Immune cell dynamics deconvoluted by single-cell RNA sequencing in normothermic machine perfusion of the liver

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has emerged as an innovative organ preservation technique. Developing an understanding for the donor organ immune cell composition and its dynamic changes during NMP is essential. We aimed for a comprehensive characterization of immune cell (sub)populations, cell trafficking and cytokine release during liver NMP. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of human donor livers prior to, during NMP and after transplantation shows an abundance of CXC chemokine receptor 1⁺/2⁺ (CXCR1⁺/CXCR2⁺) neutrophils, which significantly decreased during NMP. This is paralleled by a large efflux of passenger leukocytes with neutrophil predominance in the perfusate. During NMP, neutrophils shift from a pro-inflammatory state towards an aged/chronically activated/exhausted phenotype, while anti-inflammatory/tolerogenic monocytes/macrophages are increased. We herein describe the dynamics of the immune cell repertoire, phenotypic immune cell shifts and a dominance of neutrophils during liver NMP, which potentially contribute to the inflammatory response. Our findings may serve as resource to initiate future immune-interventional studies.

The Preperitoneal Space in Hernia Repair

The preperitoneal spaces relevant for incisional hernia repair and minimally invasive groin hernia repair are described in terms of surgical anatomy. Emphasis is put on the transversalis fascia and the urogenital fascia and its extensions, the vesicoumbilical fascia, and the spermatic sheath of Stoppa procedure. Steps in hernia surgery where these structures are relevant are reviewed.

Static cold storage compared with normothermic machine perfusion of the liver and effect on ischaemic-type biliary lesions after transplantation: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Given the susceptibility of organs to ischaemic injury, alternative preservation methods to static cold storage (SCS), such as normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) are emerging. The aim of this study was to perform a comparison between NMP and SCS in liver transplantation with particular attention to bile duct lesions.

METHODS

The outcomes of 59 consecutive NMP-preserved donor livers were compared in a 1 : 1 propensity score-matched fashion to SCS control livers. Postoperative complications, patient survival, graft survival and bile duct lesions were analysed.

RESULTS

While patients were matched for cold ischaemia time, the total preservation time was significantly longer in the NMP group (21 h versus 7 h, P < 0.001). Patient and graft survival rates at 1 year were 81 versus 82 per cent (P = 0.347) and 81 versus 79 per cent (P = 0.784) in the NMP and SCS groups, respectively. The postoperative complication rate was comparable (P = 0.086); 37 per cent NMP versus 34 per cent SCS patients had a Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb or above complication. There was no difference in early (30 days or less) (NMP 22 versus SCS 19 per cent, P = 0.647) and late (more than 30 days) (NMP 27 versus SCS 36 per cent, P = 0.321) biliary complications. However, NMP-preserved livers developed significantly fewer ischaemic-type bile duct lesions (NMP 3 versus SCS 14 per cent, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

The use of NMP allowed for a significantly prolonged organ preservation with a lower rate of observed ischaemic-type bile duct lesions.

Assessment of the Clinical Impact of a Liver-Specific, BCAA-Enriched Diet in Major Liver Surgery

BACKGROUND

The relationship between nutrition and liver disease is relevant for the outcome after surgery. Patients with liver cirrhosis characteristically show protein-energy malnutrition with decreased levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and increased levels of aromatic amino acids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective controlled clinical trial including 57 patients after liver transplantation or major liver resection surgery in order to test the effect of early postoperative nutrition on the outcome and nutrition profile of these patients. The test group received a dietetic program composed of ingredients naturally rich in BCAA (BCAA group), and the control group received standard hospital meals. Patient survival, liver function tests, subjective well-being, and a nutritional status including amino acid profiles were analyzed immediately and 14 days after major liver surgery (secondary end points). General health and well-being were assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (primary end point).

RESULTS

In-depth analysis of amino acid profiles was performed for patients undergoing liver resection (n = 21) and liver transplantation (n = 36). Interestingly, amino acid profiles did not correlate with body mass index or the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Patients scheduled for liver transplantation showed significantly lower levels of BCAA pretransplant compared to patients undergoing liver resection. Patients in the liver resection subgroup were more likely to benefit from the BCAA cuisine in terms of significantly higher food intake and subjective rating. The clinical liver function tests, however, did not show statistical difference between the BCAA group and the control group in the examination period of 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Our specifically designed BCAA-enriched diet resulted in greater patient satisfaction and compliance with nutrition. A larger trial or longer-term follow-up may be required to identify an effect on survival, recovery, surgical complications, protein profiles, and amino acid profiles.

Early Post-Operative Pancreatitis and Systemic Inflammatory Response Assessed by Serum Lipase and IL-6 Predict Pancreatic Fistula

Background

Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a critical complication after pancreatic resection. This prospective pilot study evaluates perioperative markers of pancreatitis and systemic inflammation to predict clinically relevant grade B/C-POPF (CR-POPF).

Methods

All patients undergoing pancreatic resection from December 2017 to April 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Surgical procedures and outcomes were correlated with perioperative blood markers. ROC analysis was performed to assess their predictive value for CR-POPF. Cut-offs were calculated with the Youden index.

Results

In total, 70 patients were analysed (43 pancreatoduodenectomies and 27 distal pancreatectomies). In-hospital/90-d mortality and morbidity were 5.7/7.1% (n = 4/n = 5) and 75.7% (n = 53). Major complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3a) occurred in 28 (40.0%) patients, CR-POPF in 20 (28.6%) patients. Serum lipase (cut-off > 51U/L) and IL-6 (> 56.5 ng/l) on POD3 were significant predictors for CR-POPF (AUC = 0.799, 95%-CI 0.686–0.912 and AUC = 0.784, 95%-CI 0.668–0.900; combined AUC = 0.858, 95%-CI 0.758–0.958; all p < 0.001). Patients with both or one factor(s) above cut-off more frequently developed CR-POPF than cases without (100 vs. 50% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001). This also applied for overall and severe complications (p = 0.013 and p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Post-operative pancreatitis and inflammatory response are major determinants for development of POPF. A combination of serum lipase and IL-6 on POD3 is a highly significant early predictor of CR-POPF and overall complications, potentially guiding patient management.

Clinical trial registration

The study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04294797)

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00268-020-05768-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Open Management of the Renal Vein Is a Safe Modification in Right-Sided Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy to Maximize Graft Vein Length

BACKGROUND

The primary objective in living donor kidney transplantation is donor safety. In laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy, most centers prefer the left kidney for donation given the shorter renal vein, higher rate of thromboses, and more difficult surgical procedure for right kidney retrieval. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a hybrid technique using a Satinsky clamp in right-sided living donor nephrectomy to obtain maximal renal vein and to compare the outcome with standard left-sided laparoscopic donor nephrectomies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2005 and 2013, 77 patients underwent a left (group L) and 54 a right (group R) living donor nephrectomy. In group R, after laparoscopic dissection and mobilization of the right kidney, two 12-mm trocar incisions in the right upper quadrant were connected in a 5-7 cm subcostal incision. The caval vein was partially clamped under direct vision prior to dissection of the renal vein. The venotomy was then closed with a running 4-0 Prolene suture. The two groups were compared with regard to surgical complications, graft function, and graft survival.

RESULTS

Using this technique, no significant difference with regard to complications or graft function was observed. Serum creatinine at discharge in donor group L was 1.23 (±0.43) mg/dL and in donor group R 1.21 (±0.37) mg/dL (P = .71). Graft survival at one year was 100% in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Open management of the renal vein is a safe alternative in laparoscopic right-sided donor nephrectomy and ensures maximal length of the vein.

Benefits and limitations of belatacept in 4 hand-transplanted patients

Belatacept (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 Ig) is an emerging treatment in kidney transplantation. Lack of nephrotoxicity and possibly an inhibitory effect on the development of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) make it an interesting agent in hand transplantation. To reduce calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppression and preserve kidney function, we have added belatacept to the therapeutic regimen of 4 hand-transplanted patients at month 4 and at 6, 9, and 13 years after hand-forearm transplantation. Patients received 5 mg/kg belatacept every 2 weeks, and the dosing interval was extended to 4 weeks after 5 applications. Belatacept was initially well tolerated in all cases. Two patients were weaned to a low-dose tacrolimus monotherapy together with monthly belatacept applications. One patient is taking belatacept with lowered tacrolimus and sirolimus trough levels. A fourth patient had significant levels of DSAs at time of conversion and progressed to a severe necrotizing rejection early despite an unaltered baseline immunosuppression. Finger skin necrosis and histologic signs of severe chronic allograft vasculopathy eventually led to amputation of the graft. Implementation of belatacept can be beneficial in hand transplantation. However, our findings indicated both potential and caution and reflection of the immunologic state at the time of conversion.

Intensified preoperative chemoradiation by adding oxaliplatin in locally advanced, primary operable (cT3NxM0) rectal cancer : Impact on long-term outcome. Results of the phase II TAKO 05/ABCSG R‑02 trial

Purpose

The major goals of preoperative treatment for locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs) are improvement of local tumor control, tumor downsizing, and downstaging. Modifications with respect to standardized chemoradiation protocol, e. g., integrating oxaliplatin, are realized with the aim of improving primary tumor response and patient outcome.

Patients and methods

In this phase II multicenter study, patients with LARC of the mid- or lower rectum, cT3cNxcM0 as staged by MRI, were included and treated preoperatively with a combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin following a standardized protocol during radiation. The focus of this long-term analysis was overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

A total of 60 patients (19 women, 41 men, median age 60.5 years) were initially enrolled, 1 patient was excluded (violation of study protocol), and 1 was patient lost of follow-up, leading to a total of 58 patients for long-term analysis. The 3‑year OS was 85.5%; 3‑year DFS 71.2%. Over time, 15 patients (25.9%) developed tumor recurrence (1 locoregional, 6.7%; 11 distant, 73.3%; 3 locoregional+distant, 20%). Recurrence-specific therapy was planned in the majority of patients, in 9 of 15 patients (60%) with a radical surgical approach. Of these, 4 patients (44.4%) are again tumor-free at the end of investigation. While tumor downsizing (T level) or pathologically complete response did not influence patient survival, lymph node negativity (LNneg) after preoperative chemoradiation showed significant influence.

Conclusion

LNneg after preoperative treatment for LARC significantly influences patient survival. A radical surgical approach for recurrent LARC (locoregional, distant) should be contemplated when possible as we were able to clearly demonstrate its importance and efficacy.

Rail or roll: a new, convenient and safe way to position self-gripping meshes in open inguinal hernia repair

PURPOSE

In open inguinal hernia repair self-gripping meshes are currently commonly employed. Assumed benefits are saving of time, ease of handling and omission of fixation. Self-gripping meshes are, however, not as easy to handle and position as commonly stated. We describe a newly developed way of intra-operative mesh preparation and implantation and compare it to the conventional technique of insertion of self-gripping meshes.

METHODS

A two-armed, randomized trial with 64 patients was performed. For implantation of the self-gripping, light weight and partially absorbable mesh we used either a newly described rolling technique (group 1: n = 32) or the conventional way of insertion (group 2: n = 32). Primary endpoints of the study were feasibility with regard to actual implantation time and surgeons' satisfaction with the methods. Secondary endpoints were total operating time, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, duration of pain medication intake and postoperative morbidity. In addition all patients were prospectively followed up according to the Hernia Med® registry's standards.

RESULTS

Implantation time (seconds) 140 ± 74 vs. 187 ± 84, p = 0.008, duration of pain medication intake (days) 3.6 ± 2.8 vs. 4.8 ± 2.6; p = 0.046 and postoperative morbidity 2 (6%) vs. 8 (25%) was significantly beneficial in group 1 (rolling technique) compared to group 2 (conventional method). Blinded questionnaire revealed that rolling the mesh is generally easier with less repositioning maneuvers than conventional placement. Neither overall procedure time, length of stay nor postoperative pain scores differed significantly between groups.

CONCLUSION

The newly introduced rolling technique for the actual placement of self-gripping meshes in open inguinal hernia repair is technically less demanding and therefore significantly faster when compared to the conventional way of insertion of the same product. In addition the rolling technique has shown to be safe for the patients and to also provide higher surgeons' satisfaction.

Is the age of >65 years a risk factor for endoscopic treatment of primary inguinal hernia? Analysis of 24,571 patients from the Herniamed Registry

Introduction

Several analyses of hernia registries have demonstrated that patients older than 65 years have significantly higher perioperative complication rates compared with patients up to the age of 65. To date, no special analyses of endoscopic/laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery or of the relevant additional influence factors have been carried out. Besides, there is no definition to determine whether 65 years should really be considered to be the age limit.

Methods

In the Herniamed Hernia Registry, it was possible to identify 24,571 patients with a primary inguinal hernia and aged at least 16 years who had been operated on between September 1, 2009, and April 15, 2013, using either the TAPP technique (n = 17,214) or TEP technique (n = 7,357). Patients in the age group up to and including 65 years (≤65 years) were compared with those older than 65 years (>65 years) in terms of their perioperative outcome. That was done first using unadjusted analysis and then multivariable analysis.

Results

Unadjusted analysis revealed significantly different results for the intraoperative (1.19 vs 1.60 %; p = 0,010), postoperative surgical (2.72 vs 4.59 %; p < 0.001) and postoperative general complications (0.85 vs 1.98 %; p < 0.001) as well as for complication-related reoperations (1.07 vs 1.37 %; p = 0,044), which were more favorable in the ≤65 years age group. However, in multivariable analysis, it was not possible to confirm that for the intraoperative complications or the reoperations. Reoperations were needed more often for bilateral procedures (p < 0.001; OR 2.154 [1.699; 2.730]), higher ASA classification (IV vs I: p = 0.004; OR 6.001 [1.786; 20.167]), larger hernia defect and scrotal hernias. The impact of these factors, in addition to that of age >65 years, was also reflected in the postoperative complication rates. The age limit for increased onset of perioperative complication rates tends to be more than 80 rather than 65 years.

Conclusion

The higher perioperative complication rate associated with endoscopic/laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery in patients older than 65 years is of multifactorial genesis and is observed in particular as from the age of 80 years.

Preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin and docetaxel followed by surgery and clip-oriented postoperative chemoradiation in patients with localized gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: results from a phase II feasibility study

BACKGROUND

We conducted a phase II feasibility study using preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin and docetaxel followed by surgical resection and postoperative chemoradiation in patients with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer.

METHODS

Preoperative chemotherapy (two or three cycles) consisted of 50 mg/m(2) docetaxel and 50 mg/m(2) cisplatin. Surgical resection was planned 4 weeks after the last chemotherapy cycle. Patients underwent postsurgical chemoradiation, receiving a total dose of 39.6 Gy and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) continuous infusion (350 mg/m(2)/day). The primary end-points were feasibility, overall response rate and R0 resectability rate after preoperative chemotherapy. The secondary end-points were tolerability, treatment-associated complications, disease-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Between 2002 and 2004, 15 patients were enrolled in this study. After neoadjuvant treatment, two patients (13%) experienced progressive disease, four patients (27%) showed partial remission and nine patients (60%) showed stable disease. In 11 patients (73%) R0 resectability could be achieved. Six of these patients (54%) were able to undergo postoperative chemoradiation. Notably, five (83%) of these patients were disease free and alive at median follow-up of 72 months. Chemotherapy-associated neutropaenia and neutropaenic fever, anastomotic dehiscence, pulmonary embolism and acute pancreatitis were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative chemoradiation is feasible in a significant subset of gastric cancer patients.

Triple induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer: Final results of a multicenter phase II trial

4568

Background: Surgery is the standard treatment for patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma, but 5-year survival rates rarely exceed 20%. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) may lead to downstaging of the tumor and thus improve the possibility of complete oncologic resection. Docetaxel (Dx) showed considerable activity in combination with hyperfractionated radiotherapy and only moderate toxicity. We evaluated a triple neoadjuvant regime including Dx in patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) or squamos cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: 24 patients (pts) with AC (n=8) or SCC (n=16) medically fit, no prior therapy, ECOG-performance status = 2 were included. Pts received 2 cycles of cisplatin (Cis) 15mg/ms2 d1–5, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 750mg/m2 continuous infusion (CI) d1–5, and Dx 75mg/m2 d1 repeated every 29 days followed by radiotherapy (RT) 39.6 Gy total dose (daily fraction 1.8Gy) concomitant to Dx 15mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 5-FU 300mg/m2 CI on the days of RT followed by resection or definitive RT up to 59.6 Gy in case of inoperability. Results: See table . Grade 3/4 toxicity (n/%): neutropenia 10/43%, diarrhea 4/18%, alopecia 2/9%; deep vein thrombosis 1/5%, blurred vision 1/5%, fever 1/5%, pulmonary embolus 1/5%, arterial hypertension 1/5%. 1 pt died 39 days post resection due to fatal anastomical bleeding. 6/16 operated pts (37%) showed morbidity (anastomical stenosis/insufficiency, fistula, nervus recurrens palsy). 4/22 pts (18%) died 7- 25 months after therapy due to metastatic disease. At a median follow-up of 12 months 18 pts (82%) are alive, median survival has not been reached yet. Conclusions: Triple induction CT and CRT with Dx, Cis, and 5-FU is safe, feasible, and effective with CPR in 31%, downstaging in 81% and R0-resection in 100% of pts. Main toxicities are neutropenia (43%) and postoperative morbidity (37%). A follow-up phase II trial of triple induction therapy in combination with an EGFR-directed antibody is planned.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Preoperative oxaliplatin (O), capecitabine (X), and external beam radiotherapy (RT) in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed, primary operable, locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)

14527

Background: Local recurrence after surgery is a cause of treatment failure and relapse in pts with LARC. Preoperative RT decreases local recurrence but not distant spread. X and O are both highly active chemotherapies for advanced colorectal cancer, particularly in combination, and both are radiosensitizers. Therefore, the addition of X and O to preoperative RT should improve efficacy in terms of local control and prevention of metastases. Methods: This study investigated the efficacy (rate of downstaging) and safety of preoperative chemoradiation in pts with LARC (of lower and middle rectum), T3NxM0 staged by MRT. RT was administered for 5 weeks, 5 days/week, 1.8 Gy/fraction, total dose 45 Gy, 3D conformation technique, in combination with O 50 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, and oral X 825 mg/m2 twice a day on RT-days during weeks 1–4. Surgery was performed 14–28 days after completion of RT. Results: 59 pts were enrolled (19 female, 40 male); median age 61 years (range 34–76), 100% of pts are evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. 41 patients had comorbidities: 16 cardiac, 3 hepatic, 6 diabetes, 1 neurological/psychological, 49 others. Tumor downstaging was observed in 53% of pts (23 T2, 2 T1, 6 T0). 5 pts withdrew because of adverse events. 28 pts (47%) experienced grade 1 neurotoxicity and 5 pts (8%) had grade 2 neurotoxicity. The most frequent grade 3/4 NCI-CTC adverse event was diarrhea: 5/59 pts (8%). Total O and X doses received were 90% and 93% of the planned doses, respectively. The main reason for chemotherapy dose reduction was diarrhea occurring during the 3rd-4th week of treatment. Per-protocol therapy was terminated for 8 pts due to interruption of RT for more than 3 days or adverse events such as diarrhea and nausea (total dose received 25.2–34.2 Gy). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that preoperative O and X in combination with RT is feasible in pts with LARC, and comparable with 5-FU. As expected, the only clinically relevant toxicity was diarrhea, and dose intensity of both chemotherapeutic agents and RT was high.

[Table: see text]