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.
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Dijkman, K.P., van Heurn, L.W.E., Leroy, P.L.J.M. et al. Vanishing spleen after Nissen fundoplication: a case report. Eur J Pediatr 168, 355–357 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0752-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0752-8