Which Factors Are Associated with Distal Pancreatectomy Outcomes' Optimization with the Application of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program?

Background: Distal pancreatectomy (DP) represents the best therapeutic option for patients with body-tail pancreatic neoplasms (PNs). The enhanced recovery after surgery protocol is widely used for treating patients with PN to speed up postoperative recovery. This study aims to describe our institute's experience in the application of fast recovery protocol in a cohort of patients treated with DP, identifying predictors facilitating a decrease in the length of hospital stay. Patient and Methods: Were retrospectively enrolled 60 consecutive cases of DP performed from January 2016 to June 2022 in patients treated with enhanced recovery protocol, 25% of them were treated with spleen preserving procedure. Single-variable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the potential association between patient characteristics and the probability of postoperative complications. Standard linear regression models were used for length of stay, number of postoperative days (PODs) from surgery to full bowel function recovery, and PODs to the interruption of intravenous analgesia administration. Results: Thirty-four (57%) patients underwent open surgery and 26 (43%) laparoscopic surgery. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery and spleen-preserving procedures experienced a lower complication rate (P = .037), shorter length of stay, and time of analgesic requirements. With single-variable logistic regression models patients treated with laparoscopic surgery had statistically significant higher recovery times in terms of nasogastric tube removal (P = .004) and early enteral nutrition (P = .001). Conclusion: Continual refinement with enhanced recovery protocol for treating PN patients based on perioperative counseling and surgical decision-making is crucial to reduce patient morbidity and time for recovery.

Revisiting the forgotten "full-right full-left" liver division: Simplified technique and new strategical considerations for clinical implementation in Italy

BACKGROUND

Full-right/full-left liver splitting was introduced early in the 90s as part of the great wave of technical innovations that characterized that decade. One approach was to divide the liver on the right of the Cantlie's line and leave the middle hepatic vein with the left graft, with both grafts allocated to adults. Both grafts had some functional disadvantages and exposed the adult recipients to some early hepatic dysfunction, and the results were not great. An alternative approach consisted of an ex situ division of the liver, exactly along Cantlie's line, thus sharing the middle hepatic vein between the two grafts. None of these two techniques were really adopted, and there has been nearly no transplantation of this type in the last decade worldwide.

METHOD AND RESULTS

The authors propose a variation of the latter technique that was used recently with success: The division of the liver is made simpler; the two grafts are prepared ex situ and need a simple vascular reconstruction (one venous patch on each graft); and the grafts can be implanted using very standard techniques.

CONCLUSION

Because candidates for liver transplantation weighing 25-60 kg (old children, teenagers, and some small adults) are often at some disadvantage in getting size-matched livers (this range of weight is less represented in the donor population), implementing the latter technique would help provide adequate grafts for them. In Italy, where many livers offered for splitting are not used, there would be ample room for implementing this option within the actual donor pool and allocation system.

Combining living and deceased donation for pediatric first isolated liver transplantation: A win-win even in countries with high deceased donor donation rates

BACKGROUND

Split and living donor liver transplantations are both key surgical strategies for development of pediatric liver transplant programs. Often, however, teams tend to prioritize only one preferentially.

METHODS

In the context of a very active national split liver graft allocation program (Italy), retrospective study of 226 consecutive pediatric first isolated liver transplants performed by a single team using organs from both deceased and living donors. Clinical characterisitics and outcome were compared.

RESULTS

In the context of a steadily slowly decreasing split graft offer, living donation activity steadily increased. Deceased and living donation accounted for 52.6% and 47.4% of transplantations, respectively. Both strategies were equally used for transplanting patients up to 30 kg of weight, while deceased donors were predominantly used for older recipients. Technical variants represented 86% of all transplants, with 183 conisting of left lateral segment grafts (76 split liver grafts and 107 left grafts from living donors). Outcome of both surgical strategies was similar, with excellent outcomes at early, mid-, and long-term.

CONCLUSIONS

Splitting livers of deceased donors and using living donation were complementary and non-competitive strategies for developping pediatric liver transplant activity. Implementing both activities in parallell allowed to maintain stable the number of annual transplant in Italy and allowed to reach superior outcomes. This analysis provides evidence that living donation plays a role in Italy despite an existing very active "mandatory-split" national policy.

Salivary microRNAs as innovative biomarkers for early diagnosis of oral diseases: a comparison of conventional cigarette smokers and tobacco heating system 2.2 users

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered valid prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. The different miRNA expression profiles in cancer cells compared to normal cells make them potential biomarkers used for the early diagnosis of oral diseases. Following exposure to cigarette smoking, miRNA altered profile expression is associated with resistance mechanisms against anticancer therapies. Cellular models showed a reduced human gingival epithelium alteration after exposure to THS2.2 and a lower pathogenicity than 3R4F CS. The aim of the study was to compare the expression of saliva miRNA profile of THS2.2 and 3R4F CS users compared to patients not exposed to the risk factor and to identify and study the modulation of miRNAs associated with the development of oral diseases. In particular, we will focus on the analysis of a group of miRNAs know to be involved in the development of smoking-related diseases.

METHODS

The study will be performed in 18 months and dentists and biochemists will be involved in the different phases. To perform the study, healthy volunteers, including smokers of THS2.2 or 3R4F CS, will be enrolled.

RESULTS

The samples will be collected from 3 experimental groups, each consisting of 30 subjects: group 1 (no smoking subjects), group 2 (subjects exposed to THS2.2), group 3 (subjects exposed to 3R4F CS). The collection of the saliva sample will be conducted in a standardized way. Following the collection, saliva will be processed.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies have suggested that miRNAs are prognostic biomarkers for various smoking-related diseases. Based on the post-transcriptional regulation of some mRNAs connected to different oral pathologies, we expect a specific miRNA-mRNA interaction, which could be a starting point for the development of new possible diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic approaches.

Impact of T Lymphocytes Isolated from Liver Perfusate of Deceased Brain Donors on Kidney Transplantation: Preliminary Evidence and Future Directions

BACKGROUND

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), acute rejection (AR), and delayed graft function (DGF) might occur as major complications following kidney transplantation. Thus, the identification of biomarkers for the IRI, AR, and/or DGF development becomes crucial as it may help to guide post-transplant management. Natural killer (NK) cells, hepatic interstitial T-lymphocytes (T-Li), and NK-T cells are crucial in both innate and adaptive immunity after abdominal solid organ transplantation. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the immune system after graft reperfusion during KT in adults in order to identify predictive biomarkers.

METHODS

The NK, T-Li, and NK-T phenotypes and concentrations were retrospectively analyzed in a consecutive series of liver perfusates obtained after organ procurement flushing the abdominal cavity recovered from deceased brain donors (DBDs). Their percentage was compared with the renal transplant recipients' characteristics with kidneys taken from the same DCDs. The hepatic perfusate cells were purified by density gradient centrifugation. Flow cytometric investigation was used to determine their phenotype with the following immunological markers in order to determine the relative percentage of T-Li, NK-T, and NK cells: CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56.

RESULTS

42 DBDs' liver perfusates were analyzed. The related clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients from 2010 to 2020 performed at our Institute were evaluated. Time in days of delayed functional recovery of transplanted kidneys (DGF) (p = 0.02) and the onset of secondary infection from a cytomegalovirus (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the T-Li percentage. An increased relative risk (HR) of organ survival was significantly associated with the percent cell concentration of T-Li and time to DGF, on COX analysis, were (HR = 1.038, p = 0.04; and HR = 1.029, p = 0.01, respectively). None relevant clinical outcomes in kidney transplant patients were associated with the specificity of the NK and NK-T cell proportions.

CONCLUSIONS

A new potential role of T-Li cells was detected in the context of hepatic perfusate from DBDs. It could detect potential impacts in organ allocation, surgical procuring techniques, and in the analysis of IRI pathophysiological events.

Donor-recipient matching in adult liver transplantation: Current status and advances

The match between donor and recipient (D-R match) in the field of liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most widely debated topics today. Within the cohort of patients waiting for a transplant, better matching of the donor organ to the recipient will improve transplant outcomes, and benefit the waiting list by minimizing graft failure and the need for re-transplantation. In an era of suboptimal matches due to the sparse organ pool and the increase in extended criteria donors (ECD), ensuring adequate outcomes becomes the primary goal for clinicians in the field. The objective of this mini-review is to analyze the main variables in the evaluation of the D-R match to ensure better outcomes, the existence of scores that can help in the realization of this match, and the latest advances made thanks to the technology and development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Advanced method of rehabilitating edentulous Jaws: A review of telescopic denture

BACKGROUND

Edentulism conducts to a recognized impairment of oral function with both aesthetic and psychological changes. These patients suffer from a multiplicity of problems with their dentures, such as insufficient stability, retention and pain during mastication. The rehabilitation of a part edentulous patient can be established using a wide range of prosthetic treatment options. The overdenture treatment uses a removable total denture that overlies retained teeth, tooth roots, or dental implants. In the literature it was shown that patients with removable overdentures supported and retained either by tooth roots or implants have more predictable prosthodontic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the overdenture with a focus on the tooth-supported telescopic overdenture.

METHODS

The literature research was performed in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed electronic databases. Document type was limited to papers written in English, without time restrictions. The Review was recorded in the international PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) database with the following number CRD42022326415.

RESULTS

A total of 256 articles published were found from electronic searches, Two independent reviewers carried out the screening and the selection process for the studies. First, duplicate citations were eliminated. Then, the two Authors independently screened the retrieved articles by title and abstract of each citation to determine its suitability for inclusion. Finally, 13 full-text articles satisfied the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSION

Prostheses supported by Frictional telescopic crowns offer an effective treatment alternative for patients with Severely reduced dentitions who do not want implant treatment or complete dentures.

Donor Simvastatin Treatment Is Safe and Might Improve Outcomes After Liver Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The current curative approaches for ischemia/reperfusion injury on liver transplantation are still under debate for their safety and efficacy in patients with end-stage liver disease. We present the SIMVA statin donor treatment before Liver Transplants study.

METHODS

SIMVA statin donor treatment before Liver Transplants is a monocentric, double-blind, randomized, prospective tial aiming to compare the safety and efficacy of preoperative brain-dead donors' treatment with the intragastric administration of 80 mg of simvastatin on liver transplant recipient outcomes in a real-life setting. Primary aim was incidence of patient and graft survival at 90 and 180 d posttransplant; secondary end-points were severe complications.

RESULTS

The trial enrolled 58 adult patients (18-65 y old). The minimum follow-up was 6 mo. No patient or graft was lost at 90 or 180 d in the experimental group (n = 28), whereas patient/graft survival were 93.1% ( P = 0.016) and 89.66% ( P = 0.080) at 90 d and 86.21% ( P = 0.041) and 86.2% ( P = 0.041) at 180 d in the control group (n = 29). The percentage of patients with severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIb) was higher in the control group, 55.2% versus 25.0% in the experimental group ( P = 0.0307). The only significant difference in liver tests was a significantly higher gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase at 15 d ( P = 0.017), ( P = 0.015) in the simvastatin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Donor simvastatin treatment is safe, and may significantly improve early graft and patient survival after liver transplantation, although further research is mandatory.

How important is the role of iterative liver direct surgery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for a transplant center located in an area with a low rate of deceased donation?

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for nearly 90% of primary liver cancers, with estimates of over 1 million people affected by 2025. We aimed to explore the impacting role of an iterative surgical treatment approach in a cohort of HCC patients within the Milan criteria, associated with clinical risk factors for tumor recurrence (RHCC) after liver transplant (LT) and loco-regional therapies (LRT), as well as liver resection (LR) and/or microwave thermal ablation (MWTA).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our experience performed during an 8-year period between January 2013 and December 2021 in patients treated for HCC, focusing on describing the impact on preoperative end-stage liver disease severity, oncologic staging, tumor characteristics, and surgical treatments. The Cox model was used to evaluate variables that could predict relapse risks. Relapse risk curves were calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to compare them.

Results

There were 557 HCC patients treated with a first-line approach of LR and/or LRTs (n = 335) or LT (n = 222). The median age at initial transplantation was 59 versus 68 for those whose first surgical approach was LR and/or LRT. In univariate analysis with the Cox model, nodule size was the single predictor of recurrence of HCC in the posttreatment setting (HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05–2.47, p = 0.030). For the LRT group, we have enlightened the following clinical characteristics as significantly associated with RHCC: hepatitis B virus infection (which has a protective role with HR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.94, p = 0.038), number of HCC nodules (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.22–1.94, p < 0.001), size of the largest nodule (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12, p = 0.023), serum bilirubin (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03–2.40, p = 0.038), and international normalized ratio (HR: 16.40, 95% CI: 2.30–118.0, p = 0.006). Among the overall 111 patients with RHCC in the LRT group, 33 were iteratively treated with further curative treatment (12 were treated with LR, two with MWTA, three with a combined LR-MWTA treatment, and 16 underwent LT). Only one of 18 recurrent patients previously treated with LT underwent LR. For these RHCC patients, multivariable analysis showed the protective roles of LT for primary RHCC after IDLS (HR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.36, p = 0.002), of the time relapsed between the first and second IDLS treatments (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, p = 0.044), and the impact of previous minimally invasive treatment (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08–1.00, p = 0.051).

Conclusion

The coexistence of RHCC with underlying cirrhosis increases the complexity of assessing the net health benefit of ILDS before LT. Minimally invasive surgical therapies and time to HCC relapse should be considered an outcome in randomized clinical trials because they have a relevant impact on tumor-free survival.

European Liver Transplant Registry: Donor and transplant surgery aspects of 16,641 liver transplantations in children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR) has collected data on liver transplant procedures performed in Europe since 1968.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Over a 50-year period (1968-2017), clinical and laboratory data were collected from 133 transplant centers and analyzed retrospectively (16,641 liver transplants in 14,515 children). Data were analyzed according to three successive periods (A, before 2000; B, 2000-2009; and C, since 2010), studying donor and graft characteristics and graft outcome. The use of living donors steadily increased from A to C (A, n = 296 [7%]; B, n = 1131 [23%]; and C, n = 1985 [39%]; p = 0.0001). Overall, the 5-year graft survival rate has improved from 65% in group A to 75% in group B (p < 0.0001) and to 79% in group C (B versus C, p < 0.0001). Graft half-life was 31 years, overall; it was 41 years for children who survived the first year after transplant. The late annual graft loss rate in teenagers is higher than that in children aged <12 years and similar to that of young adults. No evidence for accelerated graft loss after age 18 years was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric liver transplantation has reached a high efficacy as a cure or treatment for severe liver disease in infants and children. Grafts that survived the first year had a half-life similar to standard human half-life. Transplantation before or after puberty may be the pivot-point for lower long-term outcome in children. Further studies are necessary to revisit some old concepts regarding transplant benefit (survival time) for small children, the role of recipient pathophysiology versus graft aging, and risk at transition to adult age.

Management of intra-abdominal hypertension during ECMO: Total water-assisted colonoscopy as a step-up minimally invasive treatment, and a literature review

Background and study aims  During extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can impair ECMO venous drainage, reducing its ability to provide an adequate oxygenated blood flow. When medical therapy is ineffective in managing IAH, guidelines recommend a decompressive laparotomy (DL), though the procedure is associated with several complications and poor outcomes. Patients and methods  This was a case series of IAH in patients affected with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on veno-venous (V-V) ECMO, in whom we performed total water-assisted colonoscopy (t-WAC) to treat IAH. Results  In three patients who underwent t-WAC, we report a real-time intra-procedural reduction of IAH, normalization of ECMO blood flow, and a reduction of vasopressors and lactates. t-WAC was performed in the context of evident abdominal compartment syndrome with multiorgan failure, and in one case was performed because of IAH and ECMO impairment. One patient was discharged alive, while the other two died of multiorgan failure, although the cause of death was apparently not secondary to IAH. Conclusions  During ECMO, in select cases,T-WAC may represent a first-line non-invasive approach.

Bile duct anatomical variations: Relevance for liver division and preparing left split liver grafts for pediatric transplantation: Cohort study

BACKGROUND

liver lateral section graft is the most common graft type used for transplantation in children worldwide. Compared to whole liver grafts, a higher rate of biliary complications has been described. Historically, 2 techniques have been described for transection of liver - trans-hilar or trans-umbilical parenchymal transection. Though these techniques allow dividing the biliary system at two distinct positions, the usual surgical strategies do not take advantage of this advantage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 40 candidates who volunteered for donation of their left lateral liver section for transplantation, between October 2017 and April 2019. Preoperative imaging was analyzed to depict the arterial and biliary anatomy of the liver and their variations, with a dedicated attention to the left liver (segments 2, 3 and 4). Anatomy of the biliary system was taken into account for defining the optimal surgical strategy - either through a trans-hilar or a trans-umbilical parenchymal transection.

RESULTS

In 26/40 patients, arterial or biliary variations were much relevant for decision-making on the optimal plane of liver division (trans-umbilical (N = 14) and trans-hilar (N = 26)). This resulted in 23 grafts with a single artery and bile duct, 6 grafts with double arteries and a single bile duct, and 9 grafts with double bile ducts and a single artery; only two grafts had complex anatomy. There was no arterial complication and the overall incidence of biliary problems was 14.7%. All grafts are functioning well at a mean follow-up of 19.6 ± 8.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical variations are frequent and their knowledge is relevant for procurement of lateral section liver graft. Knowledge of these variation, or -better- preoperative biliary imaging is helpful in guiding parenchymal transection at procurement and preparing optimal liver grafts.

An Italian survey on the use of T-tube in liver transplantation: old habits die hard!

There is enough clinical evidence that a T-tube use in biliary reconstruction at adult liver transplantation (LT) does not significantly modify the risk of biliary stricture/leak, and it may even sustain infective and metabolic complications. Thus, the policy on T-tube use has been globally changing, with progressive application of more restrictive selection criteria. However, there are no currently standardized indications in such change, and many LT Centers rely only on own experience and routine. A nation-wide survey was conducted among all the 20 Italian adult LT Centers to investigate the current policy on T-tube use. It was found that 20% of Centers completely discontinued the T-tube use, while 25% Centers used it routinely in all LT cases. The remaining 55% of Centers applied a selective policy, based on criteria of technical complexity of biliary reconstruction (72.7%), followed by low-quality graft (63.6%) and high-risk recipient (36.4%). A T-tube use > 50% of annual caseload was not associated with high-volume Center status (> 70 LT per year), an active pediatric or living-donor transplant program, or use of DCD grafts. Only 10/20 (50%) Centers identified T-tube as a potential risk factor for complications other than biliary stricture/leak. In these cases, the suspected pathogenic mechanism comprised bacterial colonization (70%), malabsorption (70%), interruption of the entero-hepatic bile-acid cycle (50%), biliary inflammation due to an indwelling catheter (40%) and gut microbiota changes (40%). In conclusion, the prevalence of T-tube use among the Italian LT Centers is still relatively high, compared to the European trend (33%), and the potential detrimental effect of T-tube, beyond biliary stricture/leak, seems to be somehow underestimated.

Case report: Trans-papillary free stenting of the cystic duct and of the common bile duct in a double biliary ducts anastomoses of a right lobe living donor transplantation

Background

One of the major issues related to the living donor liver transplantation recipient outcome is still the high rate of biliary complication, especially when multiple biliary ducts are present and multiple anastomoses have to be performed.

Case presentation and conclusion

We report a case of adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation performed for a recipient affected by alcohol-related cirrhosis with MELD score of 17. End-stage liver disease was complicated by refractory ascites, portal hypertension, small esophageal varices and portal gastropathy, hypersplenism, and abundant right pleural effusion. Here in the attached video we described the adult-to-adult LDLT procedures, where a right lobe with two biliary ducts draining respectively the right anterior and the right posterior segments has been transplanted. LDLT required a biliary reconstruction using the native cystic and common bile ducts stented trans-papillary with two 5- French 6 cm long soft silastic catheter. None major complications were detected during post-operative clinical courses. Actually, the donor and the recipient are alive and well. The technique we describe in the video, allow to keep the biliary anastomoses protected and patent without having the risk of creating cholestasis and the need of invasive additional procedure. No living donor right lobe transplantation should be refused because of the presence of multiple biliary ducts.

Inferior vena cava surgical cannulation for infants needing veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

INTRODUCTION

Femoral cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is challenging in infants because of the diameter of the vein.

CASE REPORT

Prolonged ECMO support (67 days) was necessary for an 8-month-old (8 kg) girl with acute respiratory distress syndrome that was caused by H1N1 influenza. After 30 days on ECMO support and using a single 16 Fr double-lumen cannula (internal jugular vein), a second cannula was necessary to ensure adequate flow. This second 12 Fr single-lumen cannula was surgically placed through the right common iliac vein. An excellent flow profile was then achieved and ECMO continued successfully for 37 more days.

DISCUSSION

As a lifesaving option, this double caval configuration successfully optimized the flow profile and oxygenation, outweighing the related risks.

CONCLUSION

In small children, a surgical approach to the inferior vena cava can be considered safe, especially in those cases where there is a shortage of adequate cannulas, or when central venous access is difficult.

Adult to Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Recipients with Low MELD: A Strategy Intended to Overcome Donor Shortage

Recent series have demonstrated advantages of living donor over deceased donor liver transplantation, with particular benefit for those with low model for end-stage liver disease score. The logic underlying the transplantation of patients before they become too sick is intuitive. It reduces mortality and drop outs from the waiting list and makes transplant surgery less demanding. Those principles have to be balanced with donor safety and transplant benefit for the recipient avoiding early, futile transplantation. The authors report a case of adult to adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation performed for a recipient affected by primary biliary cirrhosis with MELD score of 15, in a transplant center located in an area of Europe characterized by chronic organ shortage.

ERAS Protocol for Perioperative Care of Patients Treated with Laparoscopic Nonanatomic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The ISMETT Experience

Background: Liver resection (LR) remains the best therapeutic option for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with preserved hepatic function and who are not eligible for liver transplantation. After its inception, the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol was widely used for treating patients with liver cancer, although there are still no clear indications for improving upon it in both open and laparoscopic surgery. Objective: This study aims to describe our institute's experience in the application of the ERAS protocol in a cohort of HCC patients, and to explore possible factors that could have an impact on postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our experience with LR performed from September 2017 to January 2020 in patients treated with ERAS protocol, focusing on describing impact on postoperative nutrition, analgesic requirements, and length of hospitalization. Demographics, operative factors, and postoperative complications of patients were reviewed. Results: During the study period, 89 HCC patients were eligible for LR, and 75% of patients presented with liver cirrhosis. The most prevalent among etiologic factors was hepatitis C virus infection (53 patients out of 89, 60%), followed by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (18 patients, 20%). The median age was 70 years. Liver cirrhosis did not have an impact on postoperative course of patients. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery and nonanatomic LR experienced low complication rates, shorter length of stay, and shorter time of intravenous analgesic requirements. Conclusions: Continual refinement with ERAS protocol for treating HCC patients based on perioperative counseling and surgical decision-making is crucial to guarantee low complication rates, and reduce patient morbidity and time for recovery.

Impact of Italian Score for Organ Allocation System on Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Monocentric Competing Risk Time-to-Event Analysis

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive and curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the Italian score for organ allocation (ISO) in terms of the waiting-list mortality, probability of LT, and patient survival after LT.

PATIENT AND METHODS

All of the adult patients on the waiting list for LT at our institute from January 2014 to December 2017 were included in the study. The probabilities of death while on the waiting list, dropout from the list, and LT were compared by means of cumulative incidence functions, in a competing risk time-to-event analysis setting. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate and compare the probability of death and to find potential risk factors for waiting-list death.

RESULTS

There were 286 patients on the waiting list for LT during the study period, 122 of whom entered the waiting list prior to the implementation of ISO (Group A) and 164 afterward (Group B). Group A had 62 transplants, and Group B had 116 transplants. Group B showed a lesser probability of death (P = .005) and a greater probability of transplant (P < .001) compared to Group A. In the 2 groups, post-transplant survival was similar.

CONCLUSION

Based on preliminary clinical experience from a single transplant center, the ISO allocation system demonstrated an overall reduced probability of patient death while on the waiting list without impairing post-LT survival, suggesting that the ISO system might represent an improved method of organ allocation, with a more beneficial distribution of livers.

A paradigm shift in the intention-to-transplant children with biliary atresia: Outcomes of 101 cases and a review of the literature

For children with BA who do not benefit from Kasai surgery, the only therapeutic option is liver replacement and transplantation. The very decision to proceed for transplantation is a crucial point in time because it is the first step toward the preparation for the transplantation. The former time point is defined in this analysis as "intent-to-transplant" care pathway. In the life of every BA candidate for liver replacement, this point in time varies and mostly depends on the decision of their primary caring teams-about when to switch from supportive care to transplant, and thus to refer to a transplant center. This intent-to-transplant analysis of a series of 101 consecutive infants that were referred to a single transplant team showed that excellent overall outcome (97% survival) has been achieved overall. However, three deaths occurred that were clearly related to a late referral. This analysis and recent observations from other centers strongly support that the timing for referring these children to a transplant center and/or deciding to list them on the waiting list is currently too late and should be anticipated to what it is currently. This paradigm shift in the intention-to-transplant children is likely necessary for giving a better chance to an increased number of children and impacts positively on the general outcome. Networking and defining new tools for a rapid recognition of the infants who need early transplantation are necessary; centralization of these children may be helpful to achieve better outcomes than currently observed.

Impact of margin status on long-term results of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: single-center time-to-recurrence analysis

Occult metastasis from the initial tumor and a de novo second primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were recognized as the main causes for the onset of early and late HCC recurrence, after liver resection (LR). This study aims to compare the time to recurrence after LR for HCC in which a margin ≤ 1 mm or > 1 mm was achieved. A single-center retrospective study involving 256 patients was conducted from June 2005 to June 2019. HCC patients resected with a radical surgical approach were investigated and stratified into groups A (resection margins ≤ 1 mm) and B (> 1 mm), as measured on final pathologic assessment. Kaplan-Meier estimators were used to estimate the probability of recurrence, and the log-rank test was used to compare groups. Uni- and multivariable (stepwise) Cox regression models were used to assess the effect of several HCC pathological characteristics. Twenty patients were excluded for the presence of microscopic tumor invasion at pathologic analysis (R1); 236 patients underwent radical (R0) LR, and were included in the study and divided into group A (n = 61, 26%), and group B (n = 175, 74%). No differences between the two groups were detected regarding: epidemiology, tumor characteristics, type of LR, and follow-up. The estimated probability of recurrence for group A and group B at 12 and 24 months was 27% and 38%, and, 33% and 46%, respectively. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression model estimates showed that tumor grading (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.4, p = 0.006), number of nodules (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.4, p = 0.015), and extension of the resection (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p = 0.047) were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence, with no significant effect of margin status on time to recurrence. A R0 approach that considers a margin of resection > 1 mm does not improve the likelihood of HCC recurrence. Otherwise, our experience confirms that biologic tumor characteristics are the principal factors predictive of local and systemic recurrence.

Unusual venous collateral pathways allow for reperfusion of the intrahepatic portal venous system in children with portal vein thrombosis after split liver transplantation: Clinical relevance and management implications

PVT is the most frequent vascular complication after LT in small children, and a higher incidence has been observed in those transplanted for biliary atresia or with a LLSG. Thrombosis of the PV causes extrahepatic portal hypertension and is associated with splenomegaly and the development of venous neo-collaterals, including gastro-oesophageal varices and splenorenal shunts. It has also been incidentally suggested in the literature that patients who have had a Roux-en-Y loop for a biliary reconstruction may present with a cavernomatous transformation of the distal portion of the loop. In this study, 13 children with CEPH caused by thrombosis of the PV after LT were analysed. The study evidenced the development of two types of hepatopetal venous networks: (a) a large cavernoma along the Roux loop and around the biliary anastomosis, and (b) a network of neo-collaterals in the gastro-duodeno-pancreatic area that connected to the intrahepatic portal branches directly through the liver capsule. These hepatopetal venous networks between the venous system of the surrounding organs or the omentum and the intrahepatic portal branches can be identified by radiologists. The relevance for the transplanting physician and the transplant surgeon is discussed.

Multimodality imaging of the Meso-Rex bypass

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. It is defined as thrombosis of the extrahepatic portal vein with or without extension to the intrahepatic portal veins. The Meso-Rex shunt is the gold standard treatment in children with favorable anatomy since it restores physiological portal liver reperfusion. This is achieved by rerouting the splanchnic venous blood through an autologous graft from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) into the Rex recess of the left portal vein, curing portal hypertension by doing so. General and hepatobiliary radiologists must be familiar with multimodality imaging appearances of EHPVO and with the role of imaging in identifying suitable candidates for Meso-Rex bypass surgery. Imaging might also detect complications of this procedure, some of which might be treated via interventional radiology.

The addition of simvastatin administration to cold storage solution of explanted whole liver grafts for facing ischemia/reperfusion injury in an area with a low rate of deceased donation: a monocentric randomized controlled double-blinded phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. The interruption of the blood supply to the donor liver during cold storage damages the liver, affecting how well the liver will function after transplant. The drug Simvastatin may help to protect donor livers against this damage and improve outcomes for transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of treating the donor liver with Simvastatin compared with the standard transplant procedure.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We propose a prospective, double-blinded, randomized phase 2 study of 2 parallel groups of eligible adult patients. We will compare 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month graft survival after LT, in order to identify a significant relation between the two homogenous groups of LT patients. The two groups only differ by the Simvastatin or placebo administration regimen while following the same procedure, with identical surgical instruments, and medical and nursing skilled staff. To reach these goals, we determined that we needed to recruit 106 patients. This sample size achieves 90% power to detect a difference of 14.6% between the two groups survival using a one-sided binomial test.

DISCUSSION

This trial is designed to confirm the effectiveness of Simvastatin to protect healthy and steatotic livers undergoing cold storage and warm reperfusion before transplantation and to evaluate if the addition of Simvastatin translates into improved graft outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN27083228 .

Aggressive prevention and preemptive management of vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation: A major impact on graft survival and long-term outcome

Vascular complications are a major cause of patient and graft loss after LTs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multimodal perioperative strategy aimed at reducing the incidence of vascular complications. A total of 126 first isolated LTs-performed between November 2008 and December 2015-were retrospectively analyzed. A minimum follow-up period of 24 months was analyzable for 124/126 patients (98.4%). The aggressive preemptive strategy consisted of identifying and immediately managing any problem and any abnormality in the vascular flow, in any of the hepatic vessels, and at any time after the liver graft revascularization. As a result, with a median follow-up of 57 months (3-112 months), not a single graft has been lost from vascular or biliary problems. The actuarial 8-year graft survival is 96.5%. These results have shown that a combination of technical attention, medical prevention, an early diagnosis, and rapid interventions reduced the negative impact of vascular problems on the outcome of both grafts and patients.

Oncocytoma managed by active surveillance in a transplant allograft kidney: a case report

BACKGROUND

The ethical implications of the utilization of kidneys with solid renal masses (SRMs) in transplantation are the subject of lively debate in the transplantation community and beyond. One of such implications is that as the life expectancy of renal transplant patients improve, the prevalence of SRMs in donors is likely to increase. We report a case of an oncocytoma in a renal allograft complicating a deceased-donor kidney transplant.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old woman received and underwent deceased-donor renal transplantation for end-stage renal disease after a waiting-list period of 11 years. Kidney Doppler ultrasound (DUS) of the deceased donor was negative for any nodular lesion. The finding of the DUS, done on postoperative day 1, to assess the patency of the graft, was suspicious for an acute arterial thrombosis but did not reveal any focal irregularities. An ensuing computed tomography (CT) scan did not show any arterial complications but serendipitously revealed a 2.4-cm lesion on the upper pole of the renal allograft, which was not detected during the back-table or ultrasonography monitoring. Histology of the biopsied lesion was consistent with oncocytoma. However, because the eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma may morphologically resemble renal oncocytoma, immunohistochemical staining was performed. The results were negative, ruling out chromophobe RCC. After discussing the therapeutic options and potential related outcomes with the patient, we found no reason for resection of the lesion or an allograft nephrectomy, given the low risk of malignant transformation in an oncocytoma. Active surveillance of the benign tumor was done with ultrasonography, every 2 months, for the first year and, then, with magnetic resonance imaging, every year. The patient received mycophenolate-mofetil, tacrolimus, and prednisone throughout the 5-year follow-up period, and the regimen for immunosuppression was not changed despite the presence of the renal mass. After 60 months, we report that none of the radiological findings have shown any morphological changes of the lesion, and the patient is well.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of an oncocytoma in a renal allograft complicating a deceased-donor kidney transplant, which was successfully managed by active surveillance.

Use of Hepatitis C-Positive Deceased Liver Donors in Response to the Organ Shortage in an Endemic Area

The region of Sicily, Italy, is witnessing a chronic organ shortage. Thus, to face this critical issue, the use of marginal donors has increased over time. An example of marginal donor expansion is the use of liver donors who are positive for the hepatitis C antibody (HCV+) for HCV+ patients requiring liver transplantation (LT). In view of new advances in HCV therapy, including direct-acting agents (DAAs) to treat HCV in the post-transplant setting, our study focused on a monocentric experience in a series of consecutive LTs performed in adult patients receiving HCV+ liver donor allografts. From 2003 to 2016 at our institute we performed 10 LT using HCV+ deceased donors. In particular, the pre-LT histological examination in 1 case showed a framework of moderate steatosis (35% microvesicular and 10% macrovesicular) with micro/macrovesicular steatosis <10% in all the other cases. A fibrous framework of 1/6 according to the Ishak score in a single case, and 2/6 in 2 cases, were highlighted, while there was no fibrosis in the other 7 cases. A picture of periportal inflammation was still detected in 4 cases, with no evidence of inflammatory lesions in the remaining cases. The patient survival was 100% at 1 and 3 years, and 85.7% at 5 years post-LT. One-, three- and five-year graft survivals were 100.0%, 88.9%, and 71.4%, respectively. Only 1 patient underwent re-LT after 2 years, because of chronic rejection. Based on our experience using HCV+ deceased liver donors with a moderate degree of fibrosis, we believe that accepting marginal donors is a feasible therapeutic option when facing a liver donor shortage.

Meso-Rex bypass to manage prehepatic portal hypertension after the failure of an intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunting

A cavernomatous transformation of the extrahepatic portion of the portal vein is a common cause of chronic portal hypertension in children. A few attempts at radiological interventions have been reported, but have rarely been successful. In this report, a surgical Meso-Rex bypass was performed to treat complicated prehepatic portal hypertension, after the insertion of an intrahepatic stent for portosystemic shunting had failed. The review of this case nicely illustrates how differently effective are these two shunting procedures-in terms of restoring hepatopetal flow, managing portal hypertension, and establishing-or not-portosystemic connections.

Prehepatic portal hypertension with aneurysm of the portal vein: unusual but treatable malformative pattern

INTRODUCTION

Portal vein aneurysms (PVAs) are usually located at the vein trunk or at its bifurcation, rarely intra-hepatic, or at the umbilical portion. Etiology remains unclear.

METHODS

Three children with PVA were identified over a 5-year period. PVA anatomy was assessed by Doppler Ultrasound, Angio CT/MRI, and trans-jugular retrograde portography.

RESULTS

Three children with intrahepatic PVA (including the umbilical portion) were identified during assessment for pre-hepatic portal hypertension: all had splenomegaly and hypersplenism. One presented with massive variceal bleeding. In two cases, a portal vein cavernoma was found, and in the third a severe stricture at the portal bifurcation was observed. Restoration of portal venous flow was achieved by a meso-Rex bypass in two cases and transposing the PV into the Rex in one. High hepatopetal portal flow was restored immediately, with follow-up confirming long-term patency and resolution of signs of portal hypertension with time.

CONCLUSIONS

These original observations suggest a common initial malformative pattern consisting of a portal venous stricture/web causing a post-stenotic aneurysmal dilatation of the intrahepatic portal branches complicated by thrombosis and cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein trunk. Importantly, the Meso-Rex bypass allows restoring a normal portal flow and cures the portal hypertension.

Selective use of extended criteria deceased liver donors with anatomic variations

BACKGROUNDS

An ongoing shortage of organs for liver transplantation has led surgeons to continually modify criteria for organ acceptance, which are now defined as extended criteria. The organ shortage becomes more problematic in retransplantation, in which the use of a limited resource such as a liver graft with anatomic variation must be weighed against the risk of a more difficult operation.

CASE REPORTS

We report 2 peculiar anatomic variations discovered in deceased donors for whole liver transplantation and confirmed at the back table: 1 with a huge biliary enlargement of the common hepatic duct and 1 with a celiac trunk aneurysm. In the first variation, any potential biliary reconstruction was thought to be at high risk of difficult outflow. The vascular anomaly did not preclude successful performance of a liver retransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

We briefly report the use of 2 liver grafts from deceased donors with rare anatomic variations, which is relevant to increasing the liver donor pool. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of this biliary anomaly. In certain specific settings, strategies based on the appropriate donor-recipient match have allowed the use of grafts that otherwise would have been discarded due to celiac aneurysm.

Complications in immunosuppressive therapy of liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

In liver transplantation (LT), modern immunosuppressive protocol is focused on early corticosteroid (CS) weaning. The aim of the study was to investigate all early transplant-related complications using Clavien grading system, in order to identify a significant relation in two homogenous groups of consecutive liver transplanted patients, only different for steroid avoidance in immunosuppressive regimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One group was treated with a tacrolimus-based CS-free immunosuppressive protocol, the other one underwent tacrolimus plus low dose CS therapy. The preoperative continuous variables analyzed were age, gender, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and the pre-allocation score for predicting survival following liver transplantation (P-SOFT).

RESULTS

There were 39 patients in Group A (CS free) (37.9%), and 64 patients in Group B (CS on board) (62.1%). No statistically significant differences between the two groups were detected regarding the incidence and Clavien grade of complications (P = 0.116). No significant relation was revealed between Clavien rate of complications and tacrolimus-based CS-free immunosuppressive protocol, comparing the two subgroup of patient with P-SOFT score < 6 and ≥ 6 (P = 0.193). This association was noted comparing the two subgroups on tacrolimus plus low dose CS regimen (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

In this series, the use of CS in sick patient is associated with higher morbidity identified by the Clavien classification.

Completely obstructed colorectal anastomosis: A new non-electrosurgical endoscopic approach before balloon dilatation

Benign stricture is a relatively common complication of colorectal anastomosis after low anterior resection. On occasion, the anastomosis may close completely. A variety of endoscopic techniques have been described, but there is a lack of data from controlled prospective trials as to the optimal approach. Through-the-scope balloon dilatation is well known and easy to perform. Some case reports describe different endoscopic approaches, including endoscopic electrocision with a papillotomy knife or hook knife. We report a case of a colorectal anastomosis web occlusion, treated without electrocision. Gastrografin enema and sigmoidoscopy showed complete obstruction at the anastomotic site due to the presence of an anastomotic occlusive web. In order to avoid thermal injuries, we decided to use a suprapapillary biliary puncture catheter. The Artifon catheter was inserted into the center of the circular staple line at the level of the anastomosis, and fluoroscopic identification of the proximal bowel was obtained with dye injection. A 0.025-inch guidewire was then passed through the catheter into the colon and progressive pneumatic dilatation was performed. The successful destruction of the occlusive web facilitated passage of the colonoscope, allowing evaluation of the entire colon and stoma closure after three months of follow-up. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with no complications. This report highlights an alternative non-electrosurgical approach that uses a new device that proved to be safe and useful.

Malignant diverticulitis of the left colon complicating heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Colonic diverticular disease is rare in developing nations but common in Western and industrialized societies. Many studies show that heart and lung transplantation increase the risk of having severe diverticulitis, although the exact magnitude of this risk remain unclear because many of these studies have been small with short follow up. The term malignant diverticulitis has been employed to describe an extreme form of colon diverticulitis that is characterized by an extensive phlegmon and inflammatory reaction extending below the peritoneal reflection, with a tendency toward obstruction and fistula formation.

CASE REPORT

We report a 57-year-old male, transplanted in our Institute for dilated cardiomyopathy due to previous myocardial ischemia, in whom, during the post-transplantation period, a malignant diverticulitis requiring an aggressive surgical approach was diagnosed, the diagnosis of diverticulosis was made during a colonoscopy in a pre-transplant work-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressed patients should be considered at high risk for developing a complicated malignant diverticular disease, and when diagnosed in a pre-transplant work-up, should be managed aggressively in terms of surgical approach when symptoms and signs suggest a diverticulitis.

Huge extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm as a late complication of liver transplantation

A 60-year-old male underwent orthotopic liver transplantation because of hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis. After 12 d, the patient underwent re-transplantation due to primary graft non function. One year later the patient developed a thrombosis of the main portal vein needing a surgical revision. After 11 years the patient was operated on because of a clinical picture of intestinal occlusion. As an incidental finding, a large aneurysm of the main portal vein was diagnosed. The incidence of intra- and extrahepatic Portal vein aneurysms (PVAs) is not clear. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of intrahepatic PVA in a liver transplant has been reported in the literature. In addition, we have found no documented cases of extrahepatic PVAs in liver transplanted patients.

Liver resections for liver transplantations

Split-Liver and living-related donor liver transplantation are the newest and both technically and ethically most challenging developments in liver transplantation and have contributed to a reduction in donor shortage. We report the technical aspects of surgical procedures performed to achieve a partial graft from a cadaveric and a live donor.

Liver transplantation for polycystic liver and massive hepatomegaly

Liver tumor and other benign liver diseases such as polycystic liver disease can cause massive hepatomegaly and may represent an indication for liver transplantation (LT) in some instances. In this setting, LT can be extremely difficult and challenging due to its decreased mobility and access to vascular supply. Benefit from either a right or a left partial liver resection during the transplant procedure has been advocated to safely accomplish the hepatectomy of the native liver. Although we believe that partial hepatectomy adds some risk to intra-operative bleeding, we alternatively advise a different approach. We have a successful experience with LT in 6 massive hepatomegaly patients due to giant liver lesions. All the transplant procedures were performed without intermediate partial liver resection, showing that selective use of veno-venous bypass can play a significant role in the treatment of massive hepatomegaly.

Early graft dysfunction following adult-to-adult living-related liver transplantation: Predictive factors and outcomes

AIM: To describe a condition that we define as early graft dysfunction (EGD) which can be identified preoperatively.

METHODS: Small-for-size graft dysfunction following living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) is characterized by EGD when the graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GRBWR) is below 0.8%. However, patients transplanted with GRBWR above 0.8% can develop dysfunction of the graft. In 73 recipients of LRLT (GRBWR > 0.8%), we identified 10 patients who developed EGD. The main measures of outcomes analyzed were overall mortality, number of re-transplants and length of stay in days (LOS). Furthermore we analyzed other clinical pre-transplant variables, intra-operative parameters and post transplant data.

RESULTS: A trend in favor of the non-EGD group (3-mo actuarial survival 98% vs 88%, P = 0.09; 3-mo graft mortality 4.7% vs 20%, P = 0.07) was observed as well as shorter LOS (13 d vs 41.5 d; P = 0.001) and smaller requirement of peri-operative Units of Plasma (4 vs 14; P = 0.036). Univariate analysis of pre-transplant variables identified platelet count, serum bilirubin, INR and Meld-Na score as predictors of EGD. In the multivariate analysis transplant Meld-Na score (P = 0.025, OR: 1.175) and pre-transplant platelet count (P = 0.043, OR: 0.956) were independently associated with EGD.

CONCLUSION: EGD can be identified preoperatively and is associated with increased morbidity after LRLT. A prompt recognition of EGD can trigger a timely treatment.