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Introduction: Minimal access surgery, encompassing laparoscopy and robotic procedures, has become the preferred choice for a wide range of surgical interventions, receiving widespread acceptance from both surgeons and patients. However, as the utilization of these minimally invasive techniques continues to grow, surgeons are increasingly confronted with unforeseen and puzzling complications. One such rare and perplexing complication is the emergence of ascites following laparoscopic procedures, particularly when no accidental injury to the bowel or urinary system has occurred, posing a challenging and distressing scenario for the operating surgeon. Aims and Objective: We have encountered a case of idiopathic ascites following a laparoscopic appendicectomy in a 10-year-old boy. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify similar case reports and publications. By doing so, we aim to enhance our understanding of the causes and principles for managing idiopathic ascites occurring after laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with typical symptoms of acute appendicitis. Following evaluation, a nearly bloodless and uneventful laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed. However, postoperatively, he developed ascites accompanied by scrotal swelling due to scrotal edema, and despite thorough evaluation, no identifiable cause was found. The patient was managed conservatively and fully recovered without any subsequent complications. Results: The occurrence of ascites stemming from an idiopathic allergic or inflammatory peritoneal reaction during a laparoscopic procedure is exceptionally rare. During the patient's evaluation, the paramount concern was to rule out potentially significant complications such as bowel or urinary tract injuries, which can commonly result in postoperative peritoneal fluid accumulation. After the procedure, the boy underwent a thorough evaluation, but no definitive cause for the ascites was identified, further highlighting the enigmatic nature of this condition. Conclusion: Postoperative ascites without a discernible cause following laparoscopic surgery is an unexpected complication. In such cases, the leading hypothesis points to a peritoneal inflammatory reaction induced by agents utilized during laparoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative ascites (POA) is the most common complication after liver surgery for hepatocarcinoma (HCC), but its impact on survival is not reported. The aim of the study is to investigate its impact on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and secondarily to identify the factors that may predict the occurrence. Method: Data were collected from 23 centers participating in the Italian Surgical HCC Register (HE.RC.O.LE.S. Group) between 2008 and 2018. POA was defined as ≥500 ml of ascites in the drainage after surgery. Survival analysis was conducted by the Kaplan Meier method. Risk adjustment analysis was conducted by Cox regression to investigate the risk factors for mortality and recurrence. Results: Among 2144 patients resected for HCC, 1871(88.5%) patients did not experience POA while 243(11.5%) had the complication. Median OS for NO-POA group was not reached, while it was 50 months (95%CI = 41–71) for those with POA (p < 0.001). POA independently increased the risk of mortality (HR = 1.696, 95%CI = 1.352–2.129, p < 0.001). Relapse risk after surgery was not predicted by the occurrence of POA. Presence of varices (OR = 2.562, 95%CI = 0.921–1.822, p < 0.001) and bilobar disease (OR = 1.940, 95%CI = 0.921–1.822, p: 0.004) were predictors of POA, while laparoscopic surgery was protective (OR = 0.445, 95%CI = 0.295–0.668, p < 0.001). Ninety-day mortality was higher in the POA group (9.1% vs 1.9% in NO-POA group, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The occurrence of POA after surgery for HCC strongly increases the risk of long-term mortality and its occurrence is relatively frequent. More efforts in surgical planning should be made to limit its occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]