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Diaphragmatic Hernia After Liver Transplant in Children: Report of 2 Cases
Mehmet Hanifi Okur1, Yücel Yankol, Nesimi Mecit
1>From the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20007, USA.
Insights
Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication following pediatric liver transplants. Prompt diagnosis and repair ensure a good prognosis, with no recurrences observed in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Hepatology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon but serious complication after liver transplantation.
- This report details two pediatric cases of diaphragmatic hernia following living-donor liver transplants.
Observation:
- One patient developed a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia after a living-donor liver transplant for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis using a left lateral segment graft.
- The second patient experienced a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia post-transplant for biliary atresia (following Kasai portoenterostomy) also utilizing a left lateral segment graft.
Findings:
- Both pediatric patients underwent successful diaphragm repair.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no evidence of hernia recurrence.
Implications:
- Diaphragmatic hernia should be recognized as a potential surgical complication in liver transplant recipients.
- Early identification and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric liver transplant patients experiencing this complication.
Objectives:
Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication after pediatric liver transplant. This report presents occurrences of diaphragmatic hernia after living-donor liver transplants in 2 children.
Materials And Methods:
In 1 of the 2 patients, a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis where a left lateral segment graft was used. In the other patient, a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomy where a left lateral segment graft was used.
Results:
After diaphragm repair, the postoperative course was uneventful and there were no recurrences.
Conclusions:
A literature review identified nearly 30 cases of diaphragmatic hernia following liver transplants; diaphragmatic hernia should be considered a potential surgical complication after liver transplant.
