Exploration of the factors affecting the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after liver transplantation

Objective: this study aimed to explore the preoperative and intraoperative factors that influence the complete recovery of gastrointestinal function after liver transplantation and provide a reference for early enteral nutrition care assessment, care and intervention. Methods: a retrospective analysis of 254 patients with first-time liver transplants (January 2022 to March 2023) was conducted. Patients were categorised into two groups based on the duration of gastrointestinal function recovery: ≤ 7 days and > 7 days. Clinical parameters were compared, and multi-factor logistic regression was used to analyse influencing factors. Results: the increase in the model for end-stage liver disease score, ascites volume, intraoperative bleeding and hepatic portal blockage time were preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for the delayed recovery of gastrointestinal function after liver transplantation. Conclusion: if preoperative liver function is improved sufficiently, intraoperative bleeding minimised and haemodynamic stability maintained, the occurrence of delayed recovery in gastrointestinal function early after liver transplantation may be effectively reduced.