Treatment and outcome of intestinal perforation after liver transplant surgery in adults: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE Intestinal perforation is a rare complication after liver transplantation. This study was designed to calculate the incidence and investigate the outcomes of intestinal perforation in adult liver transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical records of liver transplant recipients between January 2014 and June 2016 were obtained. The incidence of intestinal perforation was calculated, and high risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS The mean operative time was 8.5 h (range: 6-11 h). The mean portal vein occlusion time was 66.5 min (range: 58-72 min), and the mean cold ischemia time was 7.9 h (range: 6.5-9.5 h). Four (2.7%) patients developed intestinal perforation from 9 to 14 days postliver transplant. All perforations were single and repaired by interrupted silk sutures. Two patients uneventfully recovered, but intestinal perforation recurred in two other patients. Simple repair was undertaken in one patient, and terminal ileum resection and ileostomy were performed in the other patient. There were no perioperative deaths. CONCLUSION The incidence of intestinal perforation after liver transplantation is low. Prompt diagnosis and treatment should be carried out to reduce comorbidities and mortality.