Sclerosing peritonitis and mortality after liver transplantation

Sclerosing peritonitis describes the development of a peel or rind of fibrosis that spreads over the peritoneal surface and can lead to recalcitrant ascites, bowel obstruction, and sepsis. It is well described as a complication of peritoneal dialysis, especially with episodes of bacterial peritonitis. It is also a complication of end-stage liver disease with ascites and liver transplantation. This article describes 3 cases of sclerosing peritonitis present at the time of liver transplantation or soon after. All 3 patients had massive refractory ascites with episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prior to transplantation. Two patients had evidence of a fibrous peel at the time of transplantation. Postoperatively, all 3 patients continued to have refractory ascites and episodes of peritonitis, along with partial small bowel obstructions, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. Two patients also had constriction of the graft, including biliary obstruction and inferior vena cava and outflow obstruction, which has not been previously described. All 3 patients eventually died from complications related to the sclerosing peritonitis.