Right subcostal incision in liver transplantation: prospective study of feasibility

Little is known about incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after liver transplantation (OLT). More frequently this problem occurs at the junction of midline and transverse incisions. We prospectively and consecutively used three different types of abdominal incisions in 47 OLTs. The results were compared in order to identify the type of incision and risk factors that determine herniae after OLT. The overall incidence was 17%. It occurred in 6 out of 19 patients (31.3%) with a transverse and right subcostal both with upper midline incision versus 2 out of 26 patients (7.7%) with only a right subcostal incision. In conclusion, a subcostal incision is sufficient to perform OLT and reduce hernia incidence after OLT.