Cytomegalovirus associated severe pneumonia in three liver transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), is the most common opportunistic infection, remains a cause of life-threatening disease and allograft rejection in liver transplant (LT) recipients. The purpose of this case series is to state that CMV may lead to severe pneumonia along with other bacteria. METHODOLOGY: CMV pneumonia was diagnosed with the thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan findings, bronchoscopic biopsy, real time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and clinical symptoms. For extraction of CMV DNA from the clinical sample, EZ1 Virus Mini Kit v2.0 (Qiagen, Germany) was used, and aplification was performed with CMV QS-RGQ Kit (Qiagen, Germany) on Rotor Gene Q 5 Plex HMR (Qiagen, Germany) device. RESULTS: All recipients had severe pneumonia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and at least two-fold increase in transaminases on seventh, twenty-eighth and twenty-second days after surgery, respectively. Thoracic CT scan revealed as diffuse interstitial infiltration in the lung parenchyma. Bronchoscopy, Gram-staining and culture from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were performed in all of them. During bronchoscopy, a bronchial biopsy was administered to two recipients. One recipient could not be performed procedure because of deep thrombocytopenia. PCR results were positive from serum and BAL fluid. Bronchial biopsy was compatible with CMV pneumonia. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosae was found in two cases and Klebsiella pneumoniae in one case BAL fluid cultures. CONCLUSIONS: CMV pneumonia can be seen simultaneously with bacterial agents due to the indirect effects of the CMV. It should be kept in mind that CMV pneumonia may cause severe clinical courses and can be mortal.

The Timing of Liver Transplantation Following Downstaging: Wait of Not to Wait?

PURPOSE: HCC is a complex disease that is diagnosed in advanced stage and on the background of cirrhosis. Locoregional therapies provide sufficient downstaging to enable patients suitable for radical procedures such liver transplantation. However, the interval between locoregional therapies and definitive therapy is still controversial. We performed a review of literature to evaluate the role of waiting period between locoregional therapies and liver transplantation or resection from the perspective of cure and recurrence rates. METHODS: Thorough literature search was performed to evaluate the role of locoregional therapy and the interval to definitive therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer. RESULTS: Usually, small tumors with lower tumor burden, in other words, tumors within Milan criteria, can be transplanted with an acceptable overall and disease-free survival. However, treating patients with locally advanced tumors is currently a matter of extensive research. Currently, locoregional therapies are applied to downstage the patients. However, the duration of waiting is a crucial point that needs further research. There is a consensus that the waiting interval between down-staging and transplantation should be no less than 3 months. This is important for selection of favorable tumor biology as well as from the point of antitumor immune response. CONCLUSION: Currently, there are no surrogate markers for surveillance of response to locoregional therapies as well as the antitumor immune response that develops as a result of down-staging.

Author Correction: Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Malatya Experience and Proposals for Expanded Criteria.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the author group section.

Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Malatya Experience and Proposals for Expanded Criteria.

Survival was examined from a Turkish liver transplant center of patients with HCC, to identify prognostic factors. Data from 215 patients who underwent predominantly live donor liver transplant for HCC at our institute over 12 years were included in the study and prospectively recorded. They were 152 patients within and 63 patients beyond Milan criteria. Patients beyond Milan criteria were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of tumor recurrence. Recurrence-associated factors were analyzed. These factors were then applied to the total cohort for survival analysis. We identified four factors, using multivariate analysis, that were significantly associated with tumor recurrence. These were maximum tumor diameter, degree of tumor differentiation, and serum AFP and GGT levels. A model that included all four of these factors was constructed, the 'Malatya criteria.' Using these Malatya criteria, we estimated DFS and cumulative survival, for patients within and beyond these criteria, and found statistically significant differences with improved survival in patients within Malatya criteria of 1, 5, and 10-year overall survival rates of 90.1%, 79.7%, and 72.8% respectively, which compared favorably with other extra-Milan extended criteria. Survival of our patients within the newly defined Malatya criteria compared favorably with other extra-Milan extended criteria and highlight the usefulness of serum AFP and GGT levels in decision-making.

Analysis of risk factors of mortality in abdominal trauma.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to analyze blunt and penetrating abdominal traumas that were evaluated in our emergency department, the treatment approaches and risk factors of mortality. METHODS: Six hundred and sixty-four patients were admitted to our emergency department for surgical evaluation for trauma between January 2009 and April 2019. After the exclusion of dead on arrival, patients with missing data and patients without abdominal trauma were excluded from this study. Hundred and thirteen patients with abdominal trauma admitted to our department were evaluated in this study. Demographic, clinical, prognostic and mortality related factors were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36.08±16.1 years. There were 90 male patients. Eighty patients (70.8%) had blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Twenty-eight patients (24.7%) had isolated liver and two patients (1.7%) had isolated spleen injury. Combined liver and spleen injury was found in two patients (1.7%). Twenty-two (19.4%) patients had mortality. Causes of mortality were an irreversible hemorrhagic shock (40.9%) and central nervous system (13.6%) injuries. BAT was the main mechanism of injury in patients with mortality (86.4% versus 67%; p<0.001). The frequency of retroperitoneal injury was significantly higher in patients with mortality (50% versus 16.5%, p<0.001). The frequency of extra-abdominal injury in patients with mortality was higher (68.1% versus 49.4%; p=0.047). Mean arterial pressure at admission was found to be significantly lower in patients with mortality (67±26.8 mmHg versus 84.3±17 mmHg; p=0.02). The number of packed erythrocytes transfused in patients with mortality was higher (8.8±8.6 versus 3.3±5.9 units; p=0.047). Mean international normalized ratio (INR) was significantly higher in patients with mortality (4.3±7.1 versus 2.7±4; p=0.016). Mean lactate dehydrogenase level was higher in patients with mortality (1685.7±333.8 versus 675.8±565.3 IU/mL; p<0.001). Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly higher in patients with mortality (430±619 versus 244±448 IU/mL; p<0.001). Mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in patients with mortality was higher (76.9±72.8 versus 67.3±27.8 IU/mL; p=0.003). The presence of retroperitoneal injury and ALT >516 IU/mL were independent risk factors o mortality. CONCLUSION: We have found certain laboratory variables to increase in patients with mortality. These are related to the severity of trauma. Retroperitoneal injury and increased ALT levels being risk factors of mortality is the most important finding of this study. Our results can guide other centers in the evaluation of trauma patients, and high-risk groups can be identified.

Usability of Inferior Vena Cava Interposition Graft During Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Is This Approach Always Necessary?

PURPOSE: To share the outcome of caval reconstruction technique in patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with inferior vena cava (IVC) interposition grafting. METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2018, an artificial or homologous interposition vascular graft was used for the continuity of resected native (IVC) due to various reasons in 29 of 1740 patients who underwent LDLT at our institute. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen female and 13 male patients ranging 6-67 years of age were included. Right, left, and left lobe lateral segments were used in 22, 5, and 2 patients, respectively. The three leading LDLT indications were primary or idiopathic Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) (n = 12), alveolar echinococcosis (n = 7), and secondary BCS (n = 5). The three leading indications for IVC interposition grafting were thrombosis, dense fibrosis, and IVC invasion caused by tumor or echinococcosis. Homologous IVC graft was used in 17, homologous aortic graft in 7, and Dacron graft in 5 patients. Throughout the follow-up period, ascites ± pleural effusion and elevated liver enzymes were detected in 12 and 4 patients, respectively. Stenosis and/or thrombosis requiring one or more procedures such as 1-6 sessions balloon angioplasty, stent, and thrombus aspiration were observed in half of the patients. CONCLUSION: Retrohepatic IVC damages are not a contraindication for LDLT. The presence or absence of venous collateral circulation is an important indicator of the need for IVC interposition graft use.

Carcinoid tumors of appendix presenting as acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: We aim to present the data of patients who underwent appendectomy due to acute appendicitis, and incidental carcinoid tumor was detected on pathology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the patient charts between January 1999 and September 2018 were performed. RESULTS: 2778 appendectomy was performed due to acute appendicitis. Appendiceal carcinoid tumor was detected in 12 (0.43%) patients. Eight patients were (66.7%) female. Median age 37.5 years (range: 21-60). The median tumor size was 0.7 cm (range: 0.1-2.5). No perforation was detected. Eleven patients underwent appendectomy, and one patient had right hemicolectomy. The median follow-up period was 41.5 months (range: 22-49). There were no recurrences. CONCLUSION: Appendix carcinoid tumors are quite rare, usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally on histopathological examination after appendectomy. The treatment of carcinoid tumors of the appendix is directly related to the tumor size, localization, presence of lymphovascular and mesoappendix invasion, mitotic activation rate and level of Ki67. Thus, it is important to follow the histopathological results after appendectomy. The prognosis of appendix carcinoid tumors is very good if the appendix is non-perforated.

Management of Acute Cholecystitis During Pregnancy: A Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to present to evaluate the results of two different approaches in the management of acute cholecystitis during pregnancy: immediate surgery and delayed surgery following conservative management. METHODS: In this study, 20 pregnant women who were treated in our clinic for acute cholecystitis between 2010 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, parameters related with acute cholecystitis (gallbladder wall thickness, laboratory data), duration of hospitalization, readmission rates, and preterm labor rate were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The median age was 29.5 years. The median gestational week was 20 (6-32) weeks. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 6 (30%) patients on admittance. When compared with the conservative management group, patients who received immediate surgery had higher gallbladder wall thickness. WBC count, and CRP, ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT levels (p<0.05). Furthermore, readmission rate and duration of hospitalization were lower in the patients who underwent immediate surgery (p<0.05). The preterm labor rate in conservative management and immediate surgery groups were 28.5% and 0%, respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, even though these patients had thicker gallbladder wall and higher inflammatory markers suggesting severe inflammation, the outcome of early surgery was better than conservative management. Although the characteristics of the conservative management group was more favorable, complication rate seemed to be high.

Outcomes of surgery for gallbladder cancer: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare clinical entity that has a poor prognosis. Radical resection with meticulous lymph node dissection is the only treatment option. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of radical resection for GBC in the early postoperative period with the viewpoint of clinicopathological correlation. METHODS: Patients (n=24) who underwent radical resection with lymph node dissection for GBC between 2015 and 2017 were included. Demographic data, histopathologic tumor type, preoperative tumor markers, pathologic tumor size/stage (depth of invasion), lymph node metastasis and metastasis rates, and postoperative early mortality were evaluated. The patients were grouped in two groups according to lymph node metastases: Group 1 (without lymph node metastasis) and Group 2 (with lymph node metastasis). RESULTS: The median age of the patients in Group 1 and Group 2 was 65 (range, 42-89) years and 68 (range, 48-87) years, respectively (p>0.05). The female/male ratio in Group 1 and Group 2 was 4/4 and 13/3, respectively (p>0.05). There was a tendency for increased metastasis in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (31% vs. 0%) (p>0.05). Also, 88% of the tumors in Group 2 were in the advanced stage, whereas the rate was 37% in Group 1 (p<0.05). There was early postoperative mortality in seven patients who underwent resection. Four of the seven patients (43%) were from Group 2 and three (37%) from Group 1 (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Lymph node metastasis in GBC indicates advanced tumor stage. This causes a more complex surgical resection and therefore results in higher early postoperative mortality.

Deceased donor liver transplantation from donors with central nervous system malignancy: Experience of the Inonu University.

OBJECTIVE: Liver transplantation from deceased donors with a central nervous system (CNS) malignancy has some risk of tumor transmission to the recipient. Though the risk is small, this group of donors is regarded as marginal. The use of marginal grafts may be an acceptable alternative practice in order to expand the donor pool in countries where there is a shortage of donated organs. The aim of this study was to examine and present the outcomes of liver transplantations performed using donors with a CNS tumor. METHODS: Between March 2002 and July 2017, 1990 (deceased donor: n=399, 20%; living donor: n=1591, 80%) liver transplantations were performed at the center. Of the 399 deceased donors, 17 (4.2%) had a CNS tumor. The data of donors with a CNS tumor and of recipients who survived for more than 1 month (n=11) were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, the grade of the CNS tumor, tumor transmission to recipient data, and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Only 2 (18%) grafts were provided locally, 6 (54%) were offered to the transplantation center after all of the national centers had declined them, and 3 (37%) were made available to us by the national coordination center for patients with a documented notification of urgency. High-grade (grade III-IV) brain tumors were detected in 7 (64%) donors, while low-grade (grade I-II) tumors were found in 2 patients. The remaining 2 donors were not pathologically graded because the diagnosis was made radiologically. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall and tumor-free survival of the patients was estimated at 100%, 70%, and 45%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A median survival of 40 months (range: 13-62 months) was achieved in recipients of grafts from a donor with a CNS tumor and no donor-related malignant transformation was observed.

Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy in isolated pancreatic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pancreatic trauma is a rare condition and commonly come up in children or young adults.The poor initial symptoms lead to delay diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of isolated distal pancreatic trauma including the Wirsung's duct is generally distal pancreatectomy. In an emergency setting, splenectomy is a common additional organ resection requirement with the distal pancreatectomy. However, in circumstances, spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy can provide advantages in these age groups even in emergency conditions. CASE REPORT: Twenty-four-year old male was referred two days after a traffic accident. Acute abdominal findings required laparotomy and preoperative computed tomography revealed a isolated distal pancreatic trauma including the Wirsung. In the hemodynamically stable patient, a spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) was performed uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy is a beneficial and safe surgical option in isolated distal pancreatic trauma. We propose this surgical procedure for children and young patients, who have good general condition, stable vital findings and without another intraabdominal injury. KEY WORDS: Distal pancreatectomy, Isolated pancreatic injury, Spleen preservation.

Retrospective analysis of cases of intestinal invagination treated and followed-up at our clinic.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present data on the diagnosis, treatment, clinical course, and outcome of cases of intestinal invagination. METHODS: Data of 11 patients treated for intestinal invagination at one center between June 2009 and July 2015 were analyzed retrospectively in terms of demographic data, etiological factors, anatomical localization of invagination, admission complaints, physical examination findings, diagnostic imaging modalities used, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the total, 9 (81.8%) patients were female and 2 (18.2%) were male. Nine (81.8%) cases occurred due to benign causes and 2 to malignant causes. One (9%) patient had jejunojejunal invagination, 5 (45.5%) had ileoileal invagination, and 5 (45.5%) had ileocecal invagination. Right hemicolectomy-ileotransversostomy was performed in 5 (45.5%) patients and segmental small bowel resection with end-to-end anastomosis in 6 (54.5%). CONCLUSION: Intestinal invagination is a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults that may have a variety of etiologies and therefore may present with different clinical pictures. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are the most common symptoms. The rate of accurate diagnosis is 30% to 35% using ultrasonography and 50% to 80% using computerized tomography. In adults, the preferred treatment is surgery. As malignant pathologies are responsible for some cases of invagination, oncological principles should be strictly observed in surgical treatment. Though a rare cause of acute abdomen and/or ileus in adults, invagination is a clinical condition that must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.

Co-existence of idiopathic cecal ulcer and incidental appendix carcinoid tumor.

Idiopathic cecal ulcer or solitary cecal ulcer is a rare entity that can only be diagnosed by histopathological evaluation. Generally, it is diagnosed by histolopathological evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained by colonoscopy that is performed for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. It can also be diagnosed after surgical resection performed for acute abdomen or cecal mass mimicking malignancy. Cecal carcinoid tumor is a rare cause of this condition; however, coexistence of cecal ulcer and appendix carcinoid tumor has not been previously reported. In this case, we present a 73-year-old woman who clinically presented as acute appendicitis with cecal wall thickening, underwent right hemicolectomy and was subsequently diagnosed with cecal ulcer, serosal abscess and coexisting appendix carcinoid tumor.

Living donor liver transplantation for Echinococcus Alveolaris: single-center experience.

Echinococcus alveolaris (EA) causes a hepatic zoonotic infection and behaves like a malignant tumor during invasion. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment option for this unresectable disease. Here, we share our experience with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) due to EA from the time between March 2002 and November 2014 at the Liver Transplantation Institute of Inönü University. Ten patients (mean age, 38.6 years) undergoing LDLT because of unresectable EA were evaluated preoperatively, and the operative and follow-up data were analyzed retrospectively. The mean time interval between diagnosis and LT was 27 months. The mean operation time and mean intraoperative blood requirement were 613 minutes and 4 units of packed red blood cells, respectively. Diaphragmatic resections were performed in 3 patients, and vena cava replacement was performed in 2 patients because of difficulties in removing the extended disease. The local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 10% and 20%, respectively. The mean survival time was 19.5 months (range, 0-54 months), and the mortality rate was 30%. Unresectable hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a rare indication for LT and presents some technical difficulties during surgery because diaphragmatic resection, vascular reconstruction, or multiple blood transfusions may be needed. LDLT can be performed successfully in patients with this rare infectious disease, with careful follow-up for potential recurrence and metastasis and administration of low-dose immunosuppressive agents.

A rare malignancy in a patient with neurofibromatosis: gastric adenocarcinoma.

Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant disease that is characterized by cutaneous hyperpigmentation and multiple neurofibromas and often accompanied by localized peripheral and central neural tumors. Gastrointestinal involvement is seen in 25% of the cases. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, pancreatic and duodenal neuroendocrine tumors are the most common tumors in patients with neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis and gastric adenocarcinoma constitute an extremely rare combination. In this case report we aim to present a patient with neurofibromatosis operated due to gastric adenocarcinoma.

Retrohepatic inferior vena cava reconstruction with saphenous vein patch in advanced stage cholangiocarcinoma.

Hepatic resection is the only known curative treatment option in primary and metastatic liver tumors. Unlike other types of malignancies, the response rate to even the best chemotherapy protocols is quite low in liver malignancies. Survival is expressed in months in untreated liver malignancies or in patients with residual tumor after resection. The optimal survival can be achieved only by liver resection with negative surgical margins. In order to increase the number of patients suitable for hepatic resection, techniques such as portal vein embolization, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, two-step hepatectomy, re-do hepatectomy, hypothermic liver perfusion have been developed and newer modalities are still being investigated. Primary liver malignancies like hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic liver tumors can invade the retrohepatic vena cava due to anatomical proximity. Invasion of either the hepatocaval confluence or vena cava are often considered as contraindications for liver resection due to the risk of intraoperative massive air embolism or hemorrhage. In this article, we present a patient who underwent left hepatectomy together with vena cava resection and reconstruction with saphenous vein patch due to cholangiocarcinoma.

Laparoscopic drainage of pyogenic liver abscess.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pyogenic liver abscesses are mainly treated by percutaneous aspiration or drainage under antibiotic cover. If interventional radiology fails, surgical drainage becomes necessary. Recently, we performed laparoscopic liver abscess drainage successfully, and we aimed to focus on the topic in light of a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: A 22-year-old man was admitted with a 4.5-cm multiloculated abscess in the left lobe of the liver. The abscess did not resolve with antibiotic-alone therapy. Percutaneous aspiration was unsuccessful due to viscous and multiloculated contents. Percutaneous catheter placement was not amenable. Laparoscopic abscess drainage was preferred over open abscess drainage. We used 3 trocars, operation time was 40 minutes, and blood loss was minimal. In the mean time, we searched PubMed using the key words [(liver OR hepatic) abscess*] AND [laparoscop* OR (minimal* AND invasiv*)]. RESULTS: Postoperative recovery of the patient was uneventful, and the patient was asymptomatic after 3 months of follow-up. In the literature search, we found 53 liver abscesses (51 pyogenic and 2 amebic) that were treated by laparoscopy. Mean success rate was 90.5% (range, 85% to 100%) and conversion rate was zero. CONCLUSION: Treatment of liver abscess is mainly percutaneous drainage. Laparoscopic drainage should be selected as an alternative before open drainage when other modalities have failed.