Thoracic epidural analgesia and immediate extubation for less than 10 kg infants undergoing living donor liver transplantation: A report of two successful cases.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative pain management in small infants weighing <10 kg undergoing liver transplantation is challenging. The use of TEA in this setting has not been reported, as well as its potential role to facilitate IE, ie, in the OR. METHODS: We describe here the use of TEA in two small infants who had IE after a LDLT procedure. RESULTS: TEA was successfully performed and IE was achieved in both cases. Postoperative analgesia assessment in the OR was satisfactory according to the FLACC pain scale, with scores of 2 and 3 for each patient, respectively. There were no major complications in the postoperative period, and the two children were discharged home uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TEA and its influence on IE rate and other perioperative outcomes should be more explored in small infants undergoing LDLT.

Biliary Paracoccidioidomycosis: An Unusual Infection Simulating Malignant Neoplasm.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is restricted to Latin America. It normally affects lungs, skin and lymph nodes. Abdominal organs are usually not involved. In rare cases paracoccidioidomycosis may simulate neoplasm. Herein we describe our experience with four cases of paracoccidioidomycosis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series on this subject produced in English. Paracoccidioidomycosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, especially in individuals who come from endemic areas.

Monosegmental ALPPS after Bilateral Hepatectomy.

Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has emerged as an alternative for patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastasis and a small future liver remnant (FLR). In cases of extensive disease, ALPPS can be performed, leaving only one segment of the liver as FLR. We describe a case of monosegmental ALPPS using segment 4 as FLR. In conclusion, ALPPS should be reserved for a selected group of patients. Monosegmental ALPPS is feasible, but should be performed by hepatobiliary surgeons in specialized centers.

ALPPS as a salvage procedure after insufficient future liver remnant hypertrophy following portal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND: A minimum future liver remnant (FLR) of 30% is required to avoid post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Portal vein occlusion (PVO) is the main strategy to induce hypertrophy of the FLR, but some patients will not reach sufficient FLR hypertrophy to enable resection. Recently ALPPS has emerged as a "Salvage Procedure" for PVO failure. The aim of this study was to report the short term outcomes of ALPPS following PVO failure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients enrolled within the international ALPPS Registry between October 2012 and November 2015 (NCT01924741) was performed. Patients with documented PVO failure were included. The outcomes reported included feasibility, FLR growth rate and safety of ALPPS. Complications were recorded as per Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: From 510 patients enrolled in the Registry there were 22 patients with previous PVO failure. Two patients were excluded due to missing data and twenty patients were analysed. All of them completed the proposed ALPPS with a medium FLR increase of 88% (23-115%) between two stages and no 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: In experienced centers, ALPPS following PVO failure is feasible and safe. The FLR hypertrophy was similar to other ALPPS series. ALPPS is a potential rescue strategy after PVO failure.

RE-HEPATECTOMY MEANS MORE MORBIDITY? A MULTICENTRIC ANALYSIS.

AIM: Colorectal cancer generally metastasizes to the liver. Surgical resection of liver metastasis, which is associated with systemic chemotherapy, is potentially curative, but many patients will present recurrence. In selected patients, repeated hepatectomy is feasible and improves overall survival. This study aimed to analyze patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) submitted to hepatectomy in three centers from Rio de Janeiro, over the past 10 years, by comparing the morbidity of first hepatectomy and re-hepatectomy. METHODS: From June 2009 to July 2020, 192 patients with CRLM underwent liver resection with curative intent in three hospitals from Rio de Janeiro Federal Health System. The data from patients, surgeries, and outcomes were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies were classified as Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Data from groups were compared and value of p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 192 patients, 16 were excluded. Of the remaining 176 patients, 148 were included in Group 1 and 28 were included in Group 2. Fifty-five (37.2%) patients in Group 1 and 13 (46.5%) in Group 2 presented postoperative complications. Comparing Groups 1 and 2, we found no statistical difference between the cases of postoperative complications (p=0.834), number of minor (p=0.266) or major (p=0.695) complications, and deaths (p=0.407). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were recorded in morbidity or mortality between patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies for CRLM, which reinforces that re-hepatectomy can be performed with outcomes comparable to first hepatectomy.

Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver Involving All Major Hepatic Veins Treated by Left Extended Trisectionectomy.

Introduction: Over the past few years, liver surgery has been in constant evolution and gained many improvements that helped surgeons push limits further. A complex procedure such as left extended trisectionectomy, as described by Makuuchi in 1987, may be performed in selected cases. Aim: Describe a case of successful resection of a huge bilobar liver sarcoma involving all hepatic veins from a young female patient, in which the blood outflow was preserved through an inferior right hepatic vein, leaving only segment 6 as liver remnant. Case Report. A 19-year-old female with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss was referred for our evaluation. CT scan and MRI revealed a heterogeneous and bulky expansive hepatic lesion, sparing only segment 6, with an estimated volume of 530 cm3, corresponding to a 1.2 FLR/BW ratio. The tumor involved the three major hepatic veins, but an inferior right hepatic vein was present, draining the spared segment 6. She was submitted to a left trisectionectomy extended to the caudate lobe and segment 7, including resection of all hepatic veins and lymphadenectomy of the hepatic pedicle. She was discharged on the 7th postoperative day without complications. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver. Conclusion: Inferior right hepatic vein-preserving left extended trisectionectomy is a safe and feasible procedure that should be performed by a hepatobiliary team experienced in major complex hepatectomies.

EXTERNAL PRINGLE MANEUVER IN LAPAROSCOPIC LIVER RESECTION: A SAFE, CHEAP AND REPRODUCIBLE WAY TO PERFORM IT.

BACKGROUND: Tourniquet for right hepatectomy tightened and secured with forceps (arrow). Laparoscopic liver resection is performed worldwide. Hemorrhage is a major complication and bleeding control during hepatotomy is an important concern. Pringle maneuver remains the standard inflow occlusion technique. AIM: Describe an extracorporeal, efficient, fast, cheap and reproducible way to execute the Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic surgery, using a chest tube. METHODS: From January 2014 to March 2020, our team performed 398 hepatectomies, 63 by laparoscopy. We systematically encircle the hepatoduodenal ligament and prepare a tourniquet to perform Pringle maneuver. In laparoscopy, we use a 24 Fr chest tube, which is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision. We thread the cotton tape through the tube, pulling it out through the external end, outside the abdomen. To perform the tourniquet, we just need to push the tube as we hold the tape, clamping both with one forceps. RESULTS: The 24 Fr chest tube is firm and works perfectly to occlude blood inflow as the cotton band is tightened. It has an internal diameter of 5,5 mm, sufficient for a laparoscopic grasper pass through it to catch the cotton band, and an external diameter of 8 mm, which allows to be inserted in the abdomen through a tiny incision. The cost of this tube and the cotton band is less than US$ 1. No complications related to the method were identified in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The extracorporeal Pringle maneuver presented here is a safe, cheap and reproducible method, that can be used for bleeding control in laparoscopic liver surgery.

Is there any difference between right hepatectomy and left lateral sectionectomy for living donors? as much you cut, as much you hurt?

BACKGROUND: The worldwide rising demand for cadaveric donors in liver transplantation is an important incentive for the development of alternative transplantation options, such as living donors. A precise evaluation of surgical complications is, therefore, considered to be an important issue in this setting. AIM: Present a retrospective analysis of 126 living donors hepatectomies undertaken at our centre. METHODS: From December 2002 to August 2009, 126 living donors were submitted to hepatectomy. Donors' complications were stratified according to Clavien's scoring system to compare the morbidity of right hepatectomy (RH) (Group 1) and left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) (Group 2). RESULTS: Thirty-nine complications were observed in 35 patients. Sixty LLS, 3 left (LH) and 63 RH were performed. The complications were classified as: Clavien grade 1-11 (28.2%), grade 2-12 (30.7%), grade 3A-13 (33.3%), grade 3B-2 (5.1%) and grade 4A-1 (2.5%). When Group 1 (63 patients) and Group 2 (60 patients) were compared, there was no significant difference between the number of complications: 20 (31%) and 14 (23%), respectively (P > 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was a safe procedure, regardless of the type of liver resection undertaken. We found no difference in morbidity between RH and LLS, which suggests that complications may occur despite the amount of liver retrieved.

Monosegment ALPPS for bilateral colorectal liver metastasis - One is enough.

Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy - ALPPS - procedure emerged as an alternative to treat patients needing extensive hepatic resections, but with a small future liver remnant. Initially described using the left lateral segments as liver remnant, ALPPS has been adapted to leave as remainder only one segment. Describe a case of a patiente with bilobar colorectal liver metastasis submitted to segment 4-1 ALPPS. A 63-year-old man, previously submitted to transversostomy, due to a left colon stenosing adenocarcinoma, associated to bilobar liver metastasis, was referred for our evaluation, after receiving a FOLFOX based chemotherapy. Due to the large load of tumor within the liver, we opted to perform a segment 4-1 ALPPS, which was carried out with an interval of 21 days between first and second stages. The liver remnant increased from 250 cc to 694 cc (18% to 48% of standard liver volume). The patient was discharged 15 days after second stage surgery and was subjected to left colectomy after five months. He is disease-free ten months after liver surgery. Monosegment ALPPS is a challenging, but feasible procedure, that should be criteriously indicated in selected patients and performed by a hepatobiliary surgery team with experience in complex major hepatectomies.

Dissemination of bacteria labeled with technetium-99m after laparotomy and abdominal insufflation with different CO2 pressures on rats.

PURPOSE: To asses the dissemination of bacteria labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) from peritoneal cavity after different surgical procedures. METHODS: Bacteria of the Escherichia coli species labeled with 99mTc were used in a concentration of 10(8) units of colony-makers for ml (UFC/ml) and 1 ml was inoculated through intra-peritoneal via. Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups: control, laparotomy, pneumoperitoneum with 10 mm Hg and pneumoperitoneum with 20 mm Hg of CO2. Procedures were performed 20 min after injection of the inoculum and lasted 30 min. Animals were sacrificed after six hours (Group 1) and 24 hours (Group 2). Samples of blood, liver and spleen were collected for radioactivity counting. RESULTS: After six hours, indirect detection of the bacteria in different organs was uniform in all groups. After 24 hours, a larger detection of technetium was observed in the livers of animals of the group insufflated with 20 mm Hg of CO2, when compared with those of control group (p<0.01). The other groups did not present statistically significant variations. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a higher intra-abdominal pressure was associated with a higher bacterial dissemination to the liver. The application of lower intra-abdominal pressures may be associated with a lower dissemination of the infectious status during laparoscopic approach of peritonitis status.

Re-hepatectomy means more morbidity? a multicentric analysis / Re-hepatectomia significa maior morbidade? uma análise multicêntrica

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer generally metastasizes to the liver. Surgical resection of liver metastasis, which is associated with systemic chemotherapy, is potentially curative, but many patients will present recurrence. In selected patients, repeated hepatectomy is feasible and improves overall survival. AIM: This study aimed to analyze patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) submitted to hepatectomy in three centers from Rio de Janeiro, over the past 10 years, by comparing the morbidity of first hepatectomy and re-hepatectomy. METHODS: From June 2009 to July 2020, 192 patients with CRLM underwent liver resection with curative intent in three hospitals from Rio de Janeiro Federal Health System. The data from patients, surgeries, and outcomes were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies were classified as Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Data from groups were compared and value of p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 192 patients, 16 were excluded. Of the remaining 176 patients, 148 were included in Group 1 and 28 were included in Group 2. Fifty-five (37.2%) patients in Group 1 and 13 (46.5%) in Group 2 presented postoperative complications. Comparing Groups 1 and 2, we found no statistical difference between the cases of postoperative complications (p=0.834), number of minor (p=0.266) or major (p=0.695) complications, and deaths (p=0.407). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were recorded in morbidity or mortality between patients submitted to first and re-hepatectomies for CRLM, which reinforces that re-hepatectomy can be performed with outcomes comparable to first hepatectomy.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O câncer colorretal geralmente metastatiza para o fígado. Hepatectomia associada à quimioterapia sistêmica é potencialmente curativa para metástases hepáticas colorretais, entretanto, muitos pacientes apresentarão recidiva após a cirurgia. Em casos selecionados, a re-hepatectomia é viável, com relatos de melhora na sobrevida global. OBJETIVO: Analisar pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal operados em três centros do Rio de Janeiro, nos últimos 10 anos, comparando as morbidades da primeira hepatectomia e da re-hepectomia. MÉTODOS: De junho de 2009 a julho de 2020, 192 pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal foram submetidos à hepatectomia em três hospitais do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados dos pacientes, cirurgias e desfechos foram coletados de um banco de dados mantido prospectivamente. Pacientes submetidos à primeira hepatectomia e re-hepatectomia foram classificados como Grupo 1 e Grupo 2, respectivamente. Os dados dos grupos foram comparados e o valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Dentre 192 pacientes, dezesseis foram excluídos. Dos 176 pacientes restantes, 148 e 28 foram incluídos dos Grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Cinquenta e cinco (37,2%) pacientes no Grupo 1 e treze (46,5%) no Grupo 2 apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias. Comparando os Grupos 1 e 2, não foi observada diferença estatística entre o número de pacientes com complicações pós-operatórias (p = 0,834), complicações menores (p = 0,266) ou maiores (p = 0,695) e óbitos (p = 0,407). CONCLUSÕES: Não foram registradas diferenças na morbidade ou mortalidade entre os pacientes submetidos à primeira ou à re-hepatectomia em pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal, o que sustenta que a re-hepatectomia pode ser realizada com resultados comparáveis à primeira hepatectomia.

External pringle maneuver in laparoscopic liver resection: a safe, cheap and reproducible way to perform it / Manobra de pringle extracorpórea em ressecções hepáticas laparoscópicas: maneira segura, barata e reproduzível de realizá-la

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic liver resection is performed worldwide. Hemorrhage is a major complication and bleeding control during hepatotomy is an important concern. Pringle maneuver remains the standard inflow occlusion technique. Aim: Describe an extracorporeal, efficient, fast, cheap and reproducible way to execute the Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic surgery, using a chest tube. Methods: From January 2014 to March 2020, our team performed 398 hepatectomies, 63 by laparoscopy. We systematically encircle the hepatoduodenal ligament and prepare a tourniquet to perform Pringle maneuver. In laparoscopy, we use a 24 Fr chest tube, which is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision. We thread the cotton tape through the tube, pulling it out through the external end, outside the abdomen. To perform the tourniquet, we just need to push the tube as we hold the tape, clamping both with one forceps. Results: The 24 Fr chest tube is firm and works perfectly to occlude blood inflow as the cotton band is tightened. It has an internal diameter of 5,5 mm, sufficient for a laparoscopic grasper pass through it to catch the cotton band, and an external diameter of 8 mm, which allows to be inserted in the abdomen through a tiny incision. The cost of this tube and the cotton band is less than US$ 1. No complications related to the method were identified in our patients. Conclusions: The extracorporeal Pringle maneuver presented here is a safe, cheap and reproducible method, that can be used for bleeding control in laparoscopic liver surgery.

RESUMO Racional: Ressecções hepáticas laparoscópicas são realizadas em todo mundo. A hemorragia é complicação grave e o controle do sangramento durante a hepatotomia é preocupação importante. A manobra de Pringle continua sendo a técnica padrão de oclusão do influxo sanguíneo. Objetivo: Descrever uma maneira eficiente, rápida, barata e reproduzível de executar a manobra de Pringle extracorpórea, em operação laparoscópica, utilizando um dreno de tórax. Métodos: De janeiro/2014 a março/2020, realizamos 398 hepatectomias, 63 por laparoscopia. Nós sistematicamente laçamos o ligamento hepatoduodenal e preparamos um torniquete para a manobra de Pringle. Na laparoscopia, usamos um dreno de tórax 24 Fr, inserido na cavidade abdominal através de uma pequena incisão. Passamos a fita de algodão através do tubo, puxando-a pela extremidade externa, fora do abdome. Para apertar o torniquete, basta pressionar o tubo enquanto seguramos a fita, prendendo ambos com uma pinça. Resultados: O dreno de tórax 24 Fr é firme e funciona perfeitamente para ocluir influxo de sangue, à medida que apertamos o torniquete. Tem diâmetro interno de 5,5 mm, suficiente para passar uma pinça laparoscópica e puxar a fita de algodão, e um diâmetro externo de 8 mm, permitindo a inserção no abdome através de uma pequena incisão. O custo do tubo e fita é inferior a US$ 1, valor insignificante. Não foram identificadas complicações relacionadas ao método em nossos pacientes. Conclusões: A manobra extracorpórea de Pringle apresentada aqui é método seguro, barato e reproduzível, que pode ser utilizado para o controle do sangramento em hepatectomias laparoscópicas.

Portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization is an accepted procedure that provides hypertrophy of the future remnant liver in order to reduce post-hepatectomy complications. AIM: To present a series submitted to portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter via transileocolic route. METHODS: Were performed right portal branch embolization in 19 patients using hysterosalpingography catheter. For embolizing the vessel, was used Gelfoam(r) powder with absolute alcohol solution. Indications for hepatectomy were colorectal liver metastases in all cases. RESULTS: An adequate growth of the future remnant liver was achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) and second time hepatectomy could be done in 14 (73.7%). In one patient (5.2%), tumor progression prevented surgery. One patient presented acute renal failure after portal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The hysterosalpingography catheter is easy to handle and can be introduced into the portal vein with a wire guide. There were no major post-embolization complication. Its use is safe, cheap and effective.

Right gastroepiploic artery as an alternative for arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation.

Background. An adequate blood flow is directly related to graft survival in living donor liver transplantation. However, in some cases, unfavorable conditions prevent the use of the hepatic artery for arterial reconstruction. Herein, we report a case in which the recipient right gastroepiploic artery was used as an option for arterial reconstruction in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. Case Report. A 62-year-old woman, with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, was submitted to living donor liver transplantation. During surgery, thrombosis of the hepatic artery with intimal dissection until the celiac trunk was observed, which precluded its use in arterial reconstruction. We decided to use the right gastroepiploic artery for arterial revascularization of the liver graft. Despite the discrepancy in size between donor hepatic artery and recipient right gastroepiploic artery, anastomosis was performed successfully. Conclusions. The use of the right gastroepiploic artery as an alternative for arterial revascularization of the liver graft in living donor liver transplantation should always be considered when the hepatic artery of the recipient cannot be used. For performing this type of procedure, familiarity with microsurgical techniques by the surgical team is necessary.

Inferior Right Hepatic Vein: A Useful Anatomic Variation for Isolated Resection of Segment VIII.

Anatomical resection of segment VIII (SVIII) is one of the most difficult hepatectomies to perform. Although it is the best choice of surgical treatment for tumors located at SVIII, its feasibility can be compromised when the right hepatic vein (RHV) must be resected en bloc with SVIII. Herein we describe a case of a cirrhotic patient that was submitted to segmentectomy VIII in bloc with the main trunk of the RHV, due to hepatocellular carcinoma. The resection could only be performed because a well developed inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) was present. Anatomical variations of the liver vascularization should be used by liver surgeons to improve surgical results.

Sport injuries in adolescents.

In spite of the wide range of injuries in adolescents during sports activities, there are only a few studies investigating the type and frequency of sport injuries in puberty. However, this information may help to prevent, diagnose and treat sports injuries among teens. 4468 injuries in adolescent patients were treated over a ten year period of time: 66,97% were boys and 32.88% girls. The most frequent sports injuries were football (31.13%) followed by handball (8.89%) and sports during school (8.77%). The lower extremity was involved in 68.71% of the cases. Knee problems were seen in 29.79% of the patients; 2.57% spine and 1.99% head injuries. Injuries consisted primarily of distortions (35.34%) and ligament tears (18.76%); 9,00% of all injuries were fractures. We found more skin wounds (6:1) and fractures (7:2) in male patients compared to females. The risk of ligament tears was highest during skiing. Three of four ski injuries led to knee problems. Spine injuries were observed most often during horse riding (1:6). Head injuries were seen in bicycle accidents (1:3). Head injuries were seen in male patients much more often then in female patients (21:1). Fractures were noted during football (1:9), skiing (1:9), inline (2:3), and during school sports (1:11). Many adolescents participate in various sports. Notwithstanding the methodological problems with epidemiological data, there is no doubt about the large number of athletes sustain musculoskeletal injuries, sometimes serious. In most instances, the accident does not happened during professional sports and training. Therefore, school teachers and low league trainer play an important role preventing further accidence based on knowledge of individual risk patterns of different sports.It is imperative to provide preventive medical check-ups, to monitor the sport-specific needs for each individual sports, to observe the training skills as well as physical fitness needed and to evaluation coaches education.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver complicated by lung necrosis and pleural empyema: a case report.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver (IPTL) is a rare condition, but an important differential diagnosis of hepatic space-occupying lesions. It may regress spontaneously and mimic other liver tumors. Complications are usually intrahepatic. Herein, we present a case of IPTL which developed pleural empyema and lung necrosis as an uncommon complication.