Early abdominal complications following heart and heart-lung transplantation

C J Watson1, N V Jamieson, P S Johnston

  • 1Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.

Insights

Abdominal complications occurred in 9.5% of heart and heart-lung transplant patients within 30 days. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention, like laparotomy, are crucial for successful management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Papworth Hospital's heart and heart-lung transplant program has a significant history.
  • Abdominal complications are a known risk following major organ transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence and types of early abdominal complications after heart and heart-lung transplantation.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical intervention in managing these complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 429 patients undergoing heart or heart-lung transplantation over 11 years.
  • Analysis of patient records for abdominal complications within 30 days post-transplant.
  • Assessment of surgical outcomes for patients requiring laparotomy.

Main Results:

  • 41 out of 429 patients (9.5%) developed abdominal complications within 30 days.
  • Common complications included pancreatitis, peptic ulceration, and pseudo-obstruction.
  • 20 patients required surgery, with laparotomy being well-tolerated.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for managing post-transplant abdominal complications.
  • Laparotomy is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool when an acute abdomen is suspected.

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