Using Radiographic Domain For Evaluating Indications In Abdominal Wall Transplantation

Background: There is currently no description of abdominal domain changes in small bowel transplantation population or consensus of criteria regarding which patients are at high risk for immediate postoperative abdominal wall complications or would benefit from abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 14 adult patients receiving intestinal or multivisceral transplantation. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were reviewed, and multiple variables were collected regarding abdominal domain and volume and analyzed comparing postoperative changes and abdominal wall complications.Results: Patients after intestinal or multivisceral transplantation had a mean reduction in overall intraperitoneal volume in the immediate postoperative period from 9031 cm(3) to 7846 cm(3) (P = 0.314). This intraperitoneal volume was further reduced to an average of 6261 cm(3) upon radiographic evaluation greater than 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.024). Patients with preexisting abdominal wound (P = 0.002), radiation, or presence of ostomy (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with postoperative abdominal wall complications. No preoperative radiographic findings had a significant association with postoperative abdominal wall complications.Conclusions: Computed tomography imaging demonstrates that intestinal and multivisceral transplant patients have significant reduction in intraperitoneal volume and domain after transplantation in the acute and delayed postoperative setting. Preoperative radiographic abdominal domainwas not able to predict patients with postoperative abdominalwall complications. Patientswith abdominalwounds, ostomies, and preoperative radiation therapy were associated with acute postoperative abdominal complications and may be considered for need of reconstructive techniques including abdominal wall transplantation.