Korean J Transplant.  2023 Nov;37(Suppl 1):S12. 10.4285/ATW2023.F-5728.

Gastrointestinal peroration after solid organ transplantation

• Nguyen VL
• Duy SP
• Kim DN
• Hoang T
• Minh TT

• KMID: 2551582
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2023.F-5728

Abstract

Background
Organ transplantation is associated with significant survival rates and cost benefits, but postoperative complications still occur. Gastrointestinal complications, including complications of the stomach and intestines, account for a proportion of 1%–6%, with intestinal perforation specifically accounting for approximately 9% depending on the center. In Vietnam, there is no comprehensive report on these complications.
Methods
At Viet Duc Hospital, we encountered three clinical cases of gastrointestinal perforation following transplantation.
Results
Three cases of intestinal perforation are described. In 2023, a 16-year-old female patient after heart transplantation for congenital heart disease was diagnosed with intestinal perforation on the 12th day. The patient required continued blood filtration support after surgery. In 2018, a 56-year-old male patient after liver transplantation on the 6th day was diagnosed with intestinal perforation, which was repaired and the ends of the intestine were brought out. The patient was discharged in stable condition after 30 days. In 2017, a 46-year-old female patient after kidney transplantation on the 5th day was diagnosed with intestinal perforation, which was repaired and the perforation site was left open. The patient was discharged in stable condition after 40 days.
Conclusions
Intestinal perforation is a relatively rare complication, but not uncommon. Early diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and signs. Considering the possibility of intestinal perforation and obtaining early abdominal computed tomography imaging can help prevent delayed diagnosis.