Published in:
01-03-2009 | Short Report
Vanishing spleen after Nissen fundoplication: a case report
Authors:
Koen P. Dijkman, L. W. Ernest van Heurn, Piet L. J. M. Leroy, Gijs D. Vos
Published in:
European Journal of Pediatrics
|
Issue 3/2009
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Abstract
Nissen fundoplication is a generally accepted treatment for severe gastro-oesophageal reflux after conservative management has failed. The surgical techniques and the complications that may develop following the operation have been well described. However, necrosis of the spleen is a rare complication. We report here a patient with Down syndrome with a vanishing spleen after a Nissen fundoplication, who died of overwhelming pneumococcal septic shock 7 months after the operation. Vascular anomaly in Down syndrome, inadvertent ligation of the splenic artery or volvulus of the spleen may have caused a compromised splenic arterial circulation.Conclusion Nissen fundoplication may be associated with vanishing spleen and, consequently, with devastating consequences.