Temporary porto-caval shunt utility during orthotopic liver transplantation

Which cava anastomotic techniques are optimal regarding immediate and short-term outcomes after liver transplantation: A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations

BACKGROUND

It has long been debated whether cava anastomosis should be performed with the piggyback technique or cava replacement, with or without veno-venous bypass (VVB), with or without temporary portocaval shunt (PCS) in the setting of liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES

To identify whether different cava anastomotic techniques and other maneuvers benefit the recipient regarding short-term outcomes and to provide international expert panel recommendations.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

METHODS

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel (CRD42021240979).

RESULTS

Of 3205 records screened, 307 publications underwent full-text assessment for eligibility and 47 were included in qualitative synthesis. Four studies were randomized control trials. Eighteen studies were comparative. The remaining 25 were single-center retrospective noncomparative studies.

CONCLUSION

Based on existing data and expert opinion, the panel cannot recommend one cava reconstruction technique over another, rather the surgical approach should be based on surgeon preference and center dependent, with special consideration toward patient circumstances (Quality of evidence: Low | Grade of Recommendation: Strong). The panel recommends against routine use of vevo-venous bypass (Quality of evidence: Very Low | Grade of Recommendation: Strong) and against the routine use of temporary porto-caval shunt (Quality of evidence: Very Low | Grade of Recommendation: Strong).

Hemodynamic Instability During Liver Transplantation in Patients With End-stage Liver Disease: A Consensus Document from ILTS, LICAGE, and SATA

Hemodynamic instability (HDI) during liver transplantation (LT) can be difficult to manage and increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. In addition to surgical causes of HDI, patient- and graft-related factors are also important. Nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatation is a common denominator associated with end-stage liver disease related to HDI. Despite intense investigation, optimal management strategies remain elusive. In this consensus article, experts from the International Liver Transplantation Society, the Liver Intensive Care Group of Europe, and the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia performed a rigorous review of the most current literature regarding the epidemiology, causes, and management of HDI during LT. Special attention has been paid to unique LT-associated conditions including the causes and management of vasoplegic syndrome, cardiomyopathies, LT-related arrhythmias, right and left ventricular dysfunction, and the specifics of medical and fluid management in end-stage liver disease as well as problems specifically related to portal circulation. When possible, management recommendations are made.

Liver Transplantation for HCC in HIV-Infected Patients: Long-Term Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

HIV-infected patients now have long life expectation since the introduction of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Liver diseases, especially cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), currently represent a leading cause of death in this setting of patients.

AIM

To address the results of liver transplantation (LT) for HCC in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

All patients with and without HIV infection who underwent LT for HCC (n = 420) between 2001 and 2021 in our center were analyzed with the intent of comparing graft and patient survival. Cox regression analysis was used to determine prognostic survival factors and logistic regression to determine the predictor factors of post-LT recurrence.

RESULTS

Among 1010 LT, 32 were HIV-infected recipients. With an average follow-up of 62 ± 51 months, 5-year overall survival in LT recipients with and without HIV-infection was 71.6% and 69.9%, respectively (p = ns), whereas 5-year graft survival in HIV-infected and HIV-non infected was 68.3% and 68.2%, respectively (p = ns). The independent predictive factor of survival in the study group was: HCV infection (HR 1.83, p = 0.024). There were no significant differences in the pathological characteristics of HCC between the two groups. The logistic regression analysis of the study population demonstrated that microvascular invasion (HR 5.18, p< 0.001), HCC diameter (HR 1.16, p = 0.028), and number of HCC nodules (HR 1.26, p = 0.003) were predictors of recurrence post-LT.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that HIV patients undergoing LT for HCC have comparable results in terms of post-LT survival. Excellent results can be achieved for HIV-infected patients with HCC, as long as a strategy of close surveillance and precise treatment of the tumor is adopted while on the waiting list.

Impact of Temporary Portocaval Shunting and Initial Arterial Reperfusion in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

The use of a temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) as well as the order of reperfusion (initial arterial reperfusion [IAR] versus initial portal reperfusion) in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is controversial and, therefore, still under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome for the 4 possible combinations (temporary portocaval shunt with initial arterial reperfusion [A+S+], temporary portocaval shunt with initial portal reperfusion, no temporary portocaval shunt with initial arterial reperfusion, and no temporary portocaval shunt with initial portal reperfusion) in a center-based cohort study, including liver transplantations (LTs) from both donation after brain death and donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors. The primary outcome was the perioperative transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), and the secondary outcomes were operative time and patient and graft survival. Between January 2005 and May 2017, all first OLTs performed in our institution were included in the 4 groups mentioned. With IAR and TPCS, a significantly lower perioperative transfusion of RBCs was seen (P < 0.001) as well as a higher number of recipients without any transfusion of RBCs (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed laboratory Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (P < 0.001) and IAR (P = 0.01) to be independent determinants of the transfusion of RBCs. When comparing all groups, no statistical difference was seen in operative time or in 1-year patient and graft survival rates despite more LTs with a liver from a DCD donor in the A+S+ group (P = 0.005). In conclusion, next to a lower laboratory MELD score, the use of IAR leads to a significantly lower need for perioperative blood transfusion. There was no significant interaction between IAR and TPCS. Furthermore, the use of a TPCS and/or IAR does not lead to increased operative time and is therefore a reasonable alternative surgical strategy.

Intraoperative Surgical Portosystemic Shunt in Liver Transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Expanded clinical and surgical techniques in liver transplantation can markedly improve patient and graft survival. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative portocaval shunts in liver transplantation.

Material/Methods

Searches were conducted in Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, and updated in January 2018. The following specific outcomes of interest were defined and evaluated separated using 2 different reviews and meta-analyses for 1) hemi-portocaval shunt (HPCS) and 2) temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS). Comparative studies were analyzed separately for both surgical portocaval shunt modalities.

Results

Only 1 well-designed randomized controlled trial was found. Most studies were retrospective or prospective. Initially, we found 1479 articles. Of those selected, 853 were from PubMed/MEDLINE, 32 were from Cochrane and 594 were from EMBASE. Our meta-analysis included a total of 3232 patients for all the included studies. Results found that 41 patients with HPCS experienced increased 1-year patient survival (OR 16.33; P=0.02) and increased 1-year graft survival (OR 17.67; P=0.01). The TPCS analysis with 1633 patients found patients had significantly shorter intensive care unit length of stay (days) (P=0.006) and hospital length of stay (P=0.02) and had decreased primary nonfunction (PNF) (OR 0.30, P=0.02) and mortality rates (OR 0.52, P=0.01).

Conclusions

Intraoperative surgical portosystemic shunt in relation to liver transplantation with TPCS was able to prevent PNF, decrease hospital length of stay and unit care length of stay. Furthermore, in analyzing data for patients with HPCS, we observed increases in the 1-year graft and patient survival rates. More prospective randomized trials are needed to arrive at a more precise conclusion.

Temporary Intraoperative Porto-Caval Shunts in Piggy-Back Liver Transplantation Reduce Intraoperative Blood Loss and Improve Postoperative Transaminases and Renal Function: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The value of temporary intraoperative porto-caval shunts (TPCS) in cava-sparing liver transplantation is discussed controversially. Aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the impact of temporary intraoperative porto-caval shunts on liver injury, primary non-function, time of surgery, transfusion of blood products and length of hospital stay in cava-sparing liver transplantation.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO retrieved a total of 909 articles, of which six articles were included. The combined effect size and 95 % confidence interval were calculated for each outcome by applying the inverse variance weighting method. Tests for heterogeneity (I ²) were also utilized.

RESULTS

Usage of a TPCS was associated with significantly decreased AST values, significantly fewer transfusions of packed red blood cells and improved postoperative renal function. There were no statistically significant differences in primary graft non-function, length of hospital stay or duration of surgery.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found that temporary intraoperative porto-caval shunts in cava-sparing liver transplantation reduce blood loss as well as hepatic injury and enhance postoperative renal function without prolonging operative time. Randomized controlled trials investigating the use of temporary intraoperative porto-caval shunts are needed to confirm these findings.

Benefits of temporary portocaval shunt during orthotopic liver transplantation with vena cava preservation: A propensity score analysis

During orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), clamping of the portal vein induces splanchnic venous congestion and accumulation of noxious compounds. These adverse effects could increase ischemia/reperfusion injury and subsequently the risk of graft dysfunction, especially for grafts harvested from extended criteria donors (ECDs). Temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) could prevent these complications. Between 2002 and 2013, all OLTs performed in our center were retrospectively analyzed and a propensity score matching analysis was used to compare the effect of TPCS in 686 patients (343 in each group). Patients in the TPCS group required fewer intraoperative transfusions (median number of packed red blood cells-5 versus 6; P = 0.02; median number of fresh frozen plasma-5 versus 6; P = 0.02); had improvement of postoperative biological parameters (prothrombin time, Factor V, international normalized ratio, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels); and showed significant reduction of biliary complications (4.7% versus 10.2%; P = 0.006). Survival analysis revealed that TPCS improved 3-month graft survival (94.2% versus 88.6%; P = 0.01) as well as longterm survival of elderly (ie, age > 70 years) donor grafts (P = 0.02). In conclusion, the use of TPCS should be recommended especially when considering an ECD graft. Liver Transplantation 23 174-183 2017 AASLD.

Preservation of the patent umbilical vein during a recipient hepatectomy: case report

Clamping of the portal vein during a recipient hepatectomy during the anhepatic phase causes venous stagnation and hemodynamic instability. To prevent this, a temporary portocaval shunt is placed at some centers. This case report shows the patent umbilical vein of a patient undergoing a recipient hepatectomy, leading to a 20% reduction of pressure in the portal vein. Preservation of a patent umbilical vein may help prevent complications of high portal vein pressure during a recipient hepatectomy.

Liver transplantation due to iatrogenic injuries: two case reports

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an acceptable procedure that has proven benefits in the treatment of patients who have complications from portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. In the literature few reports have described complications after TIPS placement. Initial surgery and local hemostasis have been needed to manage abdominal bleeding: if this treatment is insufficient, it may be necessary to perform a liver transplantation. This report describes the role of liver transplantation to manage dangerous complications in 2 patients after TIPS placement, when surgical procedures and hemostasis were unable to stop the bleeding.

Early withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors and everolimus monotherapy in de novo liver transplant recipients preserves renal function

We designed a randomized trial to assess whether the early withdrawal of cyclosporine (CsA) followed by the initiation of everolimus (Evr) monotherapy in de novo liver transplantation (LT) patients would result in superior renal function compared to a CsA-based immunosuppression protocol. All patients were treated with CsA for the first 10 days and then randomized to receive Evr in combination with CsA up to day 30, then either continued on Evr monotherapy (Evr group) or maintained on CsA with/without mycophenolate mofetil (CsA group) in case of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Seventy-eight patients were randomized (Evr n = 52; CsA n = 26). The 1-year freedom from efficacy failure in Evr group was 75% versus 69.2% in CsA group, p = 0.36. There was no statistically significant difference in patient survival between the two groups. Mean modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) was significantly better in the Evr group at 12 months (87.7 ± 26.1 vs. 59.9 ± 12.6 mL/min; p < 0.001). The incidence of CKD stage ≥ 3 (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min) was higher in the CsA group at 1 year (52.2% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.005). The results indicate that early withdrawal of CsA followed by Evr monotherapy in de novo LT patients is associated with an improvement in renal function, with a similar incidence of rejection and major complications.

Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case-control study

INTRODUCTION

The average age of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is consistently increasing. The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate survival and outcome of patients ≥65 yr compared to younger patients undergoing LT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 10/00 to 4/08 we performed 330 primary LT, 31 (9.4%) of these were in patients aged 65-70. Following a case-control approach, we compared these patients with 31 patients aged between 41 and 64 yr and matched according to sex, LT indication, viral status, cadaveric/living donor, LT timing, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and surgical donor characteristics. The mean MELD score was under 18 in both groups. Post-LT complications occurred with a similar incidence in the two groups. one-, three-, and five-yr survival was 83.9%, 80.6%, and 80.6%, respectively, for the elderly group, and 80.6%, 73.8%, and 73.8%, respectively, for the young group (p = 0.61).

DISCUSSION

Patients aged between 65 and 70 with low MELD score who undergo LT have the same short- and middle-term survival expectancy, morbidity, and outcome quality as younger patients with the same indication and same pre-LT pathology severity, whatever they might be. Thus, chronological age alone should not deter LT workup in patients >65 and <70.

Two-stage liver transplantation: an effective procedure in urgent conditions

Temporary portocaval shunt and total hepatectomy is a technique used in the presence of toxic liver syndrome because of fulminant hepatic failure, hepatic trauma, primary non-function (PNF), and eclampsia. We performed this technique on four patients. An indication for anhepatic state was severe hemodynamic instability in three of them. Etiologies of these three patients were as follows: PNF after liver transplantation, ischemic hepatitis after right hepatic artery embolization, and massive reperfusion syndrome during a liver transplantation. In the fourth patient, during the liver transplantation when hepatic artery was ligated, a kidney carcinoma in the donor graft was discovered. We decided to complete the hepatectomy and to construct a temporary portocaval shunt. Mean anhepatic phases were 19 h and 15 min. All patients survived the two-stage liver transplantation procedure without major complications. Our cases demonstrated that temporary portocaval shunt while awaiting urgent liver transplantation could be an effective "bridge" in selected patients who develop toxic liver syndrome; however, a short time between portocaval shunt and transplantation and careful intensive care managements are mandatory.