Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKIYE KLINIKLERI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI, cilt.32, sa.2, ss.346-353, 2012 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Objective: In this case series, the risk factors, types of repair and outcomes for the development of incisional hernias following liver transplantation are presented. Material and Methods: The medical records of 362 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation were analyzed retrospectively. This study was designed as a descriptive study and statistical methods were not used. Results were given as mean +/- standard deviation and number (%). Patients who were followed up for at least one year after liver transplantation were included in the study. Fiftyseven (15.7%) patients who died within the first six months were excluded. The risk factors, defect size, meshes used and types of repair were analyzed in nine patients who developed incisional hernia. Results: Incisional hernia was detected in nine (2.9%) out of 305 patients included in the study. The most common indication for liver transplantation was cirrhosis due to chronic viral hepatitis C. Complications (duodenal ulcer perforation, bleeding from hepatic artery anastomosis, bleeding from duodenal ulcer and mechanical intestinal obstruction) developed in four (44.4%) of these nine patients after liver transplantation. Relaparatomy was performed in three of nine patients. The mean largest diameter of defect was 27.9 +/- 10.1 (6-40) cm. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh was used most frequently for incisional hernia repair. Early or late complications did not develop except one patient who developed recurrent incisional hernia. Conclusion: In cirrhotic patients who have additional risk factors for incisional hernia development, the risk of hernia development may be reduced by using appropriate closure technique and materials after liver transplantation. A safe hernia repair may be performed by using an appropriate technique and meshes if the patient develops an incisional hernia.