A mathematical model for shortening waiting time in pancreas-kidney transplantation.

AIM: To simulate a hypothetical increase of 50% in the number of pancreas-kidney (PK) transplantations using less-than-ideal donors by a mathematical model. METHODS: We projected the size of the waiting list by taking into account the incidence of new patients per year, the number of PK transplantations carried out in the year and the number of patients who died on the waiting list or were removed from the list for other reasons. These variables were treated using a model developed elsewhere. RESULTS: We found that the waiting list demand will meet the number of PK transplantation by the year 2022. CONCLUSION: In future years, it is perfectly possible to minimize the waiting list time for pancreas transplantation through expansion of the donor pool using less-than-ideal donors.

Caudate lobectomy: tumor location, topographic classification, and technique using right- and left-sided approaches to the liver.

BACKGROUND: Resection of the caudate lobe (involving segments I [dorsal sector] and/or IX [right paracaval region]) often presents a technical challenge. It is difficult to perform because of its deep location and adjacency to the major hepatic vessels (ie, the left and middle hepatic veins). METHODS: A literature review was performed based on a Medline search to identify articles on caudate lobectomy published from 1990 to 2005. This article describes the right and left-sided approaches to the liver for caudate resection according to caudate lobe tumor location and topographic classification. RESULTS: The results of 377 lobectomies were analyzed in this review. The left-sided approach to the liver was used in 55 (14.58%), the right-sided approach in 24 (6.36%), and both approaches in 298 (79.04%) caudate lobectomies. Primary benign and malign liver tumors, as well as secondary liver tumors, were resected. CONCLUSIONS: Access to and resection of the caudate lobe should be determined on the basis of tumor location and hepatic function. The left or right approach to the caudate lobe can be recommended for local resection of tumor located at Spiegel's portion or process portion. Approaches to caudate lobectomy are therefore largely dependent on size and location of the lesion, type of associated resection, and presence of scarring from previous resection.