Long-Term Outcomes of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Large-for-size syndrome caused by organ size mismatch increases the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome. Massive transfusion and portal vein clamping during liver transplantation may cause abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) related to mesenteric congestion. In general pediatric surgery-such as correcting gastroschisis-abdominal wall reconstruction for the reparation of defects using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is an established method. The purpose of this study is to describe the ePTFE-Gore-Tex closure method in patients with or at a high risk of ACS among pediatric liver transplant patients and to investigate the long-term prognosis and outcomes.

METHODS

From March 1988 to March 2018, 253 pediatric liver transplantation were performed in Seoul National University Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the cases that underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with ePTFE during liver transplantation.

RESULTS

A total of 15 cases underwent abdominal closure with ePTFE-GoreTex graft. We usually used a 2 mm × 10 cm × 15 cm sized Gore-Tex graft for extending the abdominal cavity. The median follow up was 59.5 (17-128.7) months and there were no cases of ACS after transplantation. There were no infectious complications related to ePTFE implantation. The patient and graft survival rate during the study period was 93.3% (14/15).

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal wall reconstruction using ePTFE is feasible and could be an alternative option for patients with a high risk of ACS.