The liver is the largest organ in the body and one of the most important. Complications from liver surgeries can be life threatening. Complications may occur in some liver surgeries more than others; for example, in liver transplants, one complication of surgery is rejection of the new organ; this wouldn't occur in surgery done for trauma. Other complications are common to any type of liver surgery.
Infection
Infection is a common complication of liver surgery. Up to 10 percent of patients in a Dutch study reported in 2002 developed infection after liver resection. Patients having liver transplants are also prone to infection, because their immune systems are suppressed by the drugs they take to prevent rejection and because many are extremely debilitated medically before transplant. Trauma patients are also prone to infection, because their injuries are often received from contaminated objects and because their often heavy blood loss makes it hard for them to fight off infection.
Bile Duct Problems
Bile leakage from damaged bile ducts occurred in approximately 5 percent of patients in the Dutch study done in 2002. Bile duct problems are also common after liver transplants, since the new liver has to be hooked up to the "plumbing" of the removed liver, and the connections may not line up just right. Narrowing of the ducts (strictures) or dilated ducts, which may be caused by a narrowing, are common duct complications. Bile duct problems can lead to liver failure and need for transplant.
Trauma
For liver surgeries done due to trauma, bleeding is the main complication. However, bleeding and clotting problems can complicate any liver surgery, since the liver synthesizes blood clotting factors. Without clotting factors, blood won't clot and bleeding is difficult to stop.
Liver Failure
If a liver is severely damaged, it may fail altogether and need to be replaced with a new liver. Liver failure occurred in five out of the 133 patients in the 2002 Dutch study. Liver failure can occur after any type of liver surgery, even after a liver transplant. A liver donor may have liver failure if too much of his organ is removed.
Rejection
After transplant surgery, the new organ may be rejected. If rejection is severe, a new liver may be needed. Rejection is only a complication of transplant surgery.
Other Complications
Other complications that can arise after liver surgery are kidney failure, respiratory failure, pneumonia, collapsed lung or blood clots that travel to the lungs from other parts of the body.
