Gastroparesis syndrome following thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair in a pediatric patient: a case report and literature review.

We present a rare case of postoperative gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) in a 10-year-old girl following thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The patient presented to our institution with a 20-day history of intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed a posterolateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Emergency thoracoscopic diaphragmatic repair was performed, after which the patient developed gastroparesis syndrome. The child was given continuous nasogastric suction, prokinetic therapy with domperidone, and acupressure massage at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint. On the 38th day after the operation, the child was able to remove the nasal-gastric tube and resume normal diet. CDH is typically diagnosed and managed during infancy, with postoperative complications predominantly involving pulmonary hypertension and chronic lung disease. The occurrence of PGS following CDH repair is exceedingly rare. This report reviews the relevant literature to enhance clinicians' awareness of this complication and improve patient outcomes.