Outcomes of liver transplant recipients with high MELD scores: an experience from a Canadian centre.

BACKGROUND: The frequency with which patients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores undergo liver transplantation has been increasing. Canadian literature regarding the outcomes of liver transplantation in recipients with high MELD scores is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess patient and graft survival among recipients with high (> 35) and low (≤ 35) MELD scores. Secondary objectives were to potentially identify independent predictors of graft failure and patient mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing liver transplantation at a single Canadian centre from 2012 to 2017. RESULTS: A total of 332 patients were included in the study: 280 patients had a MELD score of 35 or lower, and 52 had a MELD score above 35. Patients with high MELD scores had higher rates of pretransplant acute kidney injury and dialysis (p < 0.001), admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or intubation (p < 0.001), intraoperative blood product transfusions (p < 0.001) and post-transplantation acute kidney injury and dialysis (p < 0.001), as well as longer ICU (p < 0.001) and hospital stays (p = 0.002). One- and 3-year patient survival in recipients with MELD scores of 35 or lower was 93.1% and 84.9% versus 85.0% and 80.0% in recipients with MELD scores above 35 (p = 0.37). One- and 3-year graft survival in recipients with MELD scores of 35 or lower was 91.7% and 90.9% versus 77.2% and 72.8% in recipients with MELD scores above 35 (p < 0.001). Prior liver transplant was an independent predictor of patient mortality, and no independent predictors of graft failure were identified. When MELD was replaced with D-MELD (donor age × recipient MELD), it predicted graft failure but not patient survival. CONCLUSION: No difference in patient mortality was found between MELD groups. Graft survival was significantly lower in recipients with MELD scores above 35. D-MELD may potentially be used as an adjunct in determining risk of graft failure in recipients with high MELD scores.

Fluorescent Cholangiography in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Updated Canadian Experience.

Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common general surgery procedures in Canada with approximately 100 000 cases performed per year. Bile duct injury remains a morbid complication with an incidence rate of 0.3% to 0.5%. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography is a noninvasive technology aiding in real-time identification of biliary structures for safe dissection within Calot's triangle. The objectives were to provide an update to our initial experience with ICG aiding in the identification of biliary structures and ensuring that no adverse patient reactions occurred with ICG administration. Methods. Prospective case series from 2016 to 2018 for elective LC with ICG technology performed at a single academic teaching institution. Patient demographics, indications for operation, biliary structures visualized, amount of ICG used, operative times, and complications were recorded. Results. One hundred eight cases were included for review. The cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and common bile duct were identified with ICG in 90%, 48%, and 84% of cases, respectively. ICG simultaneously visualized at least 2 of 3 biliary structures 83.4% of the time. Only 1 biliary structure was identified in 10% of cases. No biliary structures were identified in 6% of cases. Mean initial ICG dose given was 1.65 mL. No adverse patient reactions to ICG were noted. Conclusions. This updated series illustrates that administration of ICG enhances visualization of the biliary system during outpatient LC. ICG is safe and its application should be further studied in early LC for acute cholecystitis.

Pancreas transplantation with grafts obtained from donation after cardiac death or donation after brain death results in comparable outcomes.

Introduction: Pancreas organ shortages and long recipient waitlist times are critical components that limit recipients from receiving a pancreas transplant. Over the last decade, our center has been using donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors as an adjunct to donation after brain death (DBD) donors to expand the organ pool. The aim of this study was to compare recipient and graft survival between DCD and DBD recipients. Methods: A retrospective single center propensity matched analysis (2011-2020) of 32 DCD vs 96 DBD pancreas transplants was performed. Results: 8-year recipient survival was similar between DCD and DBD groups (87.4% vs 92.7%, p=0.35) as was simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant (SPK) 8-year kidney (88.9 vs 96.9%, p=0.219) and pancreas graft survival (77.4% vs 86.7%, p=0.344). There was no difference in vascular thrombosis rate between DCD and DBD pancreas grafts (3.1% vs 7.3%, p=0.73). DCD kidneys had a higher rate of DGF vs DBD kidneys (28.1% vs 6.3%, p=0.004), without any significant difference in long term kidney failure (12.5% vs 8.3%, p=0.5). Discussion: Recipients of DCD grafts demonstrate equivalent long-term patient and graft survival compared to DBD recipients for pancreas transplantation. Increased utilization of well selected DCD donors is a safe strategy to increase the donor pool.

Determining when endoscopic ultrasound changes management for patients with pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) are being incidentally detected at an increased rate due to increased CT and MRI usage. EUS is an emerging tool that can differentiate between benign and malignant features of pancreatic cysts. We hoped to identify the specific cross-sectional imaging findings and patient characteristics that warrant EUS referral. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control chart review, evaluating patients, who were diagnosed with pancreatic cysts and underwent EUS between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017. RESULTS: EUS was found to change management when CT imaging found cyst size > 4 cm (OR = 4.07, p < 0.01), cyst size > 3 cm (OR = 3.79, p < 0.001) and associated solid component to the cyst (OR = 5.95, p < 0.01). Additionally, patient characteristics, including age less than 50 years, male sex and 10-pack year smoking history were significantly associated with EUS change in management. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that EUS referral should be coordinated based on the findings of specific HRFs, with support from high risk patient characteristics, rather than the accumulation of multiple HRFs, as suggested by existing guidelines.

Incisional wound VAC and risk-adjusted SSI rates in colorectal surgery: A tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: In colorectal surgery, indications for incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iVAC) remain unclear. We sought to compare rates of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients who received iVAC or standard sterile dressing (SSD). METHODS: Institutional colorectal NSQIP data between 2014 and 2018 was reviewed. SSI rates were compared between iVAC and SSD cohorts using the NSQIP surgical risk calculator (NSQIP SRC) for risk-adjusted analysis. Secondary outcomes included other wound complications, morbidity, mortality, disposition destination and overall length of stay. RESULTS: 145 patients received iVAC while 544 received SSD. SSI was greater in iVAC than SSD (17% vs 9%, p = 0.009). iVAC was independently associated with SSI (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9). The presence of a colostomy strengthened this relationship. There was no difference in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: iVAC was independently associated with SSI with risk-adjusted analysis. This relationship was stronger in patients with a colostomy.

Acute care and emergency general surgery in patients with chronic liver disease: how can we optimize perioperative care? A review of the literature.

The increasing prevalence of advanced cirrhosis among operative candidates poses a major challenge for the acute care surgeon. The severity of hepatic dysfunction, degree of portal hypertension, emergency of surgery, and severity of patients' comorbidities constitute predictors of postoperative mortality. Comprehensive history taking, physical examination, and thorough review of laboratory and imaging examinations typically elucidate clinical evidence of hepatic dysfunction, portal hypertension, and/or their complications. Utilization of specific scoring systems (Child-Pugh and MELD) adds objectivity to stratifying the severity of hepatic dysfunction. Hypovolemia and coagulopathy often represent major preoperative concerns. Resuscitation mandates judicious use of intravenous fluids and blood products. As a general rule, the most expeditious and least invasive operative procedure should be planned. Laparoscopic approaches, advanced energy devices, mechanical staplers, and topical hemostatics should be considered whenever applicable to improve safety. Precise operative technique must acknowledge common distortions in hepatic anatomy, as well as the risk of massive hemorrhage from porto-systemic collaterals. Preventive measures, as well as both clinical and laboratory vigilance, for postoperative hepatic and renal decompensation are essential.

Comparison of inflammatory cytokines in peritoneal fluid at source control surgery for abdominal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Open abdomen with vacuum assisted closure (VAC) is an alternate method to primary abdominal closure (PAC) in select situations for the management of severe surgical abdominal sepsis or septic shock. Peritoneal cytokines may potentially correlate with deranged physiology and help stratify severity of sepsis. The primary objective of the study was to identify if cytokines can differentiate between patients who underwent PAC or VAC at primary source control laparotomy (SCL). METHODS: Prospective case series including patients with severe abdominal sepsis/septic shock requiring urgent SCL. Peritoneal fluid (PF) was collected intra-operatively and blood samples were collected pre- and post SCL. Samples were analyzed with a Cytokine 30-plex Panel. APACHE-IV was used as a measure of disease severity between groups. RESULTS: 4 PAC and 8 VAC patients were included. PF concentrations of IL 6, IL-17, IL-5 and HGF were significantly elevated in VAC compared to PAC. Serum RANTES was increased in survivors compared to non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received VAC management had a more severe degree of local abdominal sepsis based on significantly elevated peritoneal cytokines.

Open abdomen with negative pressure device vs primary abdominal closure for the management of surgical abdominal sepsis: a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Open abdomen with temporary abdominal closure remains a controversial management strategy for surgical abdominal sepsis compared with primary abdominal closure (PAC) and on-demand laparotomy. The primary objective was to compare mortality between PAC and open abdomen with vacuum assisted closure (VAC). METHODS: Retrospective review of a tertiary center intensive care unit database (2006 to 2010) including suspected/diagnosed severe abdominal sepsis/septic shock requiring source control laparotomy. Groups were categorized according to closure method at index source control laparotomy. APACHE-IV was used as a measure of disease severity. RESULTS: Of 211 patients, 75 PAC and 136 VAC cases were included. Controlling for disease severity, adjusted odds ratio of mortality for VAC was .41 95% confidence interval (.21, .81; P = .01) compared with PAC. PAC and VAC APACHE-1V predicted mortality rate were both 45%. VAC mortality was lower than PAC (22.8% vs 38.6%; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Open abdomen with VAC is associated with significantly improved survival compared with PAC in abdominal sepsis requiring laparotomy.

Evaluation of APACHE-IV Predictive Scoring in Surgical Abdominal Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the effectiveness of care and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients is dependent on predictive scoring models that calculate measures of disease severity and an associated likelihood of mortality. The APACHE scoring system is a logistic regression model incorporating physiologic and laboratory parameters. APACHE-IV is the most updated scoring system for ICU mortality prediction. However, APACHE scores may not accurately predict mortality in patients who require surgery for abdominal sepsis, whose trajectory is modulated by source control procedures. AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of APACHE-IV mortality prediction in a cohort of ICU patients with surgical abdominal sepsis (SABS) requiring emergent laparotomy for source control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a combined medical and surgical intensive care unit in a large urban Canadian tertiary care hospital. Retrospective review of 211 consecutive adult ICU admissions that fulfilled the 2012 ACCP/SCCM criteria for severe sepsis/septic shock due to abdominal source was performed. APACHE-IV score and predicted mortality rate (PMR) were calculated and evaluated using area under the ROC curve (AUROC). RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 28.4%. There was overestimation of PMR by the APACHE-IV model in the overall cohort with an absolute difference of 16.6% (relative difference 36.9%). APACHE-IV crudely distinguished between survivors and non-survivors, with a PMR of 40% vs. 59% (p<0.001). AUROC of the APACHE-IV score was 0.67, 95% CI (0.58, 0.76) while the AUROC for the PMR was 0.72, 95% CI (0.64, 0.80), indicating poor performance in this cohort. CONCLUSION: APACHE-IV has poor discrimination in SABS. Future research should explore disease-specific prediction models.