Nursing of digestive tract fistula after orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract

Objective To summarize nursing experience of digestive tract fistula after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods From January 2000 to December 2010,1173 patients received liver transplantation,among whom 61 recipients got digestive tract fistula during early stage after operation.The clinical data and major nursing measures of 61 patients were studied retrospectively. Results The incidence rate of digestive tract fistula after OLT was 5.20％.The incidence rate of bile leakage,gastric fistula,duodenal fistula,jejunal fistula,ileal fistula and transverse colon fistula were 3.90％,0.42％,0.08％,0.34％,0.08％ and 0.34％,respectively.The onset time of digestive tract fistula was from 3 to 24 days post transplantation,and atypical symptoms such as fever,abdominal pain,abdominal distention,weakened enterocinesia and even septic shock were presented.And the rising or descending of white blood cells counts,rising of level of transaminase and total bilirubin in laboratory examination were simultaneously presented.Four patients died of bile leakage,and other seven patients died of intestinal fistula throughout conservative or operative treatment.The rest of 50 were discharged healthily. Conclusions The morbidity of digestive tract fistula after OLT is low,but its mortality rate is high.It is necessary to closely observe patients' condition and confirm diagnosis in early stage,in order to promote the healing of digestive tract fistula after OLT.At the same time,psychological,basic and dietary nursing should be given in order to enhance the survival rate and quality of life of patients. Key words: Liver transplantation; Digestive tract fistula; Nursing