Utility of scores to predict alcohol use after liver transplant (lt): take them with a grain of salt.

BACKGROUND AIMS: The Sustained Alcohol use post-Liver Transplant (SALT) and the High-Risk Alcohol Relapse (HRAR) scores were developed to predict return to alcohol use after liver transplant (LT) for alcohol associated liver disease (ALD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of deceased donor LT 10/2018 to 4/2022 was performed. All patients (pts) underwent careful pre-LT psychosocial evaluation. Data on alcohol use, substance abuse, prior rehabilitation, and legal issues were collected. Post-LT, all were encouraged to participate in rehabilitation programs and underwent interval phosphatidylethanol (PeTH) testing. Pts with ALD were stratified by < or > 6 month sobriety prior to listing. Those with <6 month were further stratified as acute alcoholic hepatitis (AH) by NIAAA criteria and non-AH. The primary outcome was utility of the SALT (<5 vs. ≥5) and HRAR (<3 vs. ≥3) scores to predict return to alcohol use (+PeTH) within 1 year after LT. RESULTS: Of the 365 LT, 86 had > 6 month sobriety and 85 had <6 month sobriety; 41 with AH and 44 non-AH. In those with AH, the mean time of abstinence to LT was 58 days, and 71% failed prior rehabilitation. Following LT, return to drinking was similar in the AH (24%) compared to <6M non-AH (15%) and >6M ALD (22%). Only 4% had returned to heavy drinking. The accuracy of both the SALT and HRAR scores to predict return to alcohol was low (accuracy 61-63%) with poor sensitivity (46% and 37%), specificity (67-68%), positive predictive value (22-26%) with moderate negative predictive value (NPV) (81-83%), respectively with higher NPVs (95%) in predicting return to heavy drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Both SALT and HRAR scores had good NPV in identifying patients at low risk for recidivism.

Single incision simultaneous liver kidney transplantation: Feasibility and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, simultaneous liver kidney transplantation (SLK) has been performed using a subcostal incision for the liver allograft and a lower abdominal incision for kidney transplantation (dual incision, DI). At our institution, we performed SLK using a single subcostal incision (SI). The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of single versus dual incisions for SLK. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive SLK procedures performed at our center from January 2015 to April 2021 was performed. The demographic characteristics, complications, intraoperative findings, and complications after SI and DI were statistically compared. RESULTS: A total 37 SLK were performed (19 DI and 18 SI). The age and indications for transplantation were comparable between the two groups. Patient in SI group had significantly higher MELD score (27.0 ± 1.5 vs. 31.7 ± 1.5, p = .038). The cold ischemic time of kidney transplantation (599 ± 26 min vs. 447 ± 27 min, p < .001) and the total surgical time (508 ± 21 min vs. 423 ± 22 min, p = .008) were significantly shorter in the SI group. The incidence of complications and post-transplant kidney function was comparable between the groups. A slightly higher incidence of surgical site complications was noted in the DI group without any statistically significance (p = .178). CONCLUSIONS: Single-subcostal incision SLK is technically feasible and has comparable outcomes to dual-incision SLK. SI was associated with shorter cold ischemic time for kidney transplant, as well as shorter overall operative time.

Liver transplantation for post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy is an emerging cholestatic liver disease observed in patients recovering from severe COVID-19 infection. Its prognosis is poor, necessitating liver transplantation in some cases. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of liver transplantation for post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy. METHODS: Seven patients who underwent liver transplantation for post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy at three institutions between 2020 and 2022 were included in this retrospective multi-center case series. RESULTS: At the time of initial COVID-19 infection, all patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, and six patients (86%) required ICU admission. Median time intervals from the initial COVID-19 diagnosis to the diagnosis of post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy and liver transplantation were 4 and 12 months, respectively. Four patients underwent living donor liver transplantation, and three patients underwent deceased donor liver transplantation. The median MELD score was 22 (range, 10-38). No significant intraoperative complications were observed. The median ICU and hospital stays were 2.5 and 12.5 days, respectively. One patient died due to respiratory failure 5 months after liver transplantation. Currently, the patient and graft survival rate is 86% at a median follow-up of 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation is a viable option for patients with post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy with acceptable outcome. Timely identification of this disease and appropriate management, including evaluation for liver transplantation, are essential.

Impact of Immune Response on Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Association With Vascular Formation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated the prognostic value of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive T-cell status, and their combination in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their association with PD-L1 expression and vascular formation was further explored. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Using a database of 387 patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC, immunohistochemical staining of PD-L1, CD8, and CD34 was performed. Additionally, we undertook an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for soluble PD-L1. Compared with patients with HCC and PD-L1-negative expression (n = 311), patients with HCC and PD-L1-positive expression (n = 76) showed significantly worse overall survival (OS; multivariate hazard ratio, 2.502; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.716-3.649; P < 0.0001). The presence of tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive T cells was significantly correlated with longer OS (multivariate hazard ratio, 0.383; 95% CI, 0.274-0.537; P < 0.0001). Stratification based on PD-L1 expression in cancer cells and tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive T-cell status was also significantly associated with OS (log-rank, P < 0.0001). HCC with PD-L1-positive expression was significantly correlated with positivity for vessels that encapsulated tumor clusters. Serum PD-L1 levels were significantly higher in the group of patients who had PD-L1-positive expression than in the group of patients who had PD-L1-negative expression (P = 0.0158). CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1 expression in cancer cells was associated with a poor clinical outcome and vascular formation in patients with HCC. Additionally, the combination of PD-L1 expression with tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive T-cell status enabled further classification of patients based on their clinical outcome. Thus, PD-L1 expression in cancer cells and tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive T-cell status might serve as predictive tissue biomarkers.

Prognostic nutritional index is superior as a predictor of prognosis among various inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.

AIM: There is increasing evidence that inflammation-based prognostic scores are stage-independent predictors of poor outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, these findings were observed in a small-sized study comparing the prognostic value of these scores for patients after curative resection for HCC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 717 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent curative liver resection at Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital. Clinicopathological variables including preoperative inflammation-based prognostic scores, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, Controlling Nutritional Status score, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and Glasgow Prognostic Score were analyzed. The prognostic value of these scores was compared by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: The integrate area under the curve of PNI, Controlling Nutritional Status score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and Glasgow Prognostic Score were 0.6751, 0.6435, 0.5845, 0.5276, and 0.5351 for overall survival (OS), respectively, and 0.5955, 0.5694, 0.4692, 0.4873, and 0.5272 for disease-free survival, respectively. Multivariate analyses for prognosis factor in HCC patients showed that PNI was an independent predictor of both OS (HR 0.91, P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (HR 0.94, P < 0.001). When the patients were divided into high and low PNI groups, the patients in the low PNI group had significant poorer OS (P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (P < 0.001), even after background factors were matched between these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: PNI is superior to Controlling Nutritional Status score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, or Glasgow Prognostic Score as a predictor of OS and recurrence-free survival in patients with HCC who underwent curative hepatic resection.

Extensive Thrombectomy as a Legitimate Strategy in Living Donor Liver Transplantation With Advanced Portal Vein Thrombosis.

Management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT), especially advanced PVT involving the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is challenging. There were 514 adults who underwent LDLT between 2005 and 2018 included in this retrospective study, and PVT was observed in 67 (13.0%) patients. The LDLT recipients with PVT were characterized by increased portal pressure at laparotomy (26.1 ± 6.0 versus 24.3 ± 5.9 mm Hg; P = 0.03) and at closure (16.8 ± 3.9 versus 15.6 ± 3.6 mm Hg; P = 0.02), increased operative blood loss (14.6 ± 29.7 versus 5.7 ± 6.3 L; P < 0.01), and decreased 1-year graft survival (83.5% versus 92.8%; P = 0.04). Among the 18 patients with atrophic or vanished portal vein on pre-LDLT computed tomography, significant portal atrophy was actually observed only in 1 (5.6%) patient during LDLT surgery. For advanced PVT (n = 7) involving SMV in era 1, we performed nonanatomical inflow reconstruction using interposition grafts, resulting in significant inflow problems in 4 (57.1%) patients. Thus, for the patients with advanced PVT (n = 4) in era 2, we abandoned nonanatomical reconstruction and applied extensive thrombectomy under ultrasound guidance with secure shunt ligation, resulting in no inflow problems and no graft loss. In conclusion, even for advanced PVT involving SMV, extensive thrombectomy under sonogram guidance followed by anatomical inflow reconstruction and shunt ligation is a legitimate strategy in adult LDLT with PVT.

IFN-γ Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and the Expression of PD-L1 in Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tumor immune reactions not only provide host defense but also accelerate tumor immune escape and phenotype switching. Here, we examined the association of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) within the context of the tumor microenvironment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PDA samples from 36 patients were analyzed for PD-L1, vimentin, E-cadherin, and Snail expressions and for PDA cell and immune cell infiltration. PD-L1 expression and EMT in PDA cell lines under conditions of altering interferon gamma (IFN-γ) signals were also assessed. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant correlation between vimentin and PD-L1 expression, whereas double staining showed them to be simultaneously expressed by PDA cells. Positive vimentin expression was associated with the infiltration of a lower number of CD8+ T cells and a higher number of FoxP3+ cells and poor patient prognosis (P = 0.03). PDA tumor cells promoted PD-L1 expression and EMT under the presence of IFN-γ, which was inhibited by the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 small interfering RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Strong correlations were observed between PD-L1 expression, EMT, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Targeting STAT1 combined with PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with PDA.

Surgical Outcomes of Hepatic Resection for Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen-Negative and Hepatitis C Virus Antibody-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-negative and hepatitis C virus antibody-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) is gradually increasing. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in 694 patients who underwent curative hepatic resection for primary HCC from January 1990 to December 2011. RESULTS: In the NBNC-HCC group (n = 110), the complication rate of diabetic mellitus (38 %) was significantly higher than that of the B-HCC group (n = 110; 17 %), and their rate of alcohol abuse (38 %) was significantly higher than that of both the B-HCC (26 %) and C-HCC groups (n = 474; 22 %). In the NBNC-HCC group, the tumor diameter (4.5 ± 3.6 cm) was significantly larger than that of the C-HCC group (2.9 ± 1.8 cm), but the rate of histological cirrhosis (37 %) was significantly lower than those of both the B-HCC (67 %) and C-HCC (53 %) groups. There were no significant differences regarding overall and disease-free survival among the three groups. In the NBNC-HCC group, multiple intrahepatic or distant recurrences (25 %) were significantly higher than in the C-HCC group (17 %), and the rate of recurrence more than 2 years after hepatic resection (24 %) was significantly higher than that of the B-HCC group (12 %). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical outcomes of patients with NBNC-HCC were not significantly different compared with those of the patients with B-HCC or C-HCC. There was a substantial population with late recurrence among the patients with NBNC-HCC after curative hepatic resection, and thus not only long-term follow-up but also the early establishment of preventive methods for HCC recurrence from NBNC-hepatitis are necessary.

A "rendezvous technique" for treating a pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistulae are a major complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP). Some cases of severe pancreatic fistula require invasive procedures. There have been some reports concerning the effectiveness of pancreatic duct drainage through an endoscopic transpapillary approach for pancreatic fistulae. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein present a case of a pancreatic fistula after DP that was successfully treated with percutaneous pancreatic duct drainage, which was performed using a combined percutaneous and endoscopic approach, named the "rendezvous technique". In our case, we performed distal pancreatectomy with celiac artery resection for a locally advanced pancreatic body cancer. On postoperative day (POD) 7, the drain amylase level increased up to 37,460 IU/l. Computed tomography (CT) revealed peripancreatic fluid collections. On POD 10, we placed a catheter in the main pancreatic duct using the rendezvous technique. CT on POD 14 revealed a decrease in the size of the peripancreatic fluid collection, and contrast imaging from the drains on POD 22 revealed almost complete disappearance of the fluid collection. We withdrew the pigtail catheter on POD 27 and the percutaneous pancreatic duct drain on POD 36. This patient was discharged from our hospital on POD 40. CONCLUSION: We herein report a new approach called the "rendezvous technique" for the management of pancreatic fistulae after DP that can be used instead of a stressful nasopancreatic tube.

Clinical outcomes of living donor liver transplantation for patients 65 years old or older with preserved performance status.

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for elderly recipients. We reviewed 411 adult-to-adult LDLT cases, including 46 recipients who were 65 years old or older and 365 recipients who were less than 65 years old. The elderly group had a higher proportion of females (P = 0.04) and a smaller body surface area (P < 0.001) and more frequently underwent transplantation because of hepatitis C (P < 0.001) or hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.001). Elderly patients had less advanced liver disease with lower Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores (P = 0.02) and preserved health without the need for prolonged hospitalization (P < 0.01). The transplanted graft volume/standard liver volume ratios were similar for the 2 groups (P = 0.22). The elderly group had fewer episodes of acute rejection (P = 0.03) but had more neuropsychiatric complications (P = 0.01). The 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were comparable for the elderly group (89.8% and 77.8%, respectively) and the younger group (79.4% and 72.9%, respectively; P = 0.21). Seven recipients were 70 years old or older, and they had a mean MELD score of 15.6 ± 5.2; 6 of these patients were treated as outpatients before LDLT. All were alive after LDLT and showed good compliance with medical management with a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 3.0 years. In conclusion, LDLT can be safely performed and has acceptable long-term outcomes for low-risk elderly recipients with preserved performance status.

[Transdisciplinary Approach for Sarcopenia. Clinical significance of sarcopenia in the patients with chronic liver disease].

Recently, many studies of the patients with chronic liver disease have focused on sarcopenia. In the patients with chronic liver disease, sarcopenia occurs, because of advanced liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) . In both diseases, sarcopenia is an important prognostic factor. Thus, sarcopenia has been reported to be a predictor for recurrence of HCC and early mortality after liver transplantation. In the patients with HCC, the mechanism of sarcopenia is unknown. In the patients with endostea liver failure, muscle compensates energy breakdown of the liver and muscle atrophy occurs. Further research is necessary to clarify whether nutritional support and muscle training prevent from sarcopenia and as a result, improve survival of the patients with chronic liver disease.

Robotic management of primary cholecystoduodenal fistula: A case report and brief literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF) arises from persistent biliary tree disorders, causing fusion between the gallbladder and duodenum. Initially, open resection was common until laparoscopic fistula closure gained popularity. However, complexities within the gallbladder fossa yielded inconsistent outcomes. Advanced imaging and robotic surgery now enhance precision and detection. METHOD: A 62-year-old woman with chronic cholangitis attributed to cholecystoduodenal fistula underwent successful robotic cholecystectomy and fistula closure. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the symptoms subsided with no complications during the robotic procedure. Existing studies report favourable outcomes for robotic cholecystectomy and fistula closure. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report showcases a rare instance of successful robotic cholecystectomy with CDF closure. This case, along with a review of previous cases, suggests the potential of robotic surgery as the preferred approach, especially for patients anticipated to face significant laparoscopic morbidity.

Robotic management of huge hepatic angiomyolipoma: A case report and literature review.

Hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a rare, benign mesenchymal liver tumor encountered in Asia, primarily in females, and can be found within the right hepatic lobe, but also in other areas of the liver. Immunohistochemically, HAMLs are characteristically positive for human melanoma black-45 antigen (HMB-45) and can histochemically vary in the composition of angiomatous, lipomatous, and myomatous tissue, together with the presence of epithelioid cells. In this case report, we discuss a previously healthy patient presenting with bloating and previously documented concern of liver lesions, found to have HAML confirmed by surgical pathology. Surgery was decided, as HAMLs greater than 10 cm are at risk of rupture. This is one of the first documented cases of HAML resected through robot-assisted bisegmentectomy and cholecystectomy, and therefore, intraoperative images have been included to assist in the planning of future robotic cases.

'Burn and Push' technique: A novel robotic liver parenchymal transection technique.

BACKGROUND: Liver parenchymal transection during robotic liver resection (RLR) remains a significant challenge due to the limited range of specialised instruments. This study introduces our 'Burn and Push' technique as a novel approach to address these challenges. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients who underwent RLR using the 'Burn and Push' technique at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System from November 2021 to August 2023. The study evaluated peri- and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: The median operation time was 241.5 min (range, 90-620 min), and the median blood loss was 100 mL (range, 10-600 mL). Major complications occurred in one case, with no instances of postoperative bleeding, bile leak, or liver failure. CONCLUSIONS: The 'Burn and Push' technique is a viable and efficient alternative for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. Further research with larger sample sizes and consideration of the learning curve is necessary to validate these findings.

Initial Experience With Robotic Liver Resection in the United States.

BACKGROUND: This study's aim was to show the feasibility and safety of robotic liver resection (RLR) even without extensive experience in major laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). METHODS: A single center, retrospective analysis was performed for consecutive liver resections for solid liver tumors from 2014 to 2022. RESULTS: The analysis included 226 liver resections, comprising 127 (56.2%) open surgeries, 28 (12.4%) LLR, and 71 (31.4%) RLR. The rate of RLR increased and that of LLR decreased over time. In a comparison between propensity score matching-selected open liver resection and RLR (41:41), RLR had significantly less blood loss (384 ± 413 vs 649 ± 646 mL, P = .030) and shorter hospital stay (4.4 ± 3.0 vs 6.4 ± 3.7 days, P = .010), as well as comparable operative time (289 ± 123 vs 290 ± 132 mins, P = .954). A comparison between LLR and RLR showed comparable perioperative outcomes, even with more surgeries with higher difficulty score included in RLR (5.2 ± 2.7 vs 4.3 ± 2.5, P = .147). The analysis of the learning curve in RLR demonstrated that blood loss, conversion rate, and complication rate consistently improved over time, with the case number required to achieve the learning curve appearing to be 60 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that RLR is a feasible, safe, and acceptable platform for liver resection, and that the safe implementation and dissemination of RLR can be achieved without solid experience of LLR.

Pathological analysis of opened round ligaments as venous patch grafts in living donor liver transplantation.

Although the round ligament, including the umbilical vein, could be used as a venous graft in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), no studies have determined its appropriate use on the basis of pathological findings. We prospectively examined 19 LDLT cases in which the donor's round ligament was procured and used as a venous graft. The round ligaments were categorized into 3 types based on the CD31 immunohistochemistry of tissue cross-sections: (I) canalized umbilical veins (n = 7 or 36.8%), (II) capillary umbilical vessels (n = 4 or 21.1%), and (III) occluded umbilical veins (n = 8 or 42.1%). After dilatation and incision, the round ligaments provided patch grafts that were 5.8 ± 0.4 cm long and 1.8 ± 1.2 cm wide. However, histological studies showed the absence of fine intimal layers on the dilated round ligaments after mechanical maneuvers. The ligaments were used to cuff the venous orifices in 15 patients (left lobe, n = 8; right lobe, n = 7) and were used as venous bridges in 4 patients (left lobe, n = 2; right lobe, n = 2). We detected no thrombosis at the implant sites after LDLT. Our pathological findings indicate that opened round ligaments can be used safely as venous patch grafts in LDLT.

[Corneal subepithelial infiltrates that developed following intravitreous injection of bevacizumab].

BACKGROUND: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies including intravitrous bevacizumab injection (IVB) emerged as an effective treatment for various fundus diseases. Reports of adverse reactions derived from bevacizumab itself are rare. We report a case in which corneal subepithelial infiltrates developed following IVB. CASE: A sixty-six-year-old man presented with visual acuity loss due to cystic macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. He developed vascular congestion and subepithelial infiltrates in the peripheral cornea on day 2 following the first IVB. The findings resolved with topical steroid in twelve days. CONCLUSION: A case of subepithelial infiltrate in the peripheral cornea following IVB is reported. Since infiltrates were located along, and associated with the congestion of, the limbal vascular arcade, an innate immune response to bevacizumab may be indicated.

Robotic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: In the Western Hemisphere, Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract (IPMN-B) is a rare lesion with uncertain aetiology. This report outlines a scarcely documented instance of IPMN-B treated using robotic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy supplemented with intraoperative imagery aimed at informing future robotic procedures. METHODS: A healthy person with acute cholangitis symptoms underwent diagnostic imaging followed by successful robotic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy. Pathological examination confirmed IPMN-B. RESULTS: The patient was consulted regarding the proposed procedure of robotic left hepatectomy, cholecystectomy, and potential hepaticojejunostomy, to which she provided consent. Subsequent surgical intervention resulted in clear margins for malignancy, and the patient recovered without complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing IPMN. The use of a robotic approach, specifically through robotic left hepatectomy combined with cholecystectomy, offers minimally invasive surgery that provides exceptional visualisation and precise control.

Domino Liver Transplantation for Unresectable Colon Cancer Liver Metastasis From a Donor With Heterozygous Familial Hyperlipidemia: A Case Report.

Liver transplantation (LT) is a potential curative treatment for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Liver transplantation is offered for selected cases, and an explanted liver can be used as a domino graft. We report the first report of domino LT for unresectable CRLM using a liver from a patient with heterozygous FH. The domino donor was a 30-year-old female with a history of heterozygous FH. She had failed medical therapies for FH, including plasmapheresis; therefore, she underwent living donor LT as a treatment for FH. The explanted liver was transplanted to the domino recipient. She has been doing well with normal LDL-C levels. The domino recipient was a 44-year-old female with a history of stage 4 sigmoid cancer with liver metastases, for which she underwent laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy and right hepatectomy. She developed unresectable lesions in the remnant left lobe, which were controlled well with chemotherapy; therefore, she underwent domino LT. She is doing well without recurrence at the 31-month follow-up. Domino LT from a donor with heterozygous FH is feasible for strictly selected patients with unresectable CRLM.

Right versus left fully robotic live donor nephrectomy and open kidney transplantation: Does the laterality of the donor kidney really matter?

Objective: Robotic-assisted live donor nephrectomy (LDN) is being gradually adopted across transplant centers. The left donor kidney is preferred over right due to anatomical factors and ease of procurement. We aimed to study donor and recipient outcomes after robotic procurement and subsequent open implantation of right and left kidneys. Methods: All fully robotic LDNs and their corresponding open kidney transplants performed at our center between February 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Out of 196 robotic LDN (49 [right] vs. 147 [left]), 10 (5.1%) donors had intra-operative events (6.1% [right] vs. 4.8% [left], p=0.71). None of the LDN required conversion to open surgery. The operative times were comparable for the two groups. Nausea (13.3%) was the most common post-operative complication. There was no mortality in either LDN group. Herein, we report our outcomes on 156 recipients (39 right and 117 left allografts) excluding robotic implants, exports, and pediatric recipients. There were no significant differences between right and left kidney recipients with respect to 1-year post-transplant patient survival (100.0% vs. 98.1%, p=0.45) or graft survival (93.9% vs. 97.1%, p=0.11), or delayed graft function (7.7% vs. 5.1%, p=0.55). Conclusion: Non-hand-assisted robotic live donor nephrectomies can be safely performed with excellent outcomes. Right LDN was not associated with higher incidence of complications compared to left LDN. Open implantation of robotically procured right renal allografts was not associated with higher risk of recipient complications.