Impact of Graft Quality and Fluid Overload on Postoperative Massive Ascites After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Abstract After living donor liver transplantation, we encounter cases with massive ascites, which is difficult to manage. We analyzed the risk factors for massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation. The subjects were 100 adult recipients who underwent living donor liver transplantation at Kyoto University Hospital from 2013 to 2017. We retrospectively assessed patient, graft, operative factors, and percent fluid overload, which were defined as [(weight on the day – preoperative weight)/preoperative weight] × 100%. We defined the massive ascites group as having a14-day average ascites ≥ 2500 mL and the mild ascites group as having a 14-day average ascites  Forty-seven patients were included in the massive group, and 53 patients were included in the mild group. There was no difference in short- and long-term survival. In multivariate analysis, the presence of preoperative ascites ( P = . 0008), 14-day average percent fluid overload ≥ 14.5% ( P = . 0095), graft-to-recipient weight ratio  P = . 0253), and donors’ age ≥ 47 years ( P = . 0466) were identified as independent risk factors for massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation. A liver graft with a small graft-to-recipient weight ratio or from an elderly donor, which may indicate poor graft quality, presence of preoperative ascites, and postoperative fluid overload were associated with massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation.