Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia in paediatric patients

Abstract

Background and methods: Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia in childhood is rare, with only scanty case reports available in the literature. It is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting in intestinal obstruction and bowel strangulation. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed four patients with iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia following right hepatic trisectionectomy with caudate lobectomy and liver transplantation in a tertiary referral centre. The patient characteristics, clinical presentation and risk factors were assessed.

Conclusions: Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia should be considered in differential diagnosis in paediatric patients presenting with intestinal obstruction or respiratory distress after hepatic resection or liver transplantation for early diagnosis and management.