Outcomes of abdominal surgeries in cirrhotic patients performed by liver transplant surgeons: Are these safe?

BACKGROUND: Elective abdominal surgeries in patients with cirrhosis have been discouraged due to the high risk of complications. This study investigates the outcomes and safety of surgeries for hernias, and laparoscopic cholecystectomies in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study that compared 91 cirrhotic patients to a control group of non-cirrhotic patients operated by liver transplant surgeons was conducted between 2009 and 2015. RESULTS: No statistical significance found in re-admission rates or complication rates (p = 0.21). Hernia recurrent rates were similar (p = 0.27). Survival rates among cirrhotic versus non cirrhotic group was 93.4% and 98.9% respectively (p = 0.0539). Amongst the 91 cirrhotic patients, there was a 100% survival rate for both ventral herniorrhaphies and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Survival in umbilical and inguinal herniorrhaphies was 88.2% and 89.5% respectively. Mortality rate for umbilical and inguinal hernias was 11.7% and10.5% respectively. Mortality by Child-Pugh (CP) class were; 8.8% for CP B and 10.7% for CP class C. All CP class A patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that elective operations could be performed safely with acceptable mortality in cirrhotic patients.