Results of the double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing laser hemorrhoidoplasty with sutured mucopexy and excisional hemorrhoidectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH), and sutured mucopexy (MP). METHODS: A randomized, parallel-group, double-blinded, single-center prospective study. PATIENTS: Symptomatic 2nd- or 3rd-degree hemorrhoids patients. INTERVENTIONS: Computer randomization sequence, patient blinding, operating surgeon blinding, and surgeon-evaluator blinding. LHP was performed using a 1470 nm diode laser. Up to 250 J of energy delivered per 1 hemorrhoid. The procedure was performed circumferentially. MP ligations were placed in the area of visible hemorrhoidal tissue. Standard EH was performed up to the level of the hemorrhoidal pedicle. Follow-up at 1 and 6 weeks and 1 year. OUTCOME MEASURES: Recurrence of symptoms requiring treatment, intensity, and duration of pain after the operation, patients' quality of life, fecal incontinence, and patients' evaluation of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients. Groups were even preoperatively. LHP took 15 min (SD 5.6), MP took 16 min (SD 5.58), and EH took 29 min (SD 10.3). Recurrence requiring treatment rate was 0% after EH, 10% after LHP, and 22% after MP, p = 0.004. LHP and MP were less painful than EH, p < 0.001. Patients after LHP returned to regular activity after 15 days, after MP after 22 days, and after EH after 30 days, p < 0.001. SF-36 scores were better after EH. Symptoms of fecal incontinence improved in all the groups. Patients evaluate LHP better than EH and MP. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: Laser hemorrhoidoplasty is a safe, minimally invasive option for hemorrhoids, more effective than MP and less effective than EH. Patients evaluate this technique better than the other two.

Fecal incontinence after transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

PURPOSE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) procedure could potentially influence the development of fecal incontinence later in life. The aim of our study was to assess long-term functional outcomes after TEM and to determine possible variables related to incontinence. METHODS: Patients, enrolled in a prospectively collected TEM operation database, were interviewed using a postal questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of EuroQol (EQ)-5D-5L quality of life questionnaire, Wexner fecal incontinence grading scale, and additional questions about other perianal operations and obstetric history for women. We divided patients into two groups: no or minor fecal incontinence (Wexner score of 2 and less) and non-minor incontinence (Wexner score of 3 or more). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two patients were included in the study. Patients' median follow-up time was 96 (12-168) months from their operation. Thirty-eight patients (28.8%) reported Wexner score of 3 or more, and they reported significantly worse quality of life in all tested life spheres. They were older at the time of the operation (63 (18-82) vs. 68 (50-89) years; p = 0.004), underwent longer operations (50 (10-140) vs. 60 (15-210) min; p = 0.017), and more often were operated for malignant lesions (17 (18.3%) vs. 14 (36.8%); p = 0.040). Older age at the time of operation was an independent risk factor in multivariate model (OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.010-1.106; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence after TEM is more common than thought previously, resulting in significantly impaired quality of life. Older age at the time of operation was an independent risk factor for developing significant fecal incontinence.

Improved perioperative care is associated with improved long-term survival in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To compare perioperative colorectal cancer care and survival in patient cohorts operated in 2005 and in 2010 in Lithuania. METHODS: Comparative observational cohort study was performed. The study was conducted in the three Lithuanian cancer hospitals. Patients, who underwent curative surgery for colorectal cancer in 2005 and 2010, were included. Demographic characteristics, distribution of the tumors, preoperative diagnostics and staging, surgical treatment, the quality of pathological examination, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. One- and 5-year overall survival data were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer diagnostics and treatment improved from 2005 to 2010 significantly. The disease was identified as stage III-IV for 45 vs. 48% of the patients; however, computed tomography staging scan was performed only for 5.9 vs. 17.8% in 2005 and 2010, respectively. Laparoscopic operations were performed 1.5 vs. 10.5% and abdominoperineal resections-42.7 vs. 31.7% in 2005 and 2010, respectively. The number of harvested lymph nodes was mentioned in 55.8 vs. 97.7% of the cases, whereas more than 12 lymph nodes were examined in 18 vs. 66.6% of cases after histological examination. The overall 5-year survival was 52.1 vs. 63.1% (p < 0.0001), while the 5-year survival of the patients with stage IV of disease was 4.2 vs. 17.8% in 2005 and 2010, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative investigation, surgical treatment, pathological examination, and postoperative course are associated with improved overall survival in colorectal cancer patients, undergoing curative surgery in the resource-limited settings.

The pattern of colorectal cancer surgery in Lithuania in 2005: do results meet expectations?

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to expose the pattern of the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer in Lithuania in 2005. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 590 patients treated for colorectal cancer in the surgical departments of the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, the Institute of Oncology of Vilnius University, and Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos in 2005 was performed. Demographic data, preoperative evaluation, postoperative complications assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the quality of pathological examination, and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 590 patients, 269 women (45.6%) and 321 men (54.4%), were included in this study; the mean age was 68.3 years (SD, 11.2). Tumors were found in the colon of 274 patients (46.4%) and in the rectum of 316 patients (53.6%). An abdominal ultrasound scan was preoperatively performed in 516 patients (87.5%) and a chest x-ray in 316 patients (53.6%); 35 patients (5.9%) underwent abdominal computed tomography. Endorectal ultrasound was done in 99 (31.7%) cases. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy for T3 and T4 rectal tumors was applied in 42 cases (18.1%). Besides, 211 patients (35.8%) developed postoperative complications with an anastomotic leak emerging in 20 cases (3.4%). Death occurred in 7 patients (1.18%). On the average, 11.15 lymph nodes (SD, 6.02) were found in pathological specimens. Circumferential resection margins were assessed in 58 cases (18.4%). The overall 5-year survival rate was 52.06%. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative evaluation and the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer were not sufficiently consistent in Lithuania in 2005. In order to improve the treatment of colorectal cancer, standardization or the national database of colorectal cancer is necessary.

Dietary glycine protects from chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hepatotoxic side effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases increase perioperative morbidity and mortality. Glycine protects liver from injury in various animal models. Thus, this study was designed to assess its effect on liver after chemotherapy. Sprague-Dawley rats (200-220 g) were fed a synthetic diet containing 5% glycine for 5 days. Subsequently, chemotherapy (FOLFIRI: irinotecan, folinic acid and fluorouracil, or FOLFOX: oxaliplatin, folinic acid and fluorouracil) was administered at standard doses. Transaminases, histology, immunohistochemistry and in vivo microscopy were used to index liver injury, to monitor intrahepatic microperfusion and activation of Kupffer cells. Glycine significantly decreased transaminases after chemotherapy to 25-50% of control values (p < 0.05). Microvesicular steatosis was significantly reduced from 18.5 ± 3.4 and 57.1 ± 8.6% in controls to 9.5 ± 1.8 and 37.7 ± 4.4% after FOLFIRI and FOLFOX, respectively. Furthermore, phagocytosis of latex beads was reduced by about 50%, while leukocyte adherence in central and midzonal subacinar zones decreased to 60-80% after glycine (p < 0.05). Glycine significantly reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase after chemotherapy, while hepatic microcirculation was increased (p < 0.05). This study shows for the first time that glycine reduces chemotherapy-induced liver injury. The underlying mechanisms most likely include Kupffer cells and an improved intrahepatic microperfusion.

The use of high-dose melatonin in liver resection is safe: first clinical experience.

Experimental data suggest that melatonin decreases inflammatory changes after major liver resection, thus positively influencing the postoperative course. To assess the safety of a preoperative single dose of melatonin in patients undergoing major liver resection, a randomized controlled double-blind pilot clinical trial with two parallel study arms was designed at the Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg. A total of 307 patients, who were referred for liver surgery, were screened. One hundred and thirteen patients, for whom a major liver resection (≥3 segments) was scheduled, were eligible. Sixty-three eligible patients refused to participate, and therefore, 50 patients were randomized. A preoperative single dose of melatonin (50 mg/kg BW) dissolved in 250 mL of milk was administered through the gastric tube after the intubation for general anesthesia. Controls were given the same amount of microcrystalline cellulose. Primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints were postoperative complications. Melatonin was effectively absorbed with serum concentrations of 1142.8 ± 7.2 ng/mL (mean ± S.E.M.) versus 0.3 ± 7.8 ng/mL in controls (P < 0.0001). Melatonin treatment resulted in lower postoperative transaminases over the study period (P = 0.6). There was no serious adverse event in patients after melatonin treatment. A total of three infectious complications occurred in either group. A total of eight noninfectious complications occurred in five control patients, whereas three noninfectious complications occurred in three patients receiving preoperative melatonin (P = 0.3). There was a trend toward shorter ICU stay and total hospital stay after melatonin treatment. Therefore, a single preoperative enteral dose of melatonin is effectively absorbed and is safe and well tolerated in patients undergoing major liver surgery.

Liver Transplantation in Malignancies: A Comprehensive and Systematic Review on Oncological Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation (LT) is today's standard treatment for both end-stage liver disease and tumors; however, suitable grafts for LT are a scarce resource and outcome after LT is highly dependent on its underlying indication. Thus, patients must be carefully selected to optimize the number of life years gained per graft. This comprehensive and systematic review critically reflects the most recently published oncological outcome data after LT in malignancies based on the preoperative radiological findings. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to detect preferentially most recent high-volume series or large database analysis on oncological outcomes after LT for both primary liver cancer and liver metastases between January 1, 2019, and November 14, 2020. A comprehensive review on the radiological assessment of the reviewed liver malignancies is included and its preoperative value for an outcome-driven indication reflected. RESULTS: Twenty most recent high-volume or relevant studies including a total number of 2,521 patients were identified including 4, 4, 4, 4, 3, and 1 publications on oncological outcome after LT for hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocellular carcinoma, hepatic epitheloid hemangioendothelioma, hepatoblastoma, and both metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and colorectal cancer, respectively. The overall survival is comparable to patients without tumors if patients with malignancies are well selected for LT; however, this is highly dependent on tumor entity, tumor stage, and both neoadjuvant and concomitant treatment. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: LT is a promising option for better survival in patients with malignant liver tumors in selected patients; however, the indication must be critically discussed prior to LT in every single case in the context of organ shortage.

Magnetic resonance imaging reduces the rate of unnecessary operations in pregnant patients with suspected acute appendicitis: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective single-institution study performed to compare the rate of unnecessary operations in pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis with and without the use of MRI. METHODS: The study subjects were all pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis admitted to a tertiary institution from January 2012 to December 2019. If acute appendicitis was not excluded clinically and by ultrasound (US), laparoscopies were performed until May 2017 (US-only group). MRI was added as a diagnostic tool when US was inconclusive from May 2017 (US + MRI group). Surgery was considered unnecessary when no inflamed appendix was found. The rate of unnecessary surgery, postoperative complications, length of stay were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-six women were included in the study; 38 women in the US-only group and 38 women in the US + MRI group. There were no differences in admission characteristics between the groups. One of 38 women (2.6%) underwent unnecessary surgery in the US + MRI group vs. 10 of 38 (26.3%) in the US-only group (P = 0.007). The patients in the US + MRI group were significantly less likely to undergo a diagnostic operation than in the US-only group (5.26% vs. 55.3%, respectively; P < 0.001) and their hospital stay was significantly shorter (0.74 ± 1.64 days vs. 3.7 ± 3.0 days, respectively; P < 0.001). The obstetric outcomes were not different between the groups. MRI had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 100% in the series. CONCLUSION: The rate of unnecessary surgery was significantly reduced in pregnant women, who underwent MRI after inconclusive transabdominal US.

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Is There a Real Advantage? The Baltic View.

BACKGROUND: The novel surgical procedure transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has rapidly become an interest of research in order to overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer. taTME is a new natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery modality combining three rectal surgery techniques. METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was conducted in a single centre for a period of 3 years, and herein we report on our first 25 taTME procedures in patients with middle and lower third rectal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: The main demographics were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 12 years. There were predominantly males (72%) and 7 female patients (28%) with an average body mass index of 29 ± 4.8 kg/m2. High blood pressure, obesity, chronic heart insufficiency, chronic atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus were commonly diagnosed in all patients. A circumferential resection margin >1 mm was achieved in 16% (n = 4), >2 mm in 40% (n = 10), and >3 mm in 44% (n = 11) of operated patients. The average CRM was 1.8 ± 0.9 cm. In 24% of cases, the distance of a tumour from the mesorectal fascia (MRF) was <1 mm; meanwhile, for 76% of patients, the tumour margin was >1 mm from the MRF. Recovery to flatus was 3 ± 1 days. The average length of hospital stay was 11 ± 3 days. The overall postoperative morbidity was 8%, i.e. one (4%) complication classified as Clavien-Dindo degree I and one (4%) major (IIIb) complication. Subsequently, all patients successfully recovered and were discharged from hospital. During the follow-up period no cancer recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Our results nicely demonstrate that taTME can be safely performed with acceptable perioperative complications in patients with middle or lower third rectal cancer. In addition, the perioperative morbidity is also acceptable. However, taTME remains a technically highly demanding operation but is feasible and safe after the appropriate experience is gained. Nevertheless, larger multi-centre prospective randomised studies are ongoing to confirm the safety and to verify oncological results when compared to laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Laparoscopic pyloroplasty for perforated peptic ulcer.

Peptic ulcer is a common disease affecting millions of people every year. Despite improved understanding and treatment of the disease, the number of patients admitted with duodenal peptic ulcer perforation has not decreased. Deaths from peptic ulcer disease overcome other common emergency situations. Laparoscopic repair of the perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is the gold standard approach for simple perforation. However, in patients with large perforated chronic ulcers laparotomy with pyloroplasty is the standard treatment. It is generally accepted to perform open surgery in PPU emergencies because of the greater knowledge and experience gathered over the past decades and less potential harm for the patient or surgical complications. We present a case of successful laparoscopic pyloroplasty of a perforated duodenal ulcer with stenosis.

Laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomy - viable option for curative surgery in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related death in the world. CRC screening programs have been widely introduced worldwide, allowing for early detection and removal of precancerous lesions and avoiding major surgical intervention. However, not all polyps are suitable for conventional and advanced colonoscopic polypectomy. Thus, laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomy (LACP) was introduced to clinical practice as a method of choice for these polyps and adenomas. AIM: To overlook our experience in laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomies and evaluate effectiveness and quality of the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed. using the Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos patient database for the period from 2010 to 2016, resulting in 21 cases in which LACP was performed. All procedures were performed using combined laparoscopy and videocolonoscopy techniques. Morphology of adenomas was classified according to the Paris classification during the procedure. Creation of the database was approved by the Lithuanian Bioethics committee. RESULTS: Twenty-two adenomas were removed from 21 patients, aged 65.33 ±8.9. There was no difference between male and female age, but occurrence of adenomas in females was 2-fold higher. The majority of removed lesions were localized in the cecum and mean size was 27.2 ±11.1 mm. The morphology of adenomas was distributed equally between 0-Is, 0-Ip, and 0-IIa, except one, which belonged to 0-III. Histological analysis revealed that tubulovillous adenoma occurrence was 1.4 times higher than tubulous adenoma. There was only one postoperative complication - bleeding from the adenoma resection site, which was managed by conservative means. One patient developed G2 adenocarcinoma at the polyp resection site and was referred for radical surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The LACP is a safe procedure with minimal risk to the elderly patient. Patient follow-up is essential for detection of recurrence.

Bowel perforation after endoscopic submucosal dissection due to colon cancer and successful endoscopic treatment using an Ovesco clip.

An 83-year-old woman under intravenous anaesthesia underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection due to early well-differentiated colon cancer with no deep invasion (pT1). Wide perforation in the deep site of excision of the descending colon was identified and an Ovesco clip placed to close the defect. The patient was discharged from the hospital on day 4 after the procedure, with no abdominal pain and no peritoneal signs of inflammation. Follow-up CT and colonoscopy were performed after 6 months, and no recurrence was observed.

Is acute appendicitis still misdiagnosed?

OBJECTIVE: The optimal diagnostics and treatment of acute appendicitis continues to be a challenge. A false positive diagnosis of appendicitis may lead to an unnecessary operation, which has been appropriately termed negative appendectomy. The aim of our study was to identify the effectiveness of preoperative investigations in preventing negative appendectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on adult patients who underwent operation for suspected acute appendicitis from 2008 to 2013 at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos. Patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent an operation, where appendix was found to be normal (non-inflamed); group B underwent an appendectomy for inflamed appendix. Groups were compared for preoperative data, investigations, treatment results and pathology findings. RESULTS: 554 patients were included in the study. Preoperative laboratory tests results of hemoglobin, hematocrit concentrations and white blood cell count were significantly higher in group B (p<0.001). Ultrasonography was performed for 78 % of patients in group A and 74 % in group B and did not provide any statistically significant results. Comparing Alvarado score results, there were more patients with Alvarado score less than 7 in group A than in group B. In our large series we could find only four independent risk factors, and they could only account for 24 % of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, acute appendicitis is still often misdiagnosed and the ratio of negative appendectomies remains rather high. Additional investigations such as observation and computed tomography should be used to prevent this.

Ascariasis of the pancreatic duct.

Ascariasis is a common helminthic disease worldwide, although Lithuania and other European countries are not considered endemic areas. The presence of the Ascaris worm in the biliary tree causes choledocholithiasis-like symptoms. We report a case of pancreatic duct ascariasis causing such symptoms. A 73-year-old Lithuanian woman underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) suspecting choledocholithiasis. Contrast injection into the common bile duct demonstrated a slightly dilated biliary tree without any filling defects, and the tail of an Ascaris worm protruding from the opening of the papilla Vater. The worm was captured by a snare but escaped deep into the duct. After a small wirsungotomy the worm was retrieved from the pancreatic duct. The patient received a 150 mg dose of levamisole orally repeated 7 days later and was discharged after complete resolution of symptoms. This first reported sporadic case of pancreatic duct ascariasis in Lithuania was successfully treated with ERCP and Levamisole.

C-reactive protein is a predictor of complications after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery: five-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: With the development and improvement of laparoscopic surgery, procedures have become common. However, post-operative complications occur when patients are released from hospital. These complications increase patients' morbidity and mortality. They also lead to re-hospitalization, an extended recovery period, and an increase in the cost of treatment. AIM: To evaluate and determine the prognostic properties of C-reactive protein in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications after a laparoscopic colon resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study included patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery in 2010-2014. The patients were divided into two groups - uncomplicated ones and those with complications. C-reactive protein concentrations in their blood serum were measured on the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) day after surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation between C-reactive protein values measured on the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) postoperative day and related complications. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of each C-reactive protein value measured on the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) postoperative day. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were included in the trial; 14 of them had complications. On the second day, a C-reactive protein cut-off value of 88.6 mmol/l provided the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting evolving complications, being 71.4% and 84.8% respectively (p = 0.003). The significant predictive cut-off value decreases and becomes more sensitive and specific each post-operative day. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to detect developing post-operative complications early on by monitoring C-reactive protein concentration levels in the blood serum on the 2(nd), 4(th), and 6(th) post-operative days.

Initial results of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Lithuania.

The aim of the present study was to review the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (the Program) in Lithuania according to the criteria set by the European Union. In Lithuania, screening services are provided free of charge to the population. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) reimburses the institutions for performing each service; each procedure within the Program has its own administrative code. All the information about the performance of the Program is collected in one institution - the NHIF. The results of the Program were retrieved from the database of NHIF from the start of the Program from 1 July 2009 to 1 July 2012. Descriptive analysis of epidemiological indicators was carried out. Results were compared with the references in the guidelines of the European Union for quality assurance in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and diagnosis. Information service [which involves fecal immunochemical test (FIT)] was provided to 271,396 of 890,309 50-74-year-old residents. The screening uptake was 46.0% over 3 years. During this period, 19,455 (7.2%) FITs were positive and 251,941 (92.8%) FITs were negative. Referral for colonoscopy was performed in 10,190 (52.4%) patients. Colonoscopy was performed in 12,864 (66.1%) patients. Colonoscopy did not indicate any pathological findings in 8613 (67.0%) patients. Biopsies were performed in 4251 (33.0%) patients. The rate of high-grade neoplasia reported by pathologists was 3.9%; the rate of cancer was 3.1% of all colonoscopies. The rate of CRC detected by the Program was 0.2%. The CRC screening program in Lithuania meets most of the requirements for standardized CRC screening programs. The invitation coverage and rate of referral for colonoscopy after positive FIT should be improved.

Giant Bauhin valve adenoma and laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomy.

Nowadays colonoscopic polypectomy has become a routine procedure, which is performed daily. Almost every colorectal benign tumor can be removed endoscopically, although there are some problematic adenomas which are either large in size or difficult to approach. In the past two decades laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomy has become established in the endoscopic world, which reduced the need of operations for those patients with lesions that are large or hard to approach. The first laparoscopically monitored colonoscopic polypectomy was performed by Franklin in 1991, and reported publicly in 1993. We present a case report of a patient who was diagnosed with Bauhin valve giant adenoma and underwent laparoscopically assisted polypectomy.

Effects of a preconditioning oral nutritional supplement on pig livers after warm ischemia.

Background. Several approaches have been proposed to pharmacologically ameliorate hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a preconditioning oral nutritional supplement (pONS) containing glutamine, antioxidants, and green tea extract on hepatic warm IRI in pigs. Methods. pONS (70 g per serving, Fresenius Kabi, Germany) was dissolved in 250 mL tap water and given to pigs 24, 12, and 2 hrs before warm ischemia of the liver. A fourth dose was given 3 hrs after reperfusion. Controls were given the same amount of cellulose with the same volume of water. Two hours after the third dose of pONS, both the portal vein and the hepatic artery were clamped for 40 min. 0.5, 3, 6, and 8 hrs after reperfusion, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), portal venous flow (PVF), hepatic arterial flow (HAF), bile flow, and transaminases were measured. Liver tissue was taken 8 hrs after reperfusion for histology and immunohistochemistry. Results. HR, MAP, CVP, HAF, and PVF were comparable between the two groups. pONS significantly increased bile flow 8 hrs after reperfusion. ALT and AST were significantly lower after pONS. Histology showed significantly more severe necrosis and neutrophil infiltration in controls. pONS significantly decreased the index of immunohistochemical expression for TNF-α, MPO, and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Administration of pONS before and after tissue damage protects the liver from warm IRI via mechanisms including decreasing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and necrosis.

Orthotopic liver transplantation: the first experience and results of the Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation has become the treatment of choice for chronic and acute end-stage liver failure as well as for selected cases of malignancies and metabolic disorders. We report our first experience of the orthotopic liver transplantation. MATERIAL/METHODS: Between 2005 and 2008 16 cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantations in 16 adults (12 males, 4 females, mean age 44 years) were performed. Main indications for orthotopic liver transplantation were cholestatic liver disease (31%), viral-induced cirrhosis (25%), alcoholic liver disease (19%), hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis virus infection (13%), autoimmune cirrhosis (6%), cryptogenic acute liver failure (6%). Mean follow-up was 15 month (range: 4 days - 43 month). RESULTS: Intraabdominal haemorrhage was observed in 6 patients (37.5%). Vascular complications were observed in 3 patients (18.75%). Biliary complication were observed in 3 patients (18.75%). Overall 1 year patient survival was 87,5%. Four (25%) patients died during follow-up. All patients died because of sepsis and multiorgan system failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our first results showed that secret of successful liver transplantation is perfect interdisciplinary team approach, including selection of the recipient and timing of transplantation, the operative procedure itself, prevention and treatment of complications, the perioperative anaesthesiological and intensive-care management, and careful follow up after transplantation.