Abstract
Background
Complications post liver transplantation are common. These may include thromboses, primary graft nonfunction, biliary complications, chylothorax, infection, and rejection. Hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y limb is a common technique for pediatric liver transplantation. Complications of hepaticojejunostomy include small bowel obstruction due to incarceration of the Roux-en-Y limb within an internal hernia. Acquired diaphragmatic hernia has previously been reported in liver transplant patients. Here we present a unique case of acute biliary obstruction secondary to incarceration of a Roux limb within an acquired diaphragmatic hernia.
Aims
To describe a unique case of incarcerated Roux-en-Y limb in a diaphragmatic hernia leading to acute jaundice in a pediatric liver transplant patient.
Methods
Retrospective chart review and case review with the surgical and medical teams.
Results
A 14 month old girl with unresectable hepatoblastoma received a living donor, left lateral segment liver transplant using standard venous reconstruction, microvascular plastics arterial reconstruction, and the recipient common hepatic duct was anastomosed to the donor left hepatic duct. Serial ultrasounds showed persistent intrahepatic duct dilatation with cholestasis. Given the concern of biliary obstruction, 10 days post-transplant, she underwent repeat laparotomy and was found to have a dilated common bile duct with a proximal obstruction. A Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed to establish adequate biliary drainage.
Three months post-transplant she developed lung metastases that required wedge resection and chemotherapy. 7 months post-transplant, while admitted for routine chemotherapy she acutely developed jaundice, pruritus, and transaminitis. Liver ultrasound showed an apparent fluid collection at the cut surface of the liver and biliary dilatation. Extrinsic compression of the biliary tree was suspected, and so a percutaneous biliary drain was placed to drain the collection and decompress the biliary system.
Despite improvement in the transaminitis and cholestasis, several days later, she developed severe abdominal pain and associated grunting respirations. An MRI with MRCP to reassess the previous findings and rule out a new intraabdominal cause for her symptoms was completed and unexpectedly showed herniation of her Roux-en-Y limb into a diaphragmatic hernia. She had urgent diaphragmatic hernia repair with reduction of the incarcerated bowel loop, with resolution of her pain and jaundice.
Conclusions
Post liver transplant Roux-en-Y herniation is uncommon, but can occur with internal hernias and in diaphragmatic hernias. This uncommon complication should be considered for the post liver transplant patient with hepaticojejunostomy in the setting of acute jaundice, particularly if accompanied by acute onset abdominal pain and/or increased work of breathing.
Funding Agencies
None
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