Gastrointestinal Perforation After Solid Organ Transplantation: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Transplant Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Organ transplantation offers survival and cost benefits but carries risks of postoperative complications.
• Gastrointestinal complications, including intestinal perforation, represent a significant concern in posttransplant care.
• Limited comprehensive data exists on these complications in Vietnam.

Observation:

• This case series details three instances of intestinal perforation following heart, liver, and kidney transplantation.
• Patients presented with perforation at varying intervals post-transplant (5-12 days).
• Management involved surgical repair, with one case requiring intestinal resection and another leaving the perforation site open.

Findings:

• Intestinal perforation is an uncommon yet serious complication post-organ transplant.
• Clinical presentation can be nonspecific, complicating early diagnosis.
• Prompt diagnosis via abdominal computed tomography is essential.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for heightened clinical suspicion for gastrointestinal perforation in transplant recipients.
• Emphasizes the critical role of early abdominal CT scans in preventing diagnostic delays.
• Contributes valuable clinical data on a rare complication in a region with limited reporting.