Small-bowel herniation under the infrarenal arterial conduit in a liver transplant recipient

Diaphragmatic hernia after liver transplantation in children: case series and review of the literature

A diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is a rare complication of pediatric liver transplantation (LT), with multiple factors implicated in the pathophysiology. It is a potentially life-threatening condition in the absence of early recognition and surgical treatment. A DH after LT has been reported in 16 patients in 7 case series. We report 10 cases from our institution and review the published literature to understand the underlying pathophysiology. The study sample included all children (<18 years of age) who underwent LT from October 1989 to August 2013 at our center and subsequently presented with a DH. Among 4433 LT procedures performed in this time period, 1032 were for children. Ten DH cases were recognized, and risk factors were assessed. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.9 years, all patients with a DH received left lateral segment split grafts, and the mean graft weight was 248 ± 41 g with a mean graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GBWR) of 3% ± 1.22% (range = 1.7%-5.0%). The mean cold ischemia time was 510.7 ± 307.6 minutes (range = 60-900 minutes). Six patients had a primary abdominal muscle closure, 3 had a temporary Silastic mesh closure, and 1 had a skin closure only. Postoperative ascites and pleural effusion did not appear to be significant risk factors. All 10 children presented with a right posterolateral DH, with 1 also having a left DH. The small bowel was herniated in the majority. All patients underwent prompt surgical intervention without complications. An early age, a split graft, and a high GBWR may be risk factors for a DH. A high index of suspicion and prompt surgical intervention minimize complications.

Cholestasis as the leading sign of a transmesenteric hernia in a split-liver transplanted child - a case report and review of literature

Internal hernias are an extremely rare complication after pediatric liver transplantation, and its presentation with cholestasis has not been described to date. We report the case of a 12-yr-old boy who presented with moderate abdominal pain 11 yr after split liver transplantation and biliary-enteric anastomosis. He developed severe jaundice within 24 h of initial presentation. Imaging studies revealed ascites, dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts, a dilated Roux-en-Y-loop, with the loop truncated at the level of the mesenteric artery, which performed a narrow right-to-left loop. At laparotomy, a transmesenteric internal hernia at the root of the jejunal mesentery was identified, originating from the creation of the Y-loop; the Roux-en-Y-loop and its adjacent intestinal loops had slipped through the opening. The Roux-en-Y loop was ischemic from strangulation, and the rest of the intestine well perfused. No surgical resection was necessary following reduction. The patient recovered completely. We discuss diagnosis and management of internal hernias, and review radiological signs. Internal transmesenteric hernias can occur at any time after liver transplantation and prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are vital.

Internal Hernia after Pancreas Transplantation with Enteric Drainage: An Unusual Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction

BACKGROUND

Although complications involving leaking at the enteric anastomosis site, graft thrombosis, and intraabdominal abscess formation have been well documented after pancreas transplantation, the occurrence of small bowel obstruction in this setting has received scant attention. Although uncommon, intestinal obstruction after pancreas transplantation may have atypical etiologies. In this article, we will review three unusual cases of intestinal obstruction in pancreas transplant recipients. The value of computed tomographic (CT) enteroclysis in equivocal situations in the diagnosis of the obstruction is emphasized.

METHODS

In this study, we reviewed the posttransplant course of all pancreas transplants performed between July 1, 2002 and June 1, 2004. We specifically focused on all patients that required reexploration for suspected small bowel obstruction at any time after transplantation.

RESULTS

A total of 65 pancreas transplants were performed between July 1, 2002 and June 1, 2004. Pancreas graft survival was 97%, and patient survival was 98.5%. Five (7.7%) patients presented with mechanical small bowel obstruction, three of which were secondary to internal herniation of small intestine through a defect posterior to the pancreas allograft. All patients recovered well postsurgically.

DISCUSSION

Small bowel obstruction is an uncommon complication after pancreas transplantation. CT enteroclysis in the evaluation of small bowel obstruction may assist the patient care decision-making process by providing information on the location and severity of the obstruction in the clinical situation where conventional abdominal CT and radiography are equivocal. Prompt detection of small bowel obstruction with early surgical intervention can minimize complications and preserve allograft function.

Internal hernia of the small bowel after right-lobe live donor liver transplantation

Internal hernia of small bowel is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of liver transplantation. We report on four patients in whom internal hernia of small bowel occurred after right-lobe live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Three patients had small bowel herniation with volvulus around the Roux-en-Y loop whereas the other patient had herniation through the mesenteric window of transverse mesocolon after hepaticojejunostomy for biliary reconstruction. Based on clinical and radiologic findings, early diagnosis was made in all cases. All patients survived following surgical reduction of the hernia and closure of the mesenteric defect without bowel resection. Transplant surgeons should be aware of this serious complication so that early diagnosis and appropriate operative intervention can be made. The complication can be avoided with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction or meticulous closure of all mesenteric defects with non-absorbable suture materials after hepaticojejunostomy in patients undergoing right-lobe LDLT.