To determine the most common indications for second operation in liver transplanted patients, we studied all cases that underwent second operation (reoperation) in our center during past 13 years.
Methods: In a retrospective-descriptive design, all data regarding demographics (age and sex of donors and recipients), source of organ donation, duration of hospitalization, rejections, Child-Pugh score classification, serologic studies, causes of end stage liver disease of recipients, and the cause of second operation was collected by using patients records and PNOT soft ware (Persian Network for Organ Transplantation). Among the total 253 cases of liver transplantation, 58 patients (22.9%) underwent the second operation: 41 (70.7%) were male and 17 (29.3%) were female with a mean age of 30.04+14.23 years. The most common blood groups were A and O. 88.2% of cases received their graft from cadaver. Common causes of liver failure were cryptogenic cirrhosis, viral and autoimmune hepatitis. Vascular and biliary complications were the most common indications for scheduling a second operation. Survival was lower in recipients requiring second operation than other patients. Second operation is required in 22.9% of cases after liver transplantation due to early complications. Most common indications for second operation are early vascular and biliary complications. The need for a second operation is associated with a worsening of survival in liver transplant recipients.