Early re-laparotomy in recipients after living donor liver transplantation: causes, risk factors and consequences

Abstract

AbstractBackground/aim: Despite advancements in surgical methodologies and the extensive perioperative and postoperative care administered to recipients, the prevalence of complications requiring early re-laparotomy following living donor liver transplantation remains persistent. This investigation seeks to analyze the determinants influencing re-laparotomy occurrences in the initial 30 days following living donor liver transplantation. Additionally, our goal is to evaluate the impact of early laparotomy on both graft and patient survival within this distinct patient cohort.Materials and methods: The study encompassed recipients (n=535) aged 18 years and older who underwent primary living donor liver transplantation at our institution from January 2019 to December 2021. Exclusion criteria involved patients necessitating early re-transplantation. Early re-laparotomy was specified as surgical intervention within the initial 30 days following living donor liver transplantation.Results: The study enrolled a total of 535 patients, among whom 85 (15.9%) underwent early re-laparotomy. The median age of the patients was 54 years (41-60), with a predominant male representation (66.2%). Univariate analysis comparing laparotomy and non-re-laparotomy groups revealed statistically significant differences in creatinine (p=0.043), sodium (p=0.025), graft side (p