Gastric ulcer perforation in heart-lung transplant patient: a successful case of early surgical intervention and management

Yonsei Med J. 2003 Dec 30;44(6):1094-7. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2003.44.6.1094.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal complications may follow organ transplantation. A patient who underwent heart lung transplantation due to patent ductus arteriosus and Eisenmenger's syndrome had an episode of acute cardiac rejection and was treated with a bolus injection of methylprednisolone followed by a high oral dose of prednisone. On the 22nd postoperative day, the patient complained of acute abdominal pain with muscular rigidity and a plain chest x-ray showed free air in the right subdiaphragmatic area. Under the suspicion of bowel perforation, an emergency laparotomy was performed and the perforated stomach had a wedge-shaped resection that included the perforation. Following the laparotomy, the postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on post-laparotomy day 10.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Heart-Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peptic Ulcer Perforation / etiology*
  • Peptic Ulcer Perforation / surgery*
  • Stomach Ulcer / surgery*