A pleiotropy scan to discover new susceptibility loci for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pleiotropic variants (i.e., genetic polymorphisms influencing more than one phenotype) are often associated with cancer risk. A scan of pleiotropic variants was successfully conducted ten years ago in relation to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma susceptibility. However, in the last decade, genetic association studies performed on several human traits have greatly increased the number of known pleiotropic variants. Based on the hypothesis that variants already associated with a least one trait have a higher probability of association with other traits, 61,052 variants reported to be associated by at least one genome wide association study (GWAS) with at least one human trait were tested in the present study consisting of two phases (discovery and validation), comprising a total of 16,055 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases and 212,149 controls. The meta-analysis of the two phases showed two loci (10q21.1-rs4948550 (P=6.52×10-5) and 7q36.3-rs288762 (P=3.03×10-5) potentially associated with PDAC risk. 10q21.1-rs4948550 shows a high degree of pleiotropy and it is also associated with colorectal cancer risk while 7q36.3-rs288762 is situated 28,558 base pairs upstream of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene, which is involved in the cell differentiation process and PDAC etiopathogenesis. In conclusion, none of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed a formally statistically significant association after correction for multiple testing. However, given their pleiotropic nature and association with various human traits including colorectal cancer, the two SNPs showing the best associations with PDAC risk merit further investigation through fine mapping and ad hoc functional studies.

Introducing in vivo pancreatic cancer models for the study of new therapeutic regimens

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is a severe oncological disease with an ever-increasing incidence and a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic options are limited and the five-year overall survival rate is 7–20%, depending on the possibility of surgical resection and the earliness of detection. Most patients with this diagnosis die due to the resistance of tumour cells and their microenvironment to the used treatment regimes. Methods: In our study, we focused on the implementation of two in vivo models, which are the cell-line derived xenograft (CDX) and the patient-derived xenograft (PDX). These two models differ significantly from each other methodologically, technically, financially, but also in their achieved results. Results: In a pilot study, we managed to successfully implement the CDX model with a very aggressive and resistant PaCa-44 line of pancreatic cancer in a total of 30 NU/NU strain mice. Furthermore, we created three PDX models with various subtypes of pancreatic cancer from patients operated at the University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Department of General Surgery. These tumours were re-transplanted into subsequent generations of 23 individuals of NOD/SCID strain and 47 NU/NU strain mice. The established CDX and PDX models are then used to compare conventional and experimental chemotherapy regimens. Conclusion: The next steps will be to evaluate the effects of treatment regimens by using imaging and molecular genetic methods and to optimise the entire process for further use in precise personalised medicine for patients with pancreatic cancer. The upcoming goal is to create a library of PDX models of the most common pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and other rare subtypes of pancreatic cancer.

Surgery of iatrogenic bile duct injuries

Iatrogenic bile duct injury still represents a serious complication mostly connected with minimally invasive cholecystectomy. This complication has an important impact both on short- and long-term morbidity and is associated with non-negligible mortality. The objective of our study was to provide a comprehensive summary of information based on the most recent guidelines with recommendations for how to prevent a bile duct injury, how to reach an early diagnosis and finally, how to proceed should they occur in order to minimize further damage. We also present ATOM, a new classification of bile duct injuries that provides clear information not only about the extent of anatomical damage, but also about the time and mechanism of its occurrence.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: risk factors affecting survival of operated patients

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCHCA) in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival, and to analyse and find potential prognostic factors affecting overall survival and disease-free survival.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation was performed of consecutively enrolled patients operated for IHCHCA from January 2005 to January 2022 (17 years) had undergone surgery. During the monitored period, 38 surgical procedures were performed, of which liver resection was done in 25 cases (65.8%).

RESULTS

The 5-year survival in the radically resected group was 44%, and the 5-year disease-free survival was 32%. Based on univariate and multivariate analysis, radicality of surgery (p=0.01116) and lymph node involvement (p=0.00576) were assessed as negative prognostic factors for overall survival. Radicality of surgery (p=0.018) and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.044) were significant negative prognostic factors affecting disease-free survival. However, they lost their significance in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Radical surgical resection of the liver remains an essential treatment option for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma aimed at achieving a radical procedure with microscopically negative margins.

KEY WORDS

cholangiocarcinoma, resection, recurrence, survival.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resections for colorectal cancer liver metastases: short term results

INTRODUCTION

Analysis and comparison of short-term results of laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) and open liver resections (OLR) for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients operated for CRCLM in the time period from May 2007 to May 2019 (12 years) at the department of surgery, University Hospital Hradec Králové and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady.

RESULTS

206 liver resections were performed; 167 (81.1%) OLR and 39 (18.9%) LLR procedures. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 6 cases (15.4%). LLR was associated with a longer operation time (194±107 min) vs (129±58 min) for OLR. The ICU stay, 3.5±4.3 days for OLR and 4.1±8.1 days for LLR, and the hospital stay, 11.9±8.3 days (OLR) vs 12.1±11.3 days (LLR), were comparable. Perioperative blood loss was lower in the LLR group, 189±166 ml vs 360±410 ml. Total transfusion rate was similar, 10.8% (OLR) vs 12.8% (LLR). Oncologic radicality was also comparable in both groups; negative resection margin was achieved in 78% (OLR) and 80% (LLR). Postoperative morbidity and mortality was comparable in both groups; morbidity was 33% (OLR) vs 31% (LLR), while mortality was 1.8% (OLR) vs 2.6% (LLR).

CONCLUSION

LLR for CRCLM provided comparable short-term results compared to OLR in our group of patients even in the learning curve period. However, it should be noted that the study group is a highly selected group of patients.

KRAS pathway expression changes in pancreatic cancer models by conventional and experimental taxanes

The KRAS signalling pathway is pivotal for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development. After the failure of most conventional cytotoxic and targeted therapeutics tested so far, the combination of taxane nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) with gemcitabine recently demonstrated promising improvements in the survival of PDAC patients. This study aimed to explore interactions of conventional paclitaxel and experimental taxane SB-T-1216 with the KRAS signalling pathway expression in in vivo and in vitro PDAC models in order to decipher potential predictive biomarkers or targets for future individualised therapy. Mouse PDAC PaCa-44 xenograft model was used for evaluation of changes in transcript and protein levels of the KRAS signalling pathway caused by administration of experimental taxane SB-T-1216 in vivo. Subsequently, KRAS wild-type (BxPc-3) and mutated (MiaPaCa-2 and PaCa-44) cell line models were treated with paclitaxel to verify dysregulation of the KRAS signalling pathway gene expression profile in vitro and investigate the role of KRAS mutation status. By comparing the gene expression profiles, this study observed for the first time that in vitro cell models differ in the basal transcriptional profile of the KRAS signalling pathway, but there were no differences between KRAS mutated and wild-type cells in sensitivity to taxanes. Generally, the taxane administration caused a downregulation of the KRAS signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo, but this effect was not dependent on the KRAS mutation status. In conclusion, putative biomarkers for prediction of taxane activity or targets for stimulation of taxane anticancer effects were not discovered by the KRAS signalling pathway profiling in various PDAC models.

Hedgehog pathway overexpression in pancreatic cancer is abrogated by new-generation taxoid SB-T-1216

The Hedgehog pathway is one of the major driver pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This study investigated prognostic importance of Hedgehog signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer patients who underwent a radical resection. Tumors and adjacent non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were obtained from 45 patients with histologically verified pancreatic cancer. The effect of experimental taxane chemotherapy on the expression of Hedgehog pathway was evaluated in vivo using a mouse xenograft model prepared using pancreatic cancer cell line Paca-44. Mice were treated by experimental Stony Brook Taxane SB-T-1216. The transcript profile of 34 Hedgehog pathway genes in patients and xenografts was assessed using quantitative PCR. The Hedgehog pathway was strongly overexpressed in pancreatic tumors and upregulation of SHH, IHH, HHAT and PTCH1 was associated with a trend toward decreased patient survival. No association of Hedgehog pathway expression with KRAS mutation status was found in tumors. Sonic hedgehog ligand was overexpressed, but all other downstream genes were downregulated by SB-T-1216 treatment in vivo. Suppression of HH pathway expression in vivo by taxane-based chemotherapy suggests a new mechanism of action for treatment of this aggressive tumor.

A comparison of portal vein embolization with poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) and a histoacryl/lipiodol mixture in patients scheduled for extended right hepatectomy

To determine whether PHEMA [poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)] is suitable for portal vein embolization in patients scheduled to right hepatectomy and whether it is as effective as the currently used agent (a histoacryl/lipiodol mixture). Two groups of nine patients each scheduled for extended right hepatectomy for primary or secondary hepatic tumor, had right portal vein embolization in an effort to induce future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy. One group had embolization with PHEMA, the other one with the histoacryl/lipiodol mixture. In all patients, embolization was performed using the right retrograde transhepatic access. Embolization was technically successful in all 18 patients, with no complication related to the embolization agent. Eight patients of either group developed FLR hypertrophy allowing extended right hepatectomy. Likewise, one patient in each group had recanalization of a portal vein branch. Histology showed that both embolization agents reach the periphery of portal vein branches, with PHEMA penetrating somewhat deeper into the periphery. PHEMA has been shown to be an agent suitable for embolization in the portal venous system comparable with existing embolization agent (histoacryl/lipiodol mixture).

Incidental hepatocellular carcinoma: risk factors and long-term outcome after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) currently represents the treatment of choice for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preoperatively known HCC (pkHCC) is diagnosed via imaging methods before OLT or before HCC is found postoperatively in the liver explant, denoted as incidental HCC (iHCC). The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of the post-transplantation survival of patients with iHCC and the identification of risk factors of iHCC occurrence in cirrhotic liver.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 33 adult cirrhotic patients with incidentally found HCC, comparing them with 606 tumor-free adult cirrhotic patients with end-stage liver disease (group Ci) who underwent OLT in our center from January 1995 to August 2012. Within the same period, a total of 84 patients underwent transplantation for pkHCC. We compared post-transplantation survivals of iHCC, Ci, and pkHCC patients. In the group of cirrhotic patients (Ci + iHCC), we searched for risk factors of iHCC occurrence.

RESULTS

There was no difference in sex, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and time spent on the waiting list in either group. In the multivariate analysis we identified age >57 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-8.14; P < .001), hepatitis C virus or alcoholic liver disease (OR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.42-10.7; P < .001), and alpha-fetoprotein level >6.4 μg/L (OR, 6.65; 95% CI, 2.82-15.7; P = .002) to be independent predictors of iHCC occurrence. Both the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and the 1-, 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) differed in iHCC patients compared with the Ci group (iHCC: OS 79%, 72%, and 68%, respectively; RFS 79%, 72%, and 63%, respectively; vs Ci: OS = RFS: 93%, 94%, and 87%, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The survival of iHCC patients is worse than in tumor-free cirrhotic patients, but similar to pkHCC patients. The independent risk factors for iHCC occurrence in cirrhotic liver are age, hepatitis C virus, or alcoholic liver disease etiology of liver cirrhosis and alpha-fetoprotein level.

Pancreatic islet autotransplantation after completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula after hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic islet autotransplantation (IAT) has a potential to prevent brittle diabetes in patients after total pancreatectomy. Because of the fear of tumor spread, IAT has rarely been used in case of malignancy. We report our experience with patients who underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma and later completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula with islet autotransplantation at our institution.

METHODS

From August 2007 to December 2012, 5 patients underwent IAT after completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula after hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma. Islets were isolated from the pancreatic tail with the use of digestion with collagenase. Nonpurified islet suspension was infused into the portal vein during surgery.

RESULTS

The median number of islets transplanted was 175,000 islet equivalents (range, 70,000-365,000). One patient died after surgery for reasons unrelated to IAT. Another 3 patients had stable diabetes with partial graft function (fasting C-peptide levels 0.23, 0.41, and 0.61 nmol/L and HbA1c 4.8%, 4.6%, and 6.9% at 24, 24 and 9 months after IAT, respectively). The 1st patient, with pancreatic head carcinoma, was alive 28 months after IAT with lymph node and liver recurrence since 18 months after IAT. The 2nd patient, with gall bladder and distal bile duct carcinoma, died 47 months after IAT with tumor recurrence. The 3rd patient, with ampullary carcinoma, died 12 months after IAT with local recurrence and solitary liver metastasis. The last patient had been off insulin 9 months after IAT without tumor recurrence (fasting C-peptide, 0.89 nmol/L; HbA1c, 4.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Autotransplantation of pancreatic islets isolated from the residual pancreatic tissue in patients who previously underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy for cancer may provide stable glucose control and thus improve quality of life. In this small series we did not observe early development of multiple liver metastases caused by islet suspension contamination with malignant cells. Oncologic outcome of the patients was not worse than what would be expected without IAT.

[Surgical techniques to counter the lack of donors]

It has been 30 years since the first successful transplant in the Czech Republic. The number of interventions and their demand has been continuously growing. As a result of a continuous lack of donors, many new techniques have been developed, aimed at increasing the number of liver grafts suitable for transplant, and thus reducing the number of deaths among patients on the waiting list. In the field of paediatric liver transplants, especially in the groups of the lowest body weight, this need is the most urgent. The paper addresses the respective techniques and their availability in the Czech Republic. The most frequently used techniques include liver reduction and liver SPLIT. Furthermore, several successful domino transplants and transplants from a living donor have taken place. So far, no other techniques used elsewhere in the world (nonheart beating transplant, dual transplants, and auxiliary transplants) have been performed.

[First Czech and Slovak domino liver transplantation]

INTRODUCTION

The study introduces the first international, Czech and Slovak Domino Transplantation performed based on a tight cooperation between the Czech and Slovak transplant centres.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The donor of the cadaveric graft was a young Slovak man with Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. The livers of these patients are the predominant source of circulating transthyretin, and liver transplantation is the only treatment available for the disease. The graft was obtained from heart beating deceased donor with brain death. The domino graft was then transplanted to Czech sixty-three years old man with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis based on HCV.

RESULTS

Both recipients had an uneventful immediate postoperative course with early graft function. The Czech patient faced early HCV recurrence in a graft which necessitated the reduction of immunosuppressives.

CONCLUSION

The domino liver transplantation represents a suitable way for addressing graft shortage and reducing waiting list time. A well-organized cooperation between the two international centres is required to complete successful domino transplantation.

[Liver transplantation in patients with portal vein thrombosis]

AIM

The aim of the study was to perform a retrospective assessment in a group of patients with portal vein thromboses who underwent consecutive liver transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PVT was preoperatively diagnosed with ultrasound and CT portography. The follow up period was 1 to 6 years. Postoperative immunosuppressive medication was administered in combination with cyclosporin A, prednison and imuran upon initiation of the transplantation programme (8 patients). During the follow up period, the treatment protocol was replaced with FK 506, Cell Cept and prednisone. Liver biopsy was indicated when rejection was suspected.

RESULTS

During 1996-2009, the team of authors performed a total of 740 liver transplantations in 303 female and 437 male subjects. The procedures included 703 primary procedures, 33 retransplantations and four second retransplantations. Out of the total, 57 recipients (7.7%) had portal vein obliteration. These subjects included 42 male and 15 females, their mean age was 52 (9-67) years. 62 liver transplantations were performed in these 57 patients. The following complications were recorded in the patient group: graft dysfunction in 10.5%, revisions for bleeding in 28%, hepatic artery thrombosis in 10.5%, portal vein rethrombosis in 1.8%, biliary complications in 17.5%, acute rejections in 19.3%. Perioperative mortality rate was 15.8%.The mean blood derivates requirement was 17.1 (0-425) erythrocyte transfusion units, 27.1 (0-132) frozen plasma transfusion units and 2.6 (0-20) thrombocyte transfusion units.

CONCLUSION

The results of out retrospective study indicate that portal thrombosis is not a contraindication for liver transplantation. Current surgical techniques make liver transplantations in patients with complete splanchnic venous thrombosis possible.

[Early biliary complications following liver transplantation]

INTRODUCTION

Biliary complications (BC) after liver transplantation (LTx) are serious problems with an incidence rate of 6-35%. There are two types of BC, early and late. Early BC is observed for 30 days post LTx or during the entire period of the patient's first hospital stay after LTx. The main causes of early BC are ischemia of the biliary tree (the bile duct of the transplanted liver is supplied only from the right hepatic artery descendingly; the supply from the gastroduodenal artery is lacking) as well as implementation of the biliary anastomosis surgical technique. Treatment of BC is administered by a surgeon, a gastroenterologist and a radiologist.

AIM

To evaluate early biliary complications after LTx

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed patients with early BC after LTx from 4/2004 - 12/2009. We defined early BC as a complication that is present during the first 30 days post LTx or during the entire period of the patient's first hospital stay after LTx.

RESULTS

We performed 384 LTx during the above-mentioned period. We carried out reconstruction of the biliary tree in the form of a choledochocholedochostomy (CDD) in 312 cases and in the form of a choledochojejunostomy (CDJ) in 72 cases. Sixty-eight patients had early BC (17.7%), 25 patients experienced biliary leak (6.5%), 40 patients had anastomotic stenosis (10.4%) and 3 patients (0.8%) experienced both complications (biliary leak and stenosis). Most complications were eliminated by ERCP with a papilosfincterotomy, a balloon dilatation of stenosis, and a biliary stent implant with repeated stent replacements (45 cases in total- all patients with biliary stenosis). Twenty-two patients were reoperated on (16x CDJ, 3x re-CDD, 2x suture of aberrant bile duct, 1x suture common bile duct) and 1 patient was treated by percutaneous transhepatic bilary drainage (PTD). The mortality rate was zero.

CONCLUSION

BC after LTx continue to pose a serious surgical problem. The treatment of choice when dealing with BC is ERCP, which has more than a 70% success rate. If ERCP or PTD are not successful, or when biliary peritonitis is present, we perform a reanastomosis of the bile duct. The combined effort of the surgeon, gastroenterologist and radiologist is the most important factor for successful treatment. The incidence of BC after LTx at IKEM is similar to that of treatment centers all over the world.

Radical surgery for pancreatic malignancy in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Improving life expectancy is associated with increasing incidence of pancreatic cancer. We reviewed morbidity and mortality in patients aged 65 years and older undergoing curative intent surgery in two centers in the Czech Republic.

METHODS

Data were retrieved by retrospective analysis of the medical records over the period 2000-2007. In total, 60 patients were included. The mean age was 71 years (median 70 years; range 65-85 years). Most patients (43, 72%) underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy, combined in 4 with portomesenterial vessel resection. Twelve patients (20%) had distal pancreatectomy and 5 patients (8%) total pancreatectomy.

RESULTS

Overall morbidity was 28%. Only 10 patients (18%) developed serious surgical complications in terms of pancreatic leak (5, 8%), biliary leak (2, 3%), and intra-abdominal inflammatory collection (4, 7%). Four patients (6.6%) died within 30 days. The 1-year survival was 62.8%.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that age per se is not a contraindication to surgery. Patient's overall general condition, co-existing co-morbidities, and ability to get over with any potential complications are more important. and IAP.

[Liver transplantations in children using reduced grafts]

AIM

Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure in patients with end stage liver disease. Five-year survival in patients indicated for transplantation based on standard indication criteria, has reached a rate over 80%. Shortage of suitable grafts remains the main problem in these procedures. While the situation in adult patients is relatively satisfactory, liver transplantations in children, mainly in the low-weight categories, remain a worldwide problem because of the absolute lack of suitable donors. In order to reduce mortality in the youngest patients on the waiting list, a concept of reduction of the adult graft for pediatric use was introduced in the early 1990s. Recent introduction of novel methods, such as split transplantations or transplantations between relatives, has resulted in lower mortality rates in the youngest recipients on the waiting lists. The author assesses a group of patients below 18 years of age, who underwent reduced liver graft transplantations in the Czech Republic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 1995 to 2009, a total of 43 patients below 18 years of age underwent transplantations, using 48 liver grafts. Further 17 children were sent abroad for transplantations, where a total of 23 liver grafts were used. Only patients who underwent transplantations using the liver grafts adjusted in IKEM were assessed in the patient group, i.e. 14 patients, resp. 16 liver grafts. Reduction was performed in 13 subjects. One subjects underwent transplantation between relatives and a liver split was used in two subjects. In the lowest weight category up to 10 kgs, 5 liver reductions were performed.

OUTCOMES

Out of the total (n = 16), 4 grafts failed (2 were early postoperative failures, ie. within 2 postoperative days and 2 grafts failed in Month 5). The mean graft survival was 65 months. Within the youngest recipient age group (n = 5), no graft failure was recorded. The mean survival time is 26 months.

CONCLUSION

Since 2007, the Czech Republic has been providing a program for all patients, including the lowest weight-category pediatric patients. To date data are satisfactory. No graft failure has been recorded in the category of the smallest (up to 10 kgs) pediatric patients.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis with biliary tree and liver involvement as a part of IgG4-related autoimmune sclerosing disease. Case report]

We report a rare case of autoimmune pancreatitis associated with sclerosing cholangitis, kidney, and salivary glands involvement. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan showed enlarged pancreas, multiple nodular mass in the liver and kidney. ERCP showed features compatible with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The working clinical diagnosis considered malignant tumor with liver metastases. Histological examination of the liver biopsy sample revealed inflammatory process with numerous IgG4 positive plasma cells. The diagnostic conclusion of IgG4-related autoimmune sclerosing disease was drawn. The serum IgG level was elevated. Treatment with steroids improved the clinical course, all masses in the liver and kidneys disappeared, and laboratory tests were normalized. Now, 4 years after diagnosis the patient is free of all symptoms.

[Treatment of colorectal liver metastases: a current view]

BACKGROUNDS

The Czech Republic has the world's highest incidence of colorectal cancer, with over 4,500 people dying of this disease each year. It is a well-known fact that up to 50% of patients develop distant metastases.

METHODS

While thanks to novel drugs and the emergence of biological therapy, chemotherapy has been most successful in prolonging patient survival, a complete cure is impossible. Consequently, surgical treatment continues to be the only option potentially capable of achieving complete cure. Advances in surgical management, primarily in reducing morbidity and mortality rates after liver resection, have made it possible to perform surgery on a higher number of patients. Despite this, a large proportion of patients remain in fact primarily inoperable because of the extent of their disease. A combination of individualized surgical and cancer therapy developed by a multidisciplinary team substantially increases the number of patients eligible for radical resection, thus not only improving overall five-year survival rates but, also, significantly extending the symptom-free period.

AIM

The aim of the paper is to summarize a new perspective of the strategy for treating liver metastases of colorectal cancer and to develop guidelines for new appropriate algorithms.

[Experimental small intestine transplantation]

AIM

Transplantation of the small intestine is a standard treatment method in patients with small intestinal failures. The aim of this study was to master the surgical technique, optimalize immunosuppression regimes, diagnose acute cellular graft rejection based on cellular and humoral indicators.

METHODS

The authors performed a total of 43 transplantation procedures in pigs. The first, surgical part of the experiment was aimed at mastering two principal methods of vascular anastomosis- firstly, connecting the graft with mesenteric vessels (Group n1 = 18) and secondly, connecting the graft with the aorta and the inferior vena cava (Group n2 = 25). The second part of the experiment included assessment of rejection changes in various immunosuppression regimes. Only animals who did not die because of a technical failure of the procedure or due to internal reasons (n = 24) were assessed. The study animals were assigned to four groups (A (n = 3)--autotransplantation, without immunosuppresion; B (n = 7) and C (n = 8)--allotransplantation with immunosuppression using tacrolimus, resp. in a combination with sirolimus; D (n = 6)--allotransplantation without immunosuppression. Rejection was diagnosed based on histological examination of the grafts@ biopsy samples. Plasmatic citruline was used as a non-invasive humoral indicator of the graft impairment.

RESULTS

Procedural complications were observed in 12 (67%) study animals from the first group, and in 3 (12%) animals from the second group. In the assessment of rejection changes, the longest survival was observed with autotransplantations, the shortest survival period was shown with allotransplantations without immunosuppression. No significant survival differences were demonstrated between the both treated groups. (p < 0.05). Group C showed lower rates of cellular rejections, compared to Group B and D.

CONCLUSION

During the experiment, the authors managed to master the graft collection, as well as the transplantation technique. Lower rates of surgical complications were observed when the graft was supplied by the central vascular system. No significant differencies were observed between the tacrolimus monoterapy regimen and the combination therapy with sirolimus. Histological examination is the golden standard for the cellular rejection diagnostics. Plasmatic citruline has no signifiance in the rejection assessment.

[Transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma]

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocelullar carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world. It mostly occurs in patients with cirrhosis. In the Czech Republic, about 250 new cases are reported per year. Surgery, i.e. liver resection or transplantation, as the only potentially curable method is possible in 15-20% of them. For the rest, palliative treatment is indicated. This includes ablative methods (radiofrequency ablation, alcoholization), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), systemic chemotherapy or biological treatment by sorafenib. TACE is method of choice in patients unsuitable for surgery and ablative treatment. Another indication is embolization of HCC before liver transplantation to prevent tumour progression. In combination with other methods, down staging of the tumour and curable treatment afterward is possible.

AIMS

To assess the outcome of transarterial chemoembolisation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Between 2004-2008 we performed 30 TACE. Of that number, 28 TACE were performed in 20 patients with HCC. We super selectively catheterized the tumour via arteria femoralis and used Doxorubicin with Lipiodol as embolic material. In follow up, we carried out laboratory studies and CT.

RESULTS

We have not noticed any major complications. Post-embolization syndrome with fever, nausea and right upper quadrant pain occurred after 10 TACE (33%). One-, two- and three years survival of the patients was 53%, 40% a 20%.

CONCLUSION

TACE is safe method prolonging patients' survival with unresectable HCC. For the correct treatment of HCC, its concentration to cancer centres and the cooperation between multiple specialists is necessary.

[One-year survival outcomes in patients with pancreatic head and portomesenteric veins resection]

INTRODUCTION

Hemipancreatoduodenectomy is a standard technique for surgical management of pancreatic head carcinomas. However, so far, mesenteric and/or portal vein resections have not been commonly indicated. This original report presents one-year survival outcomes in a group of operated subjects.

METHODOLOGY

From 7/2005 to 7/2008, 13 pancreatic resections with concomitant resection of the mesenteric or portal vein were performed in the IKEM Transplant Surgery Clinic. The study objective was to assess the perioperative complications and 30-day mortality rates, and the overall survival period.

RESULTS

The study group included 13 patients, 8 males and 5 females, the mean age was 66 (48 to 85) years. Concomitantly, resection of the portal vein (6x) or the superior mesenteric vein (3x), or of the both veins (4x) was performed. In 11 subjects of this patient group, the time period between the surgical procedure and the assessment was over a year. During the portomesenteric reconstruction phase, end-to-end anastomoses were performed in eight subjects, and the resected vein was replaced with the internal jugular vein in two subjects. In three subjects, the venous wall excision site was closed using a simple defect suture. Out of the study group, 5 subjects were surviving at 12 months. Three patients exited due to their primary diagnosis and the fourth one for internal complications two months after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The authors belive that hemipancreatoduodenectomy with concomitant resection of portomesenteric veins should become a standard treatment method in indicated patients, performed in specialized centres.

[Blood loss minimization in liver surgery]

INTRODUCTION

Liver procedures may be associated with severe blood loss, requiring administration of blood products. Severe bleeding prolongs resection time and has negative effects on morbidity and mortality rates. Any technique, which would reduce blood loss during resection procedures is beneficial for a patient, as well as for a surgeon.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

Literature overview of the commonest resection techniques and intraoperative care aimed at blood loss minimization. Assessment of the author's study group of 183 patients, operated during 2004-2008.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

During the study period, 217 liver resections were performed in 183 subjects. The mortality rate was 2.7%, the morbidity rate 24.6%. In none of the subjects, surgical revision was required for postoperative bleeding. The mean blood loss was 820 ml. When saving surgical techniques and modern devices are used, and high quality intraoperative and postoperative care is provided, the liver resections can be performed with minimum blood loss, resulting in fast reconvalescence and minimal complications.

[The case of familial adenomatous polyposis and a proposal for the system of dispensarisation]

We present a case of a 46 years old female with familial adenomatous polyposis of the colon. The adenocarcinoma had been treated using all available oncology therapeutic modalities. Late post-radiation changes caused ileus that required acute surgical revision, and formation of difficult-to-define enterovesical fistula that led to recurring urosepsis. When the conservative methods, including enteral and, subsequently, home total parenteral nutrition, were unsuccessful, the patient underwent successful surgery with resection of the affected intestinal loops, part of the bladder, evacuation of an abscess in the small pelvis and terminal jejunostomy. As a result of this procedure, the patient is now able to take food per os without infectious complications. The resulting short bowel syndrome is managed by administration of additional parenteral nutrition and registration of the patient for intestinal transplantation is being considered.

Small bowel graft revascularization in experiment

OBJECTIVES

The technical aspects of a procedure are most important for the outcome of the experiment. This study was designed to compare two techniques suitable for graft revascularization.

METHODS

The first technique, where the animal is both donor and the recipient, consists of connecting the grafts' vascular anastomoses to the mesenteric vessel bed. In the second technique, one animal is the graft donor and the other is the recipient, with revascularization to the central vessel bed (subrenal inferior vena cava and aorta). Techniques of restoring digestive tract continuity and creation of diagnostic "chimney ileostomy" were identical in both groups. All experimental animals were monitored clinically regularly basis as per protocol (weight, temperature, stoma appearance, output and nature of stools). Blood and biopsy samples were obtained on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 30.

RESULTS

Overall, 43 transplant procedures were performed. The first group included 18 transplants and 66.7% animals had vascular complications. While in the second group (25 transplant procedures), vascular complication rate was only 12% (3 out of 25) perhaps due to technique modifications.

CONCLUSION

Our experiment showed that both types of vascular anastomosis could be used in small bowel transplantation. Connecting the graft vessels to the aorta and inferior vena cava is technically simpler and safer because of fewer subsequent complications (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 6). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

[Pancreatic resection for metastatic renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUNDS

Late metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are quite common. However, metastases in the pancreas are rare. Between 2004-2008 the Department of transplantation surgery of the institute of clinical and experimental medicine performed 87 pancreatic resections for tumour. From this, metastasis of RCC was histologically verified in four cases.The aim of this study was to summarize in the form of brief case reports our experience with the surgical treatment of pancreatic metastasis of RCC.

OBSERVATION

The interval from nephrectomy to the occurrence of pancreatic metastasis was 10, 11, 15 and 16 years. All patients were examined to exclude metastatic generalization. Surgical treatment was: one total pancreatectomy, two subtotal pancreatectomies and one caudal resection. Two patients had solitary pancreatic metastasis, one had two metastases and one had multiple metastatic lesions. No complications were observed in the postoperative period. All patients are living with survival time of 7, 23, 26 and 52 months. None of them has signs of recurrence of the primary disease.

CONCLUSION

The follow up in patients with a history of RCC should be lifelong. Considering the low response of RCC and its metastases to oncological treatment, pancreatic resection is a safe method with a low rate of complications in patients with RCC metastases limited only to the pancreas and detected in time.

Allograft hepatitis after liver transplantation for epithelioid haemangioendothelioma

Primary hepatic epitheloid heamangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare neoplasm of vascular origin. We present a retrospective study of 6 patients with EHE treated by liver transplantation that were monitored clinically for more than 3 years and had protocol biopsy samples taken at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years posttransplant. None of the patients suffered from any form of viral or autoimmune hepatitis before or after the transplantation. Two patients had lung metastases detected by preoperative imaging. All tumours showed factor VIII, CD31, and CD34 strong positive staining. In 5 of the 6 transplant recipients the protocol graft biopsies showed chronic non-specific hepatitis with slowly progressive periportal fibrosis that appeared during the 3rd post-transplant year. The septal fibrosis was diagnosed in the 6th and 10th year after transplantation. Liver tests did not reflect either the presence or the degree of inflammation or fibrosis and have remained normal. In retrospect, we consider that our recipients most probably developed alloantigen dependent inflammatory and fibrotic damage to their liver grafts. All six recipients are still alive for a median survival time of 95.1 month (range 44 months to 132 months), with good graft function, and without recurrence of the tumor. The lung metastases in 2 of the 6 patients have remained unchanged for 10 and 12 years retrospectively.

[Primary retroperitoneal tumor--extraadrenal paraganglioma--a case review]

Primary retroperitoneal tumors are extremely rare tumors of this location. The authors present a case review of a 53-year-old patient operated for unexplained retroperitoneal neoplasm. No complications were recorded during the postoperative course and histology demonstrated extraadrenal paraganglioma structures, ranked among the above neoplasms. Preoperative hypertension subsided postoperatively, following the active neuroendocrinne tumor removal. The aim of this work is to present clinical and histopathological characteristics of this rare retroperitoenal neoplasm.

[Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and current situation in the Czech Republic]

Hepatocelullar carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary liver malignacy. Its incidence is increasing worldwide. In the Czech Republic, about 250 new cases are reported per year. The patient's prognosis depends on early diagnosis and initiation of a correct therapeutical procedure. During the decision making process, tumor staging, as well as the chronic liver disease stage, must be considered. Surgery, i.e. liver resection or transplantation, is the only potentially curable method. Other treatment options include chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, alcoholization and, currently poorly effective systemic chemotherapy. Current monitoring of the radical procedures in the Czech Republic is unsatisfactory. Although surgical treatment has been performed by many clinics, based on the available data, none of the following could be assessed: the number of surgically managed HCC patients in the Czech Republic per year, disease staging in these patients and their short-term and long-term treatment outcomes. In the Czech Republic, 45 liver transplantations have been performed, data on resection procedures are not available. The aim of the authors is to support the Central HCC Patient Registry, presented at the following website: www.koc.cz.

[Surgical harvesting of small bowel intended for transplantation]

The small intestine transplantations represent a logical alternative to final total parenteral nutrition in patients with chronic intestinal failures. It is considered a life- saving procedure in patients with intestinal failure, where standard treatment procedures cannot be further implemented. Perfect harvesting technique is very important for succesful clinical small bowel transplantation. The authors studied the surgical view of the small intestinal transplant harvesting and monitored differences in ischemic injuries to jejunum and ileum depending on duration of the cold ischemia time. The study is one of the inital works in the planned intestinal transplantation clinical programme.

[Surgical treatment of gastrointestinal complications after the heart transplantation]

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is standard treatment of patients with end-stage heart failure. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy leads to the increased risk of the infection and cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our retrospective study was aimed to evaluate gastrointestinal surgery procedures after OHT. The retrospective study was carried out at the Institute of clinical and experimental medicine (IKEM), between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2006. Our group of patients includes 587 transplant recipients and 22 gastrointestinal surgery procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from our department did not show statistical differences in the length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality in comparison with patients after OHT and control group.

Preservation injury of the small bowel graft in clinical small bowel transplantation

Clinical success of small bowel transplantation depends on quality of the preservation small bowel graft which is notoriously sensitive to ischemia. There is still no general agreement as to which segment of the small bowel is preferred (jejunum or ileum) for clinical use. In our study, using a light microscopy and concentrations of tissue serotonin-positive cells, we tried to identify a part of the human intestine, which is more resistant to preservation injury sustained by HTK preservation solution with 1-24 hr of cold ischemia. Statistical analysis of both parameters did not reveal any significant differences between the jejunum and ileum. According to our data, there is no difference between jejunal and ileal grafts in susceptibility to ischemic injury due to cold ischemia within 24 hours when using HTK preservation solution. A significant difference was observed in histological pictures only after 12-hour of cold ischemia in both groups (jejunum and ileum) (Fig. 2, Ref. 11). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

[Endoscopic transgastric drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst--a cause of late perforation of the intestine]

The authors present a case-review of a polymorbid patient, who underwent repetitive endoscopic transgastric drainage of the pancreatic pseudocyst in chronic pancreatitis. 3 months after the stents were released, the terminal ileus perforated. Ileocaecal resection was then completed. Further postoperative course was uncomplicated and the patient's current clinical condition is good.

[Laparoscopic rectopexis]

INTRODUCTION

Rektopexis is an effective treatment method of rectal prolapses. Our retrospective study assessed the laparoscopic rectopexis results.

METHODOLOGY

From 01-01-2003 to 31-11-2005, 10 patients were indicated for the procedure of laparoscopic retropexis. A "Vypro" mesh (Johnson&Johnson) was used to suspend the rectum. We fix it to the sacrum and to the rectum with an anchor (Eanchr, Johnson&Johnson). The follow-up examinations were conducted 2-30 months after the procedure. We assessed mortality rates, morbidity rates, the prolaps relapses incidence rates, obstipation incidence rates.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic procedure was completed in 9 patients. In one case, we converted. The mortality and serious postoperative morbidity rate was 0%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 7 days. During the follow-up, no patient relapsed. One female patient complained of mild postoperative obstipation, which, however, did not require surgical revision.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic rectopexis is a modern, safe and effective method of the prolaps of the rectum treatment.

[Planned laparoscopic procedures in clinical practice]

Several recent randomized studies have proved that laparoscopic technique is feasible, safe and has been associated with better cosmetics, less pain, faster recovery, lower incidence of infectious complications, and shorter postoperative stay. However, these advantages are not substantial for patients with malignant diseases. New published randomized trials (laparoscopic gastrectomy, colectomy, nephrectomy) have proved that long-term survival data did not show any detrimental effect of laparoscopy in comparison with historic studies of open resections.

[Laparoscopic distal resection of the pancreas]

During the last two years, reports on laparoscopic procedures of the pancreas have been on increase. Laparoscopic resection of the pancreatic cauda is indicated, primarily, for benign cystic lesions of the cauda of the pancreas and for neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas (mainly insulinomas). We have not recorded any report on the above procedure in the Czech literature. Therefore, in our case review, we have described laparoscopic distal resection of the pancreas with splenectomy for a pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.

[Exenteration procedures in the pelvis]

Exenteration pelvic procedures are surgical options for treatment of locally advanced pelvic tumors. Due to the procedure's success rates, it has become a standard therapeutic procedure, when indicated. From the medical point of view, the following factors characterize the level of seriousness of these procedures: the fact that the procedure is extensive, its complicated reconstruction phase and high postoperative morbidity rates. From the patient's point of view, it is characterized by a principal change in the quality of life. In this case review the authors present their experience with a multidisciplinary approach to these procedures.

[The risk of malignancy after organ transplantation]

Improvements in immunosuppressive therapy during the past decade brought about improvements of the long term tolerance of organ allografts. However, the long-term immunosuppressive therapy has an important limitation, because it can increase the risk of cardivascular diseases, infections and tumors. As compared with age-matched healthy population, organ-transplant recipients have an increased incidence of tumors.

[Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine]

Tumors of the small bowel are seldom course of gastrointestinal malignity. The small bowel tumor occurrence represents 1-5% in world literature. Good prognosis and five year survival depend on early diagnose and radical surgical treatment with consequential multimodal therapy. Our patient's case documents the diagnose difficulties and its possibilities.

[Initial experience with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography]

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) is based on heavily weighted T2 sequences (ETSE--echo-train spin echo) with suppression of fat, giving visualisation of slowly flowing or stagnating fluid. MRCP are short sequences in coronary plane with thickness of 8 cm or 4 mm. Retrospective analysis of all MRCP examinations performed during last 12 months is presented.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighty-eight examinations were done, of which 67 ones with both adequate technical quality and clinical indication were included into the study (20 males aged 25-83 years, 47 women aged 19-82 years). Patients were divided into 4 groups regarding to the indications (group I.--temporary cholestasis, normal abdominal ultrasound, II.--definite cholestasis, III.--pathologic findings on pancreas, IV.--other). Vast majority of patients were included into group I (35 subjects). In 7 (20%) of them choledocholithiasis and/or stenoses (including multiple stenoses in primary sclerotizing cholangoitis) were found. MRCP brought diagnostic information in subjects with cholestasis (group II.) and answered questions given by clinicians. However, in 1 of 4 subjects with primary sclerotizing cholangoitis, MRCP did not reveal intra-hepatic stenoses, which were later visualised by classical ERCP. Only the extrahepatic stenoses were diagnosed by MRCP in the latter subject.

CONCLUSIONS

MRCP should become a standard examination in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with cholangiopathies. MRCP has its value not only in subjects with unsuccessful or contraindicated ERCP, but also in subjects with temporary cholestasis with negative ultrasound finding.