Risk factors for decompensation and death following umbilical hernia repair in patients with end-stage liver disease. Issue 10 (24th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malik, Abdullah K.; Varghese, Chris; Pandanaboyana, Sanjay; Sen, Gourab; Robinson, Stuart; McPherson, Stuart; Dyson, Jessica; Manas, Derek M.; Masson, Steven; Hammond, John S.
• Is Part Of: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 34:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 1060
• Page End: 1066
• Publication Date: 2022-08-24
• Subjects: cirrhosis -- decompensation -- end-stage liver disease -- hernia -- TIPS; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Liver -- Diseases; Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-691X

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Symptomatic umbilical hernias are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD). This study set out to characterise the factors predicting outcome following repair of symptomatic umbilical hernias in ESLD at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with ESLD who underwent repair of a symptomatic umbilical hernia between 1998 and 2020. Overall survival was predicted using the Kaplan–Meier method. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of decompensation and 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality. Results: One-hundred-and-eight patients with ESLD underwent umbilical hernia repair (emergency n = 78, 72.2%). Transjugular shunting was performed in 29 patients (26.9%). Decompensation occurred in 44 patients (40.7%) and was predicted by emergency surgery (OR, 13.29; P = 0.001). Length of stay was shorter in elective patients compared to emergency patients (3-days vs. 7-days; P = 0.003). Thirty-day, 90-day and 1-year survival was 95.2, 93.2 and 85.4%, respectively. Model for ESLD score >15 predicted 90-day mortality (OR, 18.48; P = 0.030) and hyponatraemia predicted 1-year mortality (OR, 5.31; P = 0.047). Transjugular shunting predicted survival at 1 year (OR, 0.15; P = 0.038). Conclusions: Repair of symptomatic umbilical hernias in patients with ESLD can be undertaken with acceptable outcomes in a specialist centre, however, this remains a high-risk intervention. Patients undergoing emergency repair are more likely to decompensate postoperatively, develop wound-related problems and have a longer length of stay. Transjugular shunting may confer a benefit to survival, but further prospective trials are warranted.