Surgical Recovery

Right After the Surgery

• Hand/arm transplant recipients spend time in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

• In the ICU, the recipient’s new hand(s) will also be monitored for any signs of rejection and to ensure there is adequate blood supply. 

• Recipients immediately start taking anti-rejection medication.¹ 

After a Few Days in the ICU

• Recipients transition to a regular hospital room, or to a dedicated transplant ward or floor. 

• The medical team will continue to closely monitor the recipient’s hand(s) and vital signs. 

• Physical or occupational therapists will start working with the recipient to exercise and stretch the hands, preserve range of motion, and help prevent full body deconditioning from occurring.

In the Hospital

Recipients generally spend two weeks to three months in the hospital after their transplant surgery. The timing of discharge from the hospital depends on many factors, including: 

• Complication(s) following the transplant surgery

• Anti-rejection medication regimen, which may differ based on the center

• Healing progress

• The patient’s home situation, such as:

  • In-home support (e.g., family, caregiver)

  • Location of the recipient’s home

  • Layout of the recipient’s home

Mental Health Referrals

Recipients may benefit from working with a mental health professional after receiving a transplant. 

• A mental health professional can help recipients process this transitional period in their lives. 

• Mental health support can help recipients cope with their newfound dependence on a caregiver during recovery and the amount of time needed in hand therapy for the transplant to become functional.