A Phenomenological Study on Transplant Life Post-liver Transplantation in Greece: Reconstructing Identity and Managing a Transformed Body.

Introduction: Organ transplantation is a complex process and one of the most advanced procedures for patients suffering from end-stage liver disease. Transplant Life (TL) has been described as uncertainty, adjustment to later life, and body reclamation. This qualitative study explores the experiences of TL post-liver transplantation among adult individuals in Greece, as such research is pivotal in stepping into their world, but still scarce.

Aim: To investigate the experience and challenges of TL post-liver transplantation.

Methods: A phenomenological study where 12 adult participants shared their TL experiences after liver transplantation through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed, coded, and subjected to the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke. This paper presents the findings of a secondary data analysis.

Findings: The participants described TL post-liver transplantations as a transformative experience. The core theme "The lived experience of transplant life: reconstructing identity and managing a transformed body" comprised of five sub-themes: (a) Life and Reality: "finding myself in a new reality," (b) Selfhood and Others: "I am reborn, though afraid," (c) Managing a Transformed Body: "treasuring my liver transplant/graft," (d) The before and during transplantation experience: "will I wake up?," and (e) The Return to Life: "I am grateful."

Conclusions: The participants described their experience as one of growth and body reclamation, resilience, navigation through risks, acceptance and uncertainty, identity reconstruction, and body transformation through a transplanted organ.