Splenic injury 25 years after deceased-donor liver transplantion at National Trauma Center, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Trauma surgeons and emergency care physicians in Nigeria would often be required to manage solid organ transplant patients with injuries; this is because of increased transplant activity both locally and from other countries for the citizens.Knowledge of various transplanted organs physiology and anatomy is essential to ensure adequate allograft protection and good outcome. The reported patient had split deceased-donor liver transplantation at infancy 25 years ago for biliary atresia. He presented with blunt abdominal injury following road traffic accident and was evaluated and managed according to the guidelines for managing native solid organ injuries. The injury to the pathologic spleen was managed non-operatively, successfully. Familiarization with transplant process, physiology, and management is recommended for acute care and trauma specialist to enable adequate participation in transplant services establishment, optimal management of transplant patients with emergency conditions for better allograft protection and overall patient outcome.