Vessel-Guided Mesohepatectomy for Liver Partition and Staged Major Parenchyma-Sparing Hepatectomies with Super-Selective Portal Vein Embolization or Enhanced ALPPS to Achieve R0 Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases at the Hepatocaval Confluence.

Background. R0 minor parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) is feasible for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in contact with hepatic veins (HV) at hepatocaval confluence since HV can be reconstructed, but in the case of contact with the first-order glissonean pedicle (GP), major hepatectomy is mandatory. To pursue an R0 parenchyma-sparing policy, we proposed vessel-guided mesohepatectomy for liver partition (MLP) and eventually combination with liver augmentation techniques for staged major PSH. Methods. We analyzed 15 consecutive vessel-guided MLPs for CRLM at the hepatocaval confluence. Patients had a median of 11 (range: 0-67) lesions with a median diameter of 3.5 cm (range: 0.0-8.0), bilateral in 73% of cases. Results. Grade IIIb or more complications occurred in 13%, median hospital stay was 14 (range: 6-62) days, 90-day mortality was 0%. After a median follow-up of 17.5 months, 1-year OS and RFS were 92% and 62%. In nine (64%) patients, MLP was combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) or ALPPS to perform staged R0 major PSH. Future liver remnant (FLR) volume increased from a median of 15% (range: 7-20%) up to 41% (range: 37-69%). Super-selective PVE was performed in three (33%) patients and enhanced ALPPS (e-ALPPS) in six (66%). In two e-ALPPS an intermediate stage of deportalized liver PSH was necessary to achieve adequate FLR volume. Conclusions. Vessel-guided MLP may transform the liver in a paired organ. In selected cases of multiple bilobar CRLM, to guarantee oncological radicality (R0), major PSH is feasible combining advanced surgical parenchyma sparing with liver augmentation techniques when FLR volume is insufficient.

Exploring the Outcome of Disappearance or Small Remnants of Colorectal Liver Metastases during First-Line Chemotherapy on Hepatobiliary Contrast-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging.

We aimed to evaluate the outcome of the disappearance or small remnants of colorectal liver metastases during first-line chemotherapy assessed by hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DW-MRI). Consecutive patients with at least one disappearing liver metastasis (DLM) or small residual liver metastases (≤10 mm) assessed by hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced and DW-MRI during first-line chemotherapy were included. Liver lesions were categorized into three groups: DLM; residual tiny liver metastases (RTLM) when ≤5 mm; small residual liver metastases (SRLM) when >5mm and ≤10 mm. The outcome of resected liver metastases was assessed in terms of pathological response, whereas lesions left in situ were evaluated in terms of local relapse or progression. Fifty-two outpatients with 265 liver lesions were radiologically reviewed; 185 metastases fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 40 DLM, 82 RTLM and 60 SRLM. We observed a pCR rate of 75% (3/4) in resected DLM and 33% (12/36) of local relapse for DLM left in situ. We observed a risk of relapse of 29% and 57% for RTLM and SRLM left in situ, respectively, and a pCR rate of about 40% overall for resected lesions. DLM assessed via hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced and DW-MRI very probably indicates a complete response. The surgical removal of small remnants of liver metastases should always be advocated whenever technically possible.

Impact of baseline gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted imaging in resectable colorectal liver metastases: A prospective, monocentric study.

BACKGROUND: Liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizing hepatocyte-specific contrast agent and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is currently used to properly stage colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in patients candidate to liver surgery. However, the added value of liver MRI in choosing the treatment strategy in resectable CRLM over computed tomography (CT)-scan is not clear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective monocentric collection of consecutive cases of patients with CRLM conceived with the aim to assess the added value of liver MRI in changing the initial treatment strategy planned according to CT-scan. Potential changes in the initially planned strategy were defined as: - from upfront surgery to perioperative chemotherapy (fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin) - from upfront surgery to first-line systemic therapy (doublet or triplet plus a biological agent) - from perioperative chemotherapy to first-line systemic therapy. Hypothesising that MRI may induce a change in the choice of the treatment strategy in the 20% of cases (alternative hypothesis), against a null hypothesis of 5%, with one-tailed alpha and beta errors of 0.05 and 0.20 respectively, 27 patients were needed. The added value of liver MRI would have been considered clinically meaningful if at least 4 changes in the treatment strategy were observed. RESULTS: Among 27 enrolled patients, upfront surgery and perioperative chemotherapy strategies were chosen in 17 (63%) and 10 (37%) cases, respectively, based on CT-scan. After liver MRI, additional liver lesions were found in 8 patients (30%) and the initial strategy was changed in 7 patients (26%) (4 initially deemed candidate to upfront surgery and 3 initially sent to perioperative chemotherapy) that were treated with first-line systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the indication of the current guidelines on the routine use of liver MRI in the initial workup of patients with resectable CRLM with an MRI-driven changes of initial treatment plan in a relevant percentage of cases.

Upper transversal hepatectomy with double hepatic vein resection and reconstruction to treat colorectal cancer liver metastases at the hepatocaval confluence: a strategy to achieve R0 liver-sparing resection.

BACKGROUND: Repeated hepatectomies in the therapeutic route of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) may improve their long term survival. Hepatic vein (HV) resection and reconstruction allows parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) and R0 resections for CRLM in contact with one HV. We aimed at verifying the feasibility of PSH with double HV resection and direct reconstruction for CRLM in contact with two HVs at the hepatocaval confluence. METHODS: Out of 106 consecutive PSH performed for CRLM deep-located in segments I-IVa-VII-VIII, four (3.7%) PSH were performed with resection of CRLM en bloc with two adjacent HVs which were both reconstructed with double direct HV anastomosis: 3 cases between right-HV and middle-HV and 1 case between middle-HV and left-HV. Two patients had previously undergone liver resection. Three patients had one single lesion and one had 5 CRLMs. RESULTS: Median size of CRLMs in contact with HVs was 25 mm (range 22-30 mm). At histological examination, all resections were R0 except one R1-vascular (detachment from glissonean pedicle): in all cases at least one HV and in 1 case both HVs were infiltrated by the tumor cells. After median follow-up of 18 (range 3.5-41.2) months, all HVs were patent. All patients were alive and in good general conditions, and 3 patients were disease free (one of them following a liver re-resection). One patient experienced a grade IIIa complication. Median hospital-stay was 11 (range 9-13) days. CONCLUSION: In patients with CRLMs involving two adjacent HVs at the hepatocaval confluence, liver resection with double HV resection and direct reconstruction is feasible and may be considered to guarantee oncological radicality (R0) and spare health parenchyma.

Laparoscopic robot-assisted versus open total pancreatectomy: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced dexterity offered by robotic assistance could be excessive for distal pancreatectomy but not enough to improve the outcome of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Total pancreatectomy retains the challenges of uncinate process dissection and digestive reconstruction, but avoids the risk of pancreatic fistula, and could be a suitable operation to highlight the advantages of robotic assistance in pancreatic resections. METHODS: Eleven laparoscopic robot-assisted total pancreatectomies (LRATP) were compared to 11 case-matched open total pancreatectomies. All operations were performed by one surgeon during the same period of time. Robotic assistance was employed in half of the patients, based on robot availability at the time of surgery. Variables examined included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, estimated blood loss, need for blood transfusions, operative time, tumor type, tumor size, number of examined lymph nodes, margin status, post-operative complications, 90-day or in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and readmission rate. RESULTS: No LRATP was converted to conventional laparoscopy, hand-assisted laparoscopy or open surgery despite two patients (18.1 %) required vein resection and reconstruction. LRATP was associated with longer mean operative time (600 vs. 469 min; p = 0.014) but decreased mean blood loss (220 vs. 705; p = 0.004) than open surgery. Post-operative complications occurred in similar percentages after LRATP and open surgery. Complications occurring in most patients (5/7) after LRATP were of mild severity (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II). One patient required repeat laparoscopic surgery after LRATP, to drain a fluid collection not amenable to percutaneous catheter drainage. One further patient from the open group required repeat surgery because of bleeding. No patient had margin positive resection, and the mean number of examined lymph nodes was 45 after LRATP and 36 after open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: LRATP is feasible in selected patients, but further experience is needed to draw final conclusions.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is gaining momentum, but there is still uncertainty regarding its safety, reproducibility, and oncologic appropriateness. This review assesses the current status of LPD. METHODS: Our literature review was conducted in Pubmed. Articles written in English containing five or more LPD were selected. RESULTS: Twenty-five articles matched the review criteria. Out of a total of 746 LPD, 341 were reported between 1997 and 2011 and 405 (54.2 %) between 2012 and June 1, 2013. Pure laparoscopy (PL) was used in 386 patients (51.7 %), robotic assistance (RA) in 234 (31.3 %), laparoscopic assistance (LA) in 121 (16.2 %), and hand assistance in 5 (0.6 %). PL was associated with shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and lower rate of pancreatic fistula (vs LA and RA). LA was associated with shorter operative time (vs RA), but with higher blood loss and increased incidence of pancreatic fistula (vs PL and RA). Conversion to open surgery was required in 64 LPD (9.1 %). Operative time averaged 464.3 min (338-710) and estimated blood 320.7 mL (74-642). Cumulative morbidity was 41.2 %, and pancreatic fistula was reported in 22.3 % of patients (4.5-52.3 %). Mean length of hospital stay was 13.6 days (7-23), showing geographic variability (21.9 days in Europe, 13.0 days in Asia, and 9.4 days in the US). Operative mortality was 1.9 %, including one intraoperative death. No difference was noted in conversion rate, incidence of pancreatic fistula, morbidity, and mortality when comparing results from larger (≥30 LPD) and smaller (≤29 LPD) series. Pathology demonstrated ductal adenocarcinoma in 30.6 % of the specimens, other malignant tumors in 51.7 %, and benign tumor/disease in 17.5 %. The mean number of lymph nodes examined was 14.4 (7-32), and the rate of microscopically positive tumor margin was 4.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, operated on by expert laparoscopic pancreatic surgeons, LPD is feasible and safe.

Transplantation of the pancreas.

Pancreas transplantation consistently induces insulin-independence in beta-cell-penic diabetic patients, but at the cost of major surgery and life-long immunosuppression. One year after grafting, patient survival rate now exceeds 95 % across recipient categories, while insulin independence is maintained in some 85 % of simultaneous pancreas and kidney recipients and in nearly 80 % of solitary pancreas transplant recipients. The half-life of the pancreas graft currently averages 16.7 years, being the longest among extrarenal grafts, and substantially matching the one of renal grafts from deceased donors. The difference between expected (100 %) and actual insulin-independence rate is mostly explained by technical failure in the postoperative phase, and rejection in the long-term period. Death with a functioning graft remains a further major issue, especially in uremic patients who have undergone prolonged periods of dialysis. Refinements in graft preservation, surgical techniques, immunosuppression, and prophylactic treatments are expected to further improve the results of pancreas transplantation.

Central pancreatectomy with inframesocolic pancreatojejunostomy.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic fistula (PF) occurs frequently after central pancreatectomy (CP), but it is not clear from which pancreatic stump it arises and, consequently, which interventions can reduce its incidence and severity. The information could be obtained if the two pancreatic remnants were segregated into different body compartments. METHODS: In eight consecutive patients, the cut end of the distal pancreatic stump after CP was brought in the inframesocolic compartment through a small defect created in the transverse mesocolon. Pancreatojejunostomy was hence constructed in the intraperitoneal compartment, being divided by the retroperitoneal right-sided pancreatic stump by the transverse mesocolon itself. Five patients were operated on open, and three by robot-assisted laparoscopy. PF was defined according to the criteria proposed by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. RESULTS: PF fistula developed in five out eight patients (three grade A and two grade B). Amylase concentration in the fluid obtained from surgical drains showed that the two pancreatic remnants were actually segregated into different body compartments and that four out of five PF originated from the right remnant. Mean hospital stay was 12.5 days. No patient was readmitted, developed peripancreatic fluid collections, required interventional radiology procedures, or underwent repeat surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In CP, interposing an anatomic barrier, such as the transverse mesocolon, between the two pancreatic remnants is a simple maneuver that, if on one hand, adds little to the complexity of the operation, on the other, provides insights into the origin of PF after CP.

Laparoscopic robot-assisted pancreas transplantation: first world experience.

BACKGROUND: Surgical complications are a major disincentive to pancreas transplantation, despite the undisputed benefits of restored insulin independence. The da Vinci surgical system, a computer-assisted electromechanical device, provides the unique opportunity to test whether laparoscopy can reduce the morbidity of pancreas transplantation. METHODS: Pancreas transplantation was performed by robot-assisted laparoscopy in three patients. The first patient received a pancreas after kidney transplant, the second a simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation, and the third a pancreas transplant alone. Operations were carried out through an 11-mm optic port, two 8-mm operative ports, and a 7-cm midline incision. The latter was used to introduce the grafts, enable vascular cross-clamping, and create exocrine drainage into the jejunum. RESULTS: The two solitary pancreas transplants required an operating time of 3 and 5 hr, respectively; the simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation took 8 hr. Mean warm ischemia time of the pancreas graft was 34 min. All pancreatic transplants functioned immediately, and all recipients became insulin independent. The kidney graft, revascularized after 35 min of warm ischemia, also functioned immediately. No patient had complications during or after surgery. At the longer follow-up of 10, 8, and 6 months, respectively, all recipients are alive with normal graft function. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown the feasibility of laparoscopic robot-assisted solitary pancreas and simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. If the safety and feasibility of this procedure can be confirmed by larger series, laparoscopic robot-assisted pancreas transplantation could become a new option for diabetic patients needing beta-cell replacement.

Incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of chylous leakage after laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Chylous leakage (CL) is a rare complication of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN). It may lead to malnutrition and immunological deficits because of protein and lymphocyte depletion. METHODS: Data from 208 consecutive LLDN performed at two institutions, between April 2000 and September 2010, were reviewed to identify the anatomical basis behind CL along with its diagnostic and therapeutic options. RESULTS: CL developed in eight donors (3.8%), as determined by high-volume drainage (range 540-800 mL/24 hr) of triglyceride-rich fluid. All donors were managed conservatively. Seven were put on total parenteral nutrition plus octreotide. One received low-fat diet, medium-chain triglyceride supplementation, and octreotide. Chylous fistulas resolved in 5 to 16 days (mean time 12.3 days). Drains were removed before hospital discharge, and no donor was readmitted and/or needed outpatient care. CONCLUSIONS: CL is a potentially insidious and perhaps misdiagnosed complication after LLDN. It occurs in nearly 4% of LLDN and it seems to be uniquely associated to left-sided kidney recovery because of distinctive lymphatics distribution around the periaortic area of dissection. Conservative therapy is effective in most donors and should be initially attempted. Surgical ligatures or fibrin sealants may be indicated in case of refractory CL before the arising of malnutrition and/or relevant immunodeficiency.

Current perspectives on laparoscopic robot-assisted pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Pancreas transplant recipients continue to suffer high surgical morbidity. Current robotic technology provides a unique opportunity to test whether laparoscopy can improve the post-operative course of pancreas transplantation (PT). Current knowledge on robotic pancreas and renal transplantation was reviewed to determine feasibility and safety of robotic PT. Information available from literature was included in this review, together with personal experience including three PT, and two renal allotransplants. As of April 2011, the relevant literature provides two case reports on robotic renal transplantation. The author's experience consists of one further renal allotransplantation, two solitary PT, and one simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Information obtained at international conferences include several other renal allotransplants, but no additional PT. Preliminary data show that PT is feasible laparoscopically under robotic assistance, but raises concerns regarding the effects of increased warm ischemia time on graft viability. Indeed, during construction of vascular anastomoses, graft temperature progressively increases, since maintenance of a stable graft temperature is difficult to achieve laparoscopically. There is no proof that progressive graft warming produces actual damage to transplanted organs, unless exceedingly long. However, this important question is likely to elicit a vibrant discussion in the transplant community.

Renal cell carcinoma with caval involvement: contemporary strategies of surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of the surgical treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and extensive inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement. Our aim was to investigate if a particular surgical technique could reduce morbidity and complications associated with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1996 to 2007, 22 patients with RCC and extensive IVC involvement underwent radical surgical treatment with the intention to avoid, whenever possible, sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. The level of the tumor thrombus was I (<2 cm above the renal vein) in 2 patients, II (below the intrahepatic vena cava) in 9 patients, III (intrahepatic vena cava below the diaphragm) in 7 patients, and IV (atrial) in 4 patients. Extracorporeal vascular bypass was used for 4 patients with level IV and for 2 patients with level III tumor thrombi, with hypothermic circulatory arrest in 2 patients. Extensive liver mobilization techniques were adopted in 16 patients. Overall and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed based on tumor extent (N0M0, N+M+), pathologic stage (pT3b, pT3c, pT4), thrombus level, and caval wall infiltration. RESULTS: Two patients died within 1 month of surgery and the remaining 20 patients have a mean follow-up of 32.2 months (range 6-90): 8 are alive (overall survival 40%), but 2 with disease (CSS 30%). A total of 10 severe complications developed in 8 patients (36%). Both overall and CSS were significantly associated with tumor stage (Log-rank P = 0.0237 and 0.0465), presence of nodal or systemic metastases (Log-rank P = 0.0835 and 0.0669; Wilcoxon's test P = 0.0407 and 0.0411), and caval wall infiltration (Log-rank P = 0.0200 and 0.0418). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low overall survival, related to the high percentage of nodal and systemic metastases, aggressive surgical management with resection of synchronous metastatic disease for symptom palliation and cytoreduction, followed by immunotherapy is justified in this setting. A transabdominal approach to RCC and IVC involvement, even in patients with level III thrombus, can provide the surgeon with an exposure similar to thoracoabdominal incisions without the complications associated with thoracotomy.

Robotic renal transplantation: first European case.

A kidney from a 56-year-old mother was transplanted to her 37-year-old daughter laparoscopically using the daVinci HDSi surgical system. The kidney was introduced into the abdomen through a 7-cm suprapubic incision used also for the uretero-vescical anastomosis. Vascular anastomoses were carried out through a total of three additional ports. Surgery lasted 154 min, including 51 min of warm ischemia of the graft. Urine production started immediately after graft reperfusion. Renal function remains optimal at the longest follow-up of 3 months. The technique employed in this case is discussed in comparison with the only other two contemporary experiences, both from the USA. Furthermore, possible advantages and disadvantages of robotics in kidney transplantation are discussed extensively. We conclude that the daVinci surgical system allows the performance of kidney transplantation under optimal operative conditions. Further experience is needed, but it is likely that solid organ transplantation will not remain immune to robotics.

Prognostic implications of tumor invasion or adhesion to peripancreatic vessels in resected pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operative risk and the prognostic implications of pancreatectomy plus resection and reconstruction of peripancreatic vessels (PPV) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: One hundred ten patients who underwent pancreatectomy with PPV resection and reconstruction (Study Group; SG) were retrospectively compared with 62 patients without distant metastasis who were palliated, (Control Group 1; CG-1), as well as 197 patients who underwent "conventional"pancreatectomy (Control Group 2; CG-2). RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity and mortality were similar in SG (33% and 3%), in CG-1 (26% and 3%), and in CG-2 (40% and 6%) patients. Median survival time (MST) of SG patients (15 months) was longer than that of CG-1 patients (6 months; P < .0001) and similar to that of CG-2 patients (18 months). Patients undergoing isolated venous resection (n = 84) had the best outcome (MST: 15 months) ( P < .0001 vs CG-1 patients), while patients undergoing resection of multiple PPV (n = 14) had the worst outcome (MST: 8 months). PPV infiltration, histologically proven in 64 patients (65%), was associated with decreased MST only if the tunica intima was infiltrated (26%) (11 months; P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that no adjuvant therapy, intimal invasion, and poorly differentiated histology were associated with a higher hazard of death by 2.2, 2.2, and 2.5-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: In properly selected patients, pancreatectomy plus resection and reconstruction of PPV was performed as safely as palliation or "conventional" pancreatectomy and was associated with better survival when compared to palliation.

Vascular complications of pancreatectomy.

Despite decreased postoperative mortality, pancreatic resections continue to be associated with high morbidity rates. Vascular complications and, in particular, erosive bleeding from the large retroperitoneal vasculature are particularly difficult to treat and account for a large percentage of the residual postoperative mortality of pancreatic resections. We herein analyze the pathogenesis, diagnosis, preventive measures and possible remedies of either hemorrhagic or occlusive complications of pancreatic resections through a review of the literature and of our institutional experience consisting of 818 pancreatectomies.

A technique for retroperitoneal pancreas transplantation with portal-enteric drainage.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplantation (PTx) with portal-enteric drainage (PED) has been associated with difficulties in respect to arterial anastomosis and graft accessibility for percutaneous biopsy. We describe a new technique that circumvents these difficulties. METHODS: Between April 2001 and April 2004, a total of 113 recipients were scheduled for PTx with PED. The superior mesenteric vein was approached from the right retroperitoneal aspect instead of from the anterior transmesenteric route. The pancreas graft was eventually placed in the right retroperitoneal space, being covered by the ascending colon and its mesentery. RESULTS: One hundred ten (97.3%) PTx were performed as planned. Systemic venous effluent was preferred in three patients because of incidental diagnosis of liver cirrhosis during surgery (n=1) and severe obesity (body mass index>35 kg/m2) (n=2). The Y iliac artery graft was kept as short as possible, and arterial anastomosis was always performed with ease. After a mean follow-up period of 21.2+/-19.9 months, the relaparotomy rate was 13.6%. No patient died after repeat surgery, and none required multiple relaparotomies. Overall, 10 grafts were lost because of acute rejection (n=3), chronic rejection (n=2), venous thrombosis (n=2), recipient death (n=2), and late (6-month) arterial thrombosis (n=1). One-year patient and graft survival were 98.1% and 90.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that PTx with PED is not associated with an increased risk. The technique described has distinctive technical advantages and should be included in the repertoire of PTx.

A simplified technique for the en bloc procurement of abdominal organs that is suitable for pancreas and small-bowel transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Graft shortage makes multiorgan procurement mandatory. We describe the results of a simplified method for the en bloc procurement of multiple organs, which permits isolated transplantation of all abdominal grafts, including the pancreas and the small bowel, to different recipients. METHODS: Three hundred forty-three multiorgan procurements were done with a simplified en bloc technique. RESULTS: None of the 1374 grafts that were procured sustained injuries that potentially precluded transplantation. Seventy-two grafts that were procured from 18 donors (5%) who were diagnosed with a neoplasm were discarded. Overall, 339 grafts that were procured from 325 donors were discarded because of specific contraindications, and 963 grafts (74%) were transplanted. Ninety-seven pancreata were transplanted. In 3 instances the pancreas and the small bowel were procured simultaneously and transplanted to different recipients. A total of 287 liver grafts were also transplanted at 13 different institutions. In 42 instances, the liver was not allocated to our center. Forty liver teams (95%) from 11 different institutions agreed to procure their grafts according to the simplified en bloc technique. Our team performed 18 procurements, and a surgeon from the liver transplantation team, who was assisted by one of the members of our team, performed 22 procurements. In all, 576 kidneys were transplanted, either alone or simultaneously, with other abdominal grafts at 15 different institutions. CONCLUSIONS: This procurement method has high yields, allows pancreas and small-bowel procurement, and can be learned readily.

Pancreas preservation with University of Wisconsin and Celsior solutions: a single-center, prospective, randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Celsior is an extracellular-type, low-viscosity, preservation solution already used for heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplantation. We report the results of a single-center, prospective, randomized pilot study specifically designed to compare the safety profile of Celsior solution with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution in clinical pancreas transplantation. METHODS: A total of 105 consecutive procurements were randomized to graft preservation with UW (n=53) solution or Celsior (n=52) solution. The groups were comparable with regard to all donor and recipient characteristics. RESULTS: Five grafts were discarded and 100 grafts (50 UW vs. 50 Celsior) were transplanted. Mean cold and warm ischemia times were 11.0 +/- 2.1 hr and 37.2 +/- 6.0 min for UW compared with 10.8 +/- 1.8 hr and 38.1 +/- 5.9 min for Celsior (P =not significant). Delayed endocrine pancreas function was recorded in one graft preserved with UW solution. Eleven recipients (UW 12% vs. Celsior 10%, P =not significant) required a relaparotomy. The mean serum levels of glucose, amylase, and lipase remained comparable between the study arms at equivalent intervals after transplantation. One recipient died with functioning grafts in each study arm; two further grafts were lost to arterial thrombosis (Celsior) and chronic rejection (UW), respectively. Actuarial 1-year patient and graft survival rates overlapped in the two study arms (98% and 96%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Within the range of cold ischemia time reported in this study, UW and Celsior solutions have similar safety profiles for pancreas preservation.

A benefit-risk assessment of basiliximab in renal transplantation.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and its receptor (IL-2R) play a central role in T lymphocyte activation and immune response after transplantation. Research on the biology of IL-2R allowed the identification of key signal transduction pathways involved in the generation of proliferative and antiapoptotic signals in T cells. The alpha-chain of the IL-2R is a specific peptide against which monoclonal antibodies have been raised, with the aim of blunting the immune response by means of inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in primed lymphocytes. Indeed, basiliximab, one of such antibodies, has proved to be effective in reducing the episodes of acute rejection after kidney and pancreas transplantation. The use of basiliximab was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of any treated rejection episodes after kidney transplantation in the two major randomised studies (placebo 52.2% vs basiliximab 34.2% at 6 months, European study; placebo 54.9% vs basiliximab 37.6% at 1 year, US trial). Basiliximab and equine antithymocyte globulin (ATG) administration resulted in a similar rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection at 6 months (19% for both) and at 12 months (19% and 20%, respectively). The use of basiliximab appears not to be associated with an increased incidence of adverse events as compared with placebo in immunosuppressive regimens, including calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine and corticosteroids, and its safety profile is superior to ATG. Moreover, a similar occurrence of infections is noted in selected studies (65.5% after basiliximab vs 65.7% of controls), including cytomegalovirus infection (17.3% vs 14.5%), and cytokine-release syndrome is not observed. Finally, economic analysis demonstrated lower costs of overall treatment in patients treated with basiliximab. Therefore, the use of basiliximab entails a very low risk, allows safe reduction of corticosteroid dosage and reduces the short- and mid-term rejection rates. However, the improvement in the long-term survival of kidney grafts in patients treated according to modern immunosuppressive protocols is still to be demonstrated. These conclusions are based on a systematic review of the scientific literature, indexed on Medline database, concerning the mechanism of action, therapeutic activity, safety and pharmacoeconomic evaluation of basiliximab in renal transplantation.