Right-sided diaphragmatic hernia in an adult after living donor liver transplant: a rare cause of post-transplant recurrent abdominal pain

Hernia. 2010 Oct;14(5):547-9. doi: 10.1007/s10029-009-0594-y. Epub 2009 Dec 3.

Abstract

Right-sided diaphragmatic hernia (DH) after living donor liver transplant in adult recipients has not been described previously. There have been a few reports of right-side DH in paediatric living donor liver transplant recipients and following right lobe donor hepatectomy. We herein describe the first instance of right-sided DH in a 44-year-old man who underwent left lobe live donor liver transplant. Twenty-eight months later, he presented with recurrent right upper abdominal pain. Radiographic workup revealed a right-sided DH. He underwent laparotomy and primary repair of the diaphragmatic defect. Seven months after the repair, the patient remains well and free from symptoms, with a normal chest X-ray. Right-sided DH is rare but may occur after living donor liver transplant. Successful outcome can be achieved by an early diagnosis and prompt management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Abdominal Pain / surgery
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / complications*
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy / methods
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Living Donors*
  • Male
  • Pain, Postoperative / diagnosis
  • Pain, Postoperative / etiology*
  • Pain, Postoperative / surgery
  • Recurrence
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color