from infection after surgery.

While in the PICU, typically a one-day stay, your child will have a nurse that is constantly monitoring his or her progress. The PICU nurses will encourage you to participate in your child's care as much as you like. Visiting hours in the PICU are from 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. for friends and relatives.

Parents and legal guardians may visit 24 hours a day. Due to the large amount of equipment and limited space, we ask that only two people be at the bedside at any one time. Anyone who has been exposed to communicable diseases or who is ill (colds, flu, etc.) is restricted from visiting in the PICU. We do not recommend that any child under the age of seven visit the PICU. Due to the limited space and activity of the unit, we do not allow parents to sleep at the bedside. We can, however, provide one cot per family to sleep in the parent waiting area.

When the transplant team feels that your child is ready, he or she will be transferred to the inpatient floor. Your child will need to begin walking about his room and participating in activities to increase his strength. The nurses on the floor and the transplant team will then teach your family how to take care of your child at home.

If all goes well, your child should be able to return home after approximately one week.