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Research Paper | Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 1416 - 1425 | India
Beyond Cirrhosis: Etiology, Perioperative Determinants, and Clinical Outcomes of De Novo Postoperative Ascites Following Major Abdominal Surgery
Abstract: Background: De novo postoperative ascites is an uncommon but clinically significant complication following major abdominal surgery in patients without pre-existing cirrhosis. Evidence regarding its etiology, perioperative determinants, and clinical outcomes remains limited. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center between October 2024 and September 2025. Twenty-eight adult patients who developed postoperative ascites following major abdominal surgery were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, surgical variables, ascitic fluid characteristics, management strategies, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed to identify factors associated with ascitic fluid volume. Results: The mean age of the study population was 41.5 ± 15.3 years, and 64.3% were male. Hepatopancreatobiliary and colorectal procedures constituted the most common surgical categories. Exudative and transudative ascites were equally distributed (50.0% each). Large-volume ascites (>1000 mL) was observed in 50.0% of patients. Diuretic therapy was the most frequently employed management strategy. Postoperative complications occurred in 85.7% of patients, with wound infection (21.4%), sepsis (14.3%), and anastomotic leak (14.3%) being the most common. Conclusions: De novo postoperative ascites is a multifactorial complication associated with substantial postoperative morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Early diagnosis, etiological evaluation, and timely multidisciplinary management are essential for improving outcomes.
Keywords: Postoperative ascites, abdominal surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, postoperative complications, ascitic fluid, surgical outcomes
How to Cite?: Dr Manik Gedam, Dr Ashritha Jyothi Buddula, "Beyond Cirrhosis: Etiology, Perioperative Determinants, and Clinical Outcomes of De Novo Postoperative Ascites Following Major Abdominal Surgery", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1416-1425, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26625125517, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26625125517