Diaphragmatic Hernia After Liver Transplant in Children: Report of 2 Cases

Objectives: Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication after pediatric liver transplant. This report presents occurrences of diaphragmatic hernia after living-donor liver transplants in 2 children. Material and Methods: In 1 of the 2 patients, a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis where a left lateral segment graft was used. In the other patient, a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomy where a left lateral segment graft was used. Results: After diaphragm repair, the postoperative course was uneventful and there were no recurrences. Conclusions: A literature review identified nearly 30 cases of diaphragmatic hernia following liver transplants; diaphragmatic hernia should be considered a potential surgical complication after liver transplant.