Background: Transient transaminitis has been identified following laparoscopic abdominal surgery. However, the importance of posture, duration of surgery, and mechanical retraction in its etiology remain unclear.
Methods: Liver function was assessed preoperatively then at 8, 24, 48 and 72 h following laparoscopic surgery including the following procedures: Nissen fundoplication (LN: n = 10); cholecystectomy (LC: n = 10); inguinal herniorrhaphy (LH: n = 10); and gastrectomy (LG: n = 5).
Results: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in LN patients exhibited a rapid rise within 8 h, peaking at 48 h before returning toward baseline. In the LN group, AST levels were significantly higher at 8 h and 24 hours compared to all other groups and compared to LG at 48 h and 72 h. At 6-week follow-up all AST levels were normal. No significant differences were seen in other hepatic parameters, and no correlation between AST and duration of operation, gender, or age was identified.
Conclusions: Antireflux surgery is associated with transaminitis related to hepatic retraction, which is independent of patient posture or duration of observation, and it resolves spontaneously with no clinical consequences.