Localized fluid collections after liver transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transplant Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Liver transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage liver disease.
• Post-transplant fluid collections, including hematomas, seromas, bilomas, and abscesses, can compromise graft survival.
• Imaging modalities like ultrasonography and computed tomography are crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of localized intra-abdominal fluid collections following liver transplantation.
• To review imaging findings and literature related to post-liver transplant fluid collections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 138 liver transplant recipients between December 1988 and March 2005.
• Inclusion of patients who underwent transplantation from living-related and deceased donors.
• Review of ultrasonography and computed tomography images for diagnosed fluid collections.

Main Results:

• 56 localized intra-abdominal fluid collections were identified among 138 liver transplants.
• Hematomas (46), bilomas (4), and abscesses (6) were the most common types of collections.
• Collections occurred between 0 and 1095 days post-transplant, with an average volume of 375 cm³.

Conclusions:

• Localized intra-abdominal fluid collections are frequent after liver transplantation.
• These collections often decrease in size without intervention.
• Aspiration or drainage may be necessary for certain fluid collections in liver transplant patients.