Procedure: Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

Minimally invasive approaches for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy are necessary to limit surgical morbidity, and technical challenges differ from those encountered during other laparoscopic renal surgeries. Presented here is a step-by-step guide for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy-focusing on pure laparoscopic and hand-assisted techniques. Both straight laparoscopic and hand-assisted nephrectomies were performed in healthy donors who met transplantation criteria in terms of global health and psychologic well-being. Patient positioning, trocar placement, surgical steps, incision closure, and postoperative care are reviewed. Standard equipment used to complete this procedure is itemized. This guide outlines indications, preoperative preparation, and procedural steps for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The techniques and the evolution thereof represent our experience since 2002 for 510 cases. The attached videos demonstrate a high-volume surgeon's typical approach while factoring in anatomical variation. In both cases, the donor nephrectomies were without incident and the patient's postoperative courses were without complication. A basic framework for donor nephrectomy is presented highlighting surgical steps we believe to be essential for graft preservation and ultimately effective transplantation. Although no two cases are the same, systematic approaches will allow for timely case completion, fewer complications, and better donor/recipient outcomes.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation with positive crossmatch: Role of delayed kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Positive crossmatch (XM+) combined liver-kidney transplantation due to preformed donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies has produced mixed results. We sought to understand the role of delayed kidney transplant approach in XM+ combined liver-kidney transplantations. METHODS: XM+ combined liver-kidney transplantations were retrospectively reviewed. T- and B-cell XM, complement-dependent cytotoxic crossmatch, and flow cytometric crossmatch were performed prospectively. RESULTS: Of 183 combined liver-kidney transplantations performed (2002-2019), 114 (62%) were with "delayed" kidney transplant approach and 19 (19 of 183, 10%) were XM+. Of 19 XM+ combined liver-kidney transplantations, kidney transplant was "delayed" in 14 by an average of 47 hours (range 24-64 hours) from liver transplant. There was a significant reduction in both class I (mean pre-liver transplant mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) 26,230 versus mean post-liver transplant and pre-delayed kidney transplant MFI 3,272, P = .01) and total MFI (mean pre-liver transplant MFI 27,233 vs mean post liver transplant and predelayed kidney transplant MFI 11,469, P = .01). However, there was no significant change in the MFI of class II donor-specific antibodies (mean pre-liver transplant MFI 17,899 versus post-liver transplant and pre-delayed kidney transplant MFI 14,341, P = .19). None of XM+ delayed kidney transplants had delayed graft function, and there was no antibody-mediated rejection. One-year patient survival for the XM+ combined liver-kidney transplantation with delayed kidney transplant approach was 92.9%, which is comparable to patient survival of XM- combined liver-kidney transplantation. Whereas patient survival in recipients before "delayed" approach ("simultaneous"; n = 5) was 40% when liver-kidney transplants were performed simultaneously (P = .06). CONCLUSION: In sensitized combined liver-kidney transplantation recipients, the "delayed" kidney transplant approach is associated with a significant reduction in total and class I donor-specific antibodies after liver transplant before kidney transplant, enabling therapeutic interventions such as plasmapheresis, if needed, providing optimal outcomes similar to crossmatch recipients.

Pancreas transplantation for cystic fibrosis: A frequently missed opportunity.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Despite optimized therapy, the majority of affected individuals ultimately die of respiratory failure. As patients with CF are living longer, extra-pulmonary manifestations may develop including pancreatic failure, which manifests as exocrine insufficiency, and CF-related diabetes (CFRD). Both of these can be managed through pancreas transplantation. Pancreas transplantation is usually performed in combination with another organ, most often with a kidney transplant for end-stage diabetic nephropathy. In the CF patient population, the two settings where inclusion of a pancreas transplant should be considered would be in combination with a lung transplant for CF pulmonary disease, or in combination with a liver for CF-related liver disease with cirrhosis. This report will discuss this topic in detail, including a review of the literature regarding combinations of lung/pancreas and liver/pancreas transplant.

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant after bilateral lung transplant for a recipient with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Despite optimized therapy, the majority of affected individuals ultimately die of respiratory failure. Lung transplantation is the only available therapy that deals definitively with the end-stage pulmonary disease and has become the treatment of choice for some of these patients. As patients with CF are living longer, extrapulmonary manifestations may develop including pancreatic failure, which manifests as exocrine insufficiency and CF-related diabetes (CFRD). Both of these can be managed through pancreas transplantation. We have previously reported our series of three simultaneous lung and pancreas transplants in patients with CF, which were complicated by surgical issues for both the thoracic and abdominal portions, rejection and resistant infections with disappointing long-term survival. Based on these results, a sequential approach was adopted: first, the thoracic transplant; and second, once the patient has recovered, the abdominal transplants. This is the first reported case of pancreas and kidney transplantation performed after a lung transplant in a patient with CF. It demonstrates a successful approach to treating CF with a lung transplant, and in an effort to improve the patient's long-term outcome, treating CFRD and pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, with a subsequent pancreas transplant.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: Continuous catheter infusion provides no additional analgesic benefit over single-injection ropivacaine.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are useful for adjunctive pain control following laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN). The objective was to determine if TAP catheter provides additional analgesia compared with single-injection TAP block alone for kidney donors. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, LLDN patients received a single TAP injection of 30 mL 0.2% ropivacaine and had a catheter inserted into the TAP space. Postoperatively, either 0.2% ropivacaine (TAP catheter group; TAP-C) or saline (TAP saline group; TAP-S) was infused at 10 mL/h. Pain scores, narcotic usage, nausea, and sedation were evaluated at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours. RESULTS: The study population included 70 patients (35 randomly assigned to each group). No differences in pain scores, narcotic usage, nausea, or sedation were observed at any time point (with the exception of lower median pain score for TAP-S at 60 hours; 3.2 vs 3.9 for TAP-C; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The lower pain score for placebo group at 60-hour postoperative is likely clinically insignificant. The TAP catheter infusion provided no benefit over a single-injection TAP block; thus, the added risk and cost are not supported. Liposomal bupivacaine should be evaluated in future studies.

Postoperative renal impairment is associated with increased length of stay for incisional hernia repair after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia repair is the most common procedure after orthotopic liver transplantation. Although enhanced recovery protocols are increasingly employed, the post-orthotopic liver transplantation patient may not benefit from all aspects of these models. The aim of the present study is to assess which perioperative interventions and patient factors affect hospital length of stay in a cohort of post-orthotopic liver transplantation patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a series of adult patients undergoing incisional hernia repair after orthotopic liver transplantation. The primary endpoint was length of stay. Results were stratified by demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. RESULTS: Eleven percent (172/1523) of patients who received orthotopic liver transplantation during the study period underwent subsequent incisional hernia repair. Median length of stay was 5 days (range 2-50). The strongest predictor of length of stay was postoperative renal function. Despite liberal intraoperative administration of volume (median 642 mL/h) and brisk intraoperative urine output (median 72 mL/h), postoperative acute kidney injury occurred in 48% of patients. Those that developed acute kidney injury received less intraoperative volume (6 vs 8.5 mL/kg/h; P = .031) and the severity of postoperative renal injury was inversely related to the amount intraoperative volume given. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing incisional hernia repair after orthotopic liver transplantation, postoperative renal function is frequently impaired. Although many aspects of current ERAS protocols may be applied to post-transplant patients, restrictive intraoperative fluid administration strategies should be employed with caution given a high propensity for the development of post-operative acute kidney injury in this complex population.

Pain interventions for organ transplant patients undergoing incisional hernia repair: Is epidural or transversus abdominus plane block a better option?

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain management in transplant recipients undergoing incisional herniorraphy is challenging. Historically limited to intravenous or oral opioids, alternatives including transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block catheters and thoracic epidural catheters have been introduced. The aim of this study was to determine whether TAP catheters and thoracic epidural analgesia significantly impacted on postoperative pain and opioid usage in transplant recipients undergoing incisional hernia repair. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 154 patients undergoing incisional hernia repair from January 2011 to June 2015. Of these, 56 received epidurals, 51 received TAP catheters, and 47 received no intervention. RESULTS: Demographic profiles were comparable among the three groups including type of previous transplant and type of hernia surgery. Thoracic epidural analgesia was associated with lower median, mean, and maximum pain scores (P < 0.001) and less opioid requirement (P < 0.001). There was no difference in pain scores and opioid usage among the TAP catheter and no intervention groups. There was no difference in time to first flatus or first bowel movement, length of hospital stay, individual opioid-related side effects, and adverse reactions among the three groups. CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing hernia repair after transplant surgery.

A Novel Approach in Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation With Long-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of simultaneous and delayed implantation of kidney grafts in combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT). BACKGROUND DATA: Delayed function of the renal graft (DGF), which can result from hypotension and pressor use related to the liver transplantation (LT), may cause worse outcomes in CLKT. METHODS: A total of 130 CLKTs were performed at Indiana University between 2002 and 2015 and studied in an observational cohort study. All kidneys underwent continuous hypothermic pulsatile machine perfusion until transplant: 69 with simultaneous kidney transplantation (KT) (at time of LT, group 1) and 61 with delayed KT (performed at a later time as a second operation, group 2). All patients received continuous veno-venous hemodialysis during the LT. Propensity score match analysis in a 1:1 case-match was performed. RESULTS: Mean kidney cold ischemia time was 10 ± 3 and 50 ± 15 hours, for groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The rate of DGF was 7.3% in group 1, but no DGF was seen in group 2 (P = 0.0600). Kidney function was significantly better in group 2, if the implantation of kidneys was delayed >48 hours (P < 0.01). Patient survival was greater in group 2 at 1 year (91%), and 5 year (87%) post-transplantation (P = 0.0019). On multivariate analysis, DGF [hazard ratio (HR), 165.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.4-2926], extended criteria donor kidneys (HR, 15.9; 95% CI 1.8-145.2), and recipient hepatitis C (HR, 5.5; 95% CI 1.7-17.8) were significant independent risk factors for patient survival. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed KT in CLKT (especially if delayed >48 h) is associated with improved kidney function with no DGF post-KT, and improved patient and graft survival.

Recurrence of Hyperoxaluria and Kidney Disease after Combined Intestine-Kidney Transplantation for Enteric Hyperoxaluria.

BACKGROUND: Enteric hyperoxaluria (EH) occurs with a rate of 5-24% in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, ileal resection and modern bariatric surgery. The excessive absorption of calcium oxalate causes chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with EH. In the literature, a single experience was reported in combined intestine-kidney transplantation (CIKTx) in patients with CKD due to EH. METHODS: After a report of 2 successful cases of CIKTx in patients with EH and CKD, one was performed at our center in a 59-year-old Caucasian female who developed intestinal failure with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dependence after a complication post-bariatric surgery. Before CIKTx, she underwent kidney transplantation alone (KTA) twice, which failed due to oxalate nephropathy. RESULTS: In July 2014, the patient underwent CIKTx and bilateral allograft nephrectomy to avoid EH and oxalate stone burden. The postoperative course was complicated with acute tubular necrosis due to the use of high pressors related to perioperative bleeding. The patient was discharged 79 days after CIKTx with a serum creatinine (sCr) of 1.2 mg/dl and free of TPN. Her sCr increased at 7 months and a renal biopsy showed oxalate nephropathy. SLC26A6 (oxalate transporter) staining was significantly diminished in native duodenum/rectum as well as in intestinal allograft compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: KTA in patients with CKD secondary to EH should not be recommended due to high risk of recurrence. Although other centers showed good long-term outcomes in CIKTx, our patient experienced recurrence of EH due to oxalate transporter defect, early kidney allograft dysfunction and prolonged antibiotic use.

Impact of duration of diabetes on outcome following pancreas transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of duration of T1DM on outcomes following simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK), pancreas after kidney transplantation (PAK), and pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) is currently unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 451 pancreas transplants performed at a single institution between January 2003 and April 2013 (SPK n = 238, PAK, n = 97, and PTA, n = 116) were divided into three groups based on cumulative years of T1DM (0-20 years, 21-30 years, and >30 years). Early (7-day) and late (90-day) pancreas allograft loss, patient and pancreas allograft survivals were analyzed. RESULTS: While, PAK was more common in recipients with >30 years of T1DM (29%, p < 0.0047), PTA was more common in recipients with 0-20 years of T1DM (41%, p < 0.0011). In all transplant types, recipients age was significantly higher the longer the duration of diabetes. Although longer duration of T1DM correlated with a higher rate of major amputations in PAK recipients (p < 0.0032), no difference was observed in SPK or PTA. While early pancreas graft loss was 2-4% in SPK and PAK with shorter or longer T1DM (p = n.s.), it reached to 10% in PTA with T1DM > 30 years (p < 0.0097). Longer duration of T1DM affected late pancreas graft loss in PAK patients (8%, p < 0.0349). Patient and death-censored graft survival rates were similar in all types of pancreas transplantation extracted by accumulation of years of T1DM prior to transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Longstanding T1DM does not seem to negatively impact recipient outcomes following all types of pancreas transplantation.

Late pancreas retransplantation.

Pancreas retransplantation, excluding immediate retransplantation for graft thrombosis, is a technically treacherous operation with the added challenges of adhesions from the prior transplant and difficulties identifying usable recipient vessels. The goal of this study was to review our single-center experience with late pancreas retransplantation. Charts for all pancreas transplant recipients between 01/2003 and 04/2013 were reviewed for demographics, graft and patient survival, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and technical complications. Of 473 pancreas transplants, there were 20 late pancreas retransplants compared to 441 first transplants. There were no significant differences in donor or recipient demographics. There was no significant difference in graft or patient survival. The mean and median lengths of stay were 22 and nine d, respectively (range 5-175 d), and 11 recipients required readmission within the first three months post-transplant. Five patients were reexplored in the early postoperative period for an enteric leak at the site of the primary allograft (n = 1), complications of percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement (n = 1), hemorrhage (n = 1), and negative laparotomy for hyperglycemia (n = 2). Pancreas retransplantation is technically challenging but can be safely performed with graft and recipient survival comparable to primary transplants.

Comparison of donor, and early and late recipient outcomes following hand assisted and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: While laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has encouraged living kidney donation, debate exists about the safest laparoscopic technique. We compared purely laparoscopic and hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies in terms of donor outcome, early graft function and long-term graft outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of consecutive laparoscopic and hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies performed by a single surgeon from 2002 to 2011. Donor operative time and perioperative morbidity were compared. Early graft function for kidneys procured by each technique was evaluated by rates of delayed graft function, need for dialysis and recipient discharge creatinine. Long-term outcomes were evaluated by graft function. RESULTS: A total of 152 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies were compared with 116 hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies. Hand assisted procedures were more often done for the right kidney (41.1% vs 17.1%, p <0.001) and in older donors (age 41.4 vs 37.5 years, p = 0.011). Warm ischemia time was shorter for hand assisted than for purely laparoscopic nephrectomy (120 seconds, IQR 50 vs 145, IQR 64, p <0.001). Median operative time was slightly shorter for the hand assisted than for the purely laparoscopic procedure (155 vs 165 minutes, p = 0.038). In each group 2 intraoperative complications required intervention (open conversion in 1 case each). Postoperatively complications developed after 5 purely laparoscopic and 5 hand assisted operations (1 Clavien 3b in each). Median length of stay was 2 days for each surgery. Postoperatively recipient outcomes were also similar. Delayed function occurred after 0% hand assisted vs 0.9% purely laparoscopic nephrectomies, dialysis was required in 0.9% vs 1.7% and rejection episodes developed in 9.7% vs 18.4% (p >0.05). At last followup the organ was nonfunctioning in 6.1% of hand assisted and 7.7% of purely laparoscopic cases (p >0.05). The recipient glomerular filtration rate at discharge home was similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy had shorter warm ischemia time but perioperative donor morbidity and graft outcome were comparable. The choice of technique should be based on patient and surgeon preference.

Pancreas transplantation after bariatric surgery.

Obese transplant candidates are at increased risk for perioperative and postoperative complications. In many transplant programs, morbid obesity is considered to be an exclusion criterion for transplantation. The only potential option that would grant these patients access to transplant is weight loss. Non-operative weight loss strategies such as behavioral modifications, exercise, diet, or medication have only very limited success in achieving long-term weight loss. In contrast, bariatric surgery was shown to achieve not only more excessive weight loss, but more importantly, this weight loss can be sustained for longer periods of time. Therefore, bariatric surgery presents an attractive option for weight loss for morbidly obese transplant candidates. We report our experience with four patients who underwent bariatric surgery prior to successful pancreas transplantation. Even though gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band present as equivalent alternatives for weight reduction, we believe that in the population of morbidly obese diabetic patients who are possible candidates for pancreas transplantation, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement is the more suitable procedure.

Early reexploration for suspected thrombosis after pancreas transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Graft thrombosis is the most common cause of early graft loss after pancreas transplantation. Early reexploration may permit salvage or timely removal of the thrombosed graft. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 345 pancreas transplants performed at a single center between January 2003 and December 2009. Early reexploration was defined as within 1 week of pancreas transplantation. RESULTS: Of the 345 transplants, there were 35 early reexplorations. The graft was compromised in 20 cases (57%): 10 venous thromboses, 3 arterial thromboses, 2 combined arterial and venous thrombosis, 2 thromboses secondary to allograft pancreatitis, and 3 cases of positional ischemia without thrombosis. Of these allografts, three reperfused once repositioned and six were successfully thrombectomized for a graft salvage rate of 45%. One of the thrombectomized grafts remained perfused but never functioned and was removed at retransplantation. The 10 remaining compromised grafts that were deemed unsalvageable and required allograft pancreatectomy. Nine of these recipients were retransplanted (eight within 2 weeks) and one was not a retransplantation candidate. CONCLUSIONS: Reexploration for suspected graft thrombosis after pancreas transplantation resulted in a negative laparotomy rate of 43%, but permitted graft salvage in 45% of compromised grafts.

Early steroid withdrawal in repeat kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Kidney re-transplantation (KRT) candidates are considered at high risk for graft failure. Most of these patients are kept on a chronic steroid maintenance (CSM) regimen. The safety of early steroid withdrawal (ESW) remains unanswered in KRT. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This study was aimed at comparing the outcomes of ESW and CSM in KRT. Retrospective analysis of 113 KRT patients (ESW, n=59; CSM, n=54) was performed. All patients received rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin/steroid induction and were maintained on mycophenolate/tacrolimus (±steroids). RESULTS: One- and 5-year patient survival for the ESW and the CSM group were not significantly different (98 versus 96% and 91 versus 88%, respectively; P=0.991). No significant difference was seen in the graft survival for both groups at 1 and 5 years (98 versus 93% and 80 versus 74%, respectively; P=0.779). Mean 1- and 5-year estimated GFR was not statistically different between the groups (P=0.773 and 0.790, respectively). The incidence of acute rejection at 1 year was 17 and 22% in ESW and CSM patients, respectively (P=0.635). Compared with the ESW group, patients in the CSM group were more likely to be hyperlipidemic (P=0.044), osteoporotic (P=0.010), post-transplant diabetics (P=0.051) and required more medications to control BP (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: ESW seems to be a reasonable approach in KRT recipients because the short and intermediate patient survival, graft survival, and graft function is comparable to CSM immunosuppression.

Bilateral sequential lung and simultaneous pancreas transplant: a new approach for the recipient with cystic fibrosis.

UNLABELLED: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that presents in childhood as a multisystem disease. Pulmonary failure and pancreatic insufficiency, including CF related diabetes (CFRD) and exocrine insufficiency, are common complications of this disease. In this report we review the first three simultaneous lung and pancreas transplantations in CF patients with diabetes. METHODS: All three CF patients presented for evaluation for lung transplantation and had pancreatic insufficiency requiring enzyme supplementation and CFRD requiring insulin. All were severely malnourished and required nutritional supplementation. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: In each case, the allografts were procured from a single cadaveric donor. Bilateral lung transplantation was performed first using two separate thoracic incisions. The pancreas transplant was performed with systemic venous drainage and enteric exocrine drainage. RESULTS: The pancreas allografts all functioned normally with normoglycemia independent of insulin. As a result of the enteric drainage of the pancreas allograft, supplemental pancreatic enzymes were no longer required. Despite several complications detailed in the manuscript, all three remain independent of supplemental oxygen, insulin and pancreatic enzyme replacement at 4, 6 and 14 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous lung and pancreas transplantation in patients with CF can be performed successfully and provides the advantages of normoglycemia and improves nutrition for patients requiring lung transplantation.

Complex arterial reconstruction for pancreas transplantation in recipients with advanced arteriosclerosis.

Pancreas transplantation can be very challenging in the recipient with iliac artery disease. In this report, we describe three techniques we have applied in these difficult situations and include demonstrative case reports. In principle, we believe that this is a problem that should be dealt with carefully to prevent further complicating the situation and should be resolved before bringing the allograft to the operative field in order to prevent prolonged warm ischemic times.

Complete reversal of glycogen hepatopathy with pancreas transplantation: two cases.

Glycogen hepatopathy is the pathological overloading of hepatocytes with glycogen that is associated with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Clinically, it presents with abdominal discomfort, tender hepatomegaly and elevated transaminases. In this report, we describe our experience with two cases of type I diabetes mellitus and glycogen hepatopathy. The patients underwent isolated pancreas transplantation, following which, we have been able to demonstrate complete histological resolution of glycogen hepatopathy associated with control of glucose metabolism.