A study of validity and usability evidence for non-technical skills assessment tools in simulated adult resuscitation scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Non-technical skills (NTS) assessment tools are widely used to provide formative and summative assessment for healthcare professionals and there are now many of them. This study has examined three different tools designed for similar settings and gathered evidence to test their validity and usability. METHODS: Three NTS assessment tools designed for use in the UK were used by three experienced faculty to review standardized videos of simulated cardiac arrest scenarios: ANTS (Anesthetists' Non-Technical Skills), Oxford NOTECHS (Oxford NOn-TECHnical Skills) and OSCAR (Observational Skill based Clinical Assessment tool for Resuscitation). Internal consistency, interrater reliability and quantitative and qualitative analysis of usability were analyzed for each tool. RESULTS: Internal consistency and interrater reliability (IRR) varied considerably for the three tools across NTS categories and elements. Intraclass correlation scores of three expert raters ranged from poor (task management in ANTS [0.26] and situation awareness (SA) in Oxford NOTECHS [0.34]) to very good (problem solving in Oxford NOTECHS [0.81] and cooperation [0.84] and SA [0.87] in OSCAR). Furthermore, different statistical tests of IRR produced different results for each tool. Quantitative and qualitative examination of usability also revealed challenges in using each tool. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of standardization of NTS assessment tools and training in their use is unhelpful for healthcare educators and students. Educators require ongoing support in the use of NTS assessment tools for the evaluation of individual healthcare professionals or healthcare teams. Summative or high-stakes examinations using NTS assessment tools should be undertaken with at least two assessors to provide consensus scoring. In light of the renewed focus on simulation as an educational tool to support and enhance training recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19, it is even more important that assessment of these vital skills is standardized, simplified and supported with adequate training.

Effects of a single interprofessional simulation session on medical and nursing students' attitudes toward interprofessional learning and professional identity: a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Participation in simulation-based interprofessional education (sim-IPE) may affect students' attitudes towards interprofessional learning (through gaining experience with others) and their professional identity (by increasing the 'fit' of group membership). We examined this in two questionnaire studies involving students from four universities in two areas of the UK. METHOD: Questionnaire data were collected before and after students took part in a sim-IPE session consisting of three acute scenarios. Questionnaires included the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and measures of professional identity derived from the social identity theory literature. In Study 1, only identification with Professional Group (doctor or nurse) was measured, while in Study 2 identification with Student Group (medical or nursing student) and the immediate interprofessional Team worked with in the simulation were also measured. Linear mixed effects regression analysis examined the effect of the simulation session, and differences between medical and nursing students, sites and identity measures. RESULTS: A total of 194 medical and 266 nursing students completed questionnaires. A five-item subset of RIPLS (RIPLSCore) was used in analysis. In both studies RIPLSCore increased for all groups following participation in sim-IPE, although this was larger for nursing students in Study 1. Nursing students had consistently higher RIPLSCore scores than medical students at one site. Effects of the session on identity varied between sites, and dimensions of identity. Notably, while positive emotions associated with group membership (Ingroup Affect) increased for Student Group, Professional Group and Team, the sense of belonging (Ingroup Ties) and importance (Centrality) of the group increased only for Team. Nursing students had consistently higher identification scores than medical students. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a sim-IPE session can improve attitudes towards interprofessional learning. It can also enhance professional identity, particularly as related to emotional aspects of group membership, with possible benefits for wellbeing. Changes in identification with the immediate Team suggest positive psychological consequences of ad hoc Team formation in the workplace. Differences between medical and nursing students suggest their differing opportunities to work with other professions during training may change baseline attitudes and identity. However, a single sim-IPE session can still have an additive effect.

Effect of vessel preservation on splenic volume and function in patients with spleen preserving distal pancreatectomies.

BACKGROUND: Spleen preservation during distal pancreatectomy (SpDP) can be accomplished by a variety of surgical approaches, but the impact on spleen function is unknown. This study aimed to compare spleen volume, function and complications between patients who underwent vessel sparing (VSDP) vs. vessel ligating (Warshaw, WDP) SpDP. METHODS: All patients who underwent SpDP at the Toronto General Hospital from 2006 to 2015 were included. Primary outcomes were pre- and post-operative spleen volumes and contrast enhancement on CT, hematologic parameters, and spleen-related complications. RESULTS: 82 patients underwent SpDP with median follow up of 20.4 months. Splenic volumes were able to be calculated on 44 patients (VSDP n = 8, WDP n = 36). There was no difference between WDP and VSDP in operative duration, blood loss, hospital length of stay, or Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complication rate. Spleen volumes did not differ from baseline in either group. On postoperative imaging more WDP patients had areas of splenic hypoperfusion (p = 0.032). These differences resolved by 3 months after surgery, there were no instances of long term infectious or bleeding complications related to poor splenic function or gastric varices. CONCLUSION: Both WDP and VSDP achieve splenic preservation. Neither technique resulted in clinically apparent spleen related complications. There is no difference in splenic volume and function in the short/long term.

Donor outcomes in anonymous live liver donation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Death rates on liver transplant waiting lists range from 5%-25%. Herein, we report a unique experience with 50 anonymous individuals who volunteered to address this gap by offering to donate part of their liver to a recipient with whom they had no biological connection or prior relationship, so called anonymous live liver donation (A-LLD). METHODS: Candidates were screened to confirm excellent physical, mental, social, and financial health. Demographics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Qualitative interviews after donation examined motivation and experiences. Validated self-reported questionnaires assessed personality traits and psychological impact. RESULTS: A total of 50 A-LLD liver transplants were performed between 2005 and 2017. Most donors had a university education, a middle-class income, and a history of prior altruism. Half were women. Median age was 38.5 years (range 20-59). Thirty-three (70%) learned about this opportunity through public or social media. Saving a life, helping others, generativity, and reciprocity for past generosity were motivators. Social, financial, healthcare, and legal support in Canada were identified as facilitators. A-LLD identified most with the personality traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness. The median hospital stay was 6 days. One donor experienced a Dindo-Clavien Grade 3 complication that completely resolved. One-year recipient survival was 91% in 22 adults and 97% in 28 children. No A-LLD reported regretting their decision. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first and only report of the characteristics, motivations and facilitators of A-LLD in a large cohort. With rigorous protocols, outcomes are excellent. A-LLD has significant potential to reduce the gap between transplant organ demand and availability. LAY SUMMARY: We report a unique experience with 50 living donors who volunteered to donate to a recipient with whom they had no biological connection or prior relationship (anonymous living donors). This report is the first to discuss motivations, strategies and facilitators that may mitigate physical, social and ethical risk factors in this patient population. With rigorous protocols, anonymous liver donation and recipient outcomes are excellent; with appropriate clinical expertise and system facilitators in place, our experience suggests that other centers may consider the procedure for its significant potential to reduce the gap between transplant organ demand and availability.

Live donor liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma offers increased survival vs. deceased donation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are conflicting reports on the outcomes after live donor liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to compare the survival of patients with HCC, with a potential live donor (pLDLT) at listing vs. no potential donor (pDDLT), on an intention-to-treat basis. METHODS: All patients with HCC listed for liver transplantation between 2000-2015 were included. The pLDLT group was comprised of recipients with a potential live donor identified at listing. Patients without a live donor were included in the pDDLT group. Survival was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression was applied to identify potential predictors of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients were included in the pLDLT group and 632 patients in the pDDLT group. In the pLDLT group, 57 patients (26%) were beyond the UCSF criteria whereas 119 patients (19%) in the pDDLT group were beyond (p = 0.02). Time on the waiting list was shorter for the pLDLT than the pDDLT group (4.8 [2.9-8.5] months vs. 6.2 [3.0-12.0] months, respectively, p = 0.02). The dropout rate was 32/219 (14.6%) in the pLDLT and 174/632 (27.5%) in the pDDLT group, p <0.001. The 1-, 3- and 5-year intention-to-treat survival rates were 86%, 72% and 68% in the pLDLT vs. 82%, 63% and 57% in the pDDLT group, p = 0.02. Having a potential live donor was a protective factor for death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67; 95% CI 0.53-0.86). Waiting times of 9-12 months (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.02-2.31) and ≥12 months (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.23-2.32) were predictors of death. CONCLUSION: Having a potential live donor at listing was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of death in patients with HCC in this intention-to-treat analysis. This benefit is related to a lower dropout rate and a shorter waiting period. LAY SUMMARY: Liver transplantation (LT) offers the best chance of survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and can be performed using grafts from deceased donors or live donors. In this work, we aimed to assess the differences in survival after live donor LT when compared to deceased donor LT. We studied 219 patients listed for live donor LT and 632 patients listed for deceased donor LT. Patients who had a potential live donor at the time of listing had a higher survival rate. Therefore, being listed for a live donor LT was a protective factor against death.

Outcomes of radiofrequency ablation as first-line therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma less than 3 cm in potentially transplantable patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤3 cm. Disease recurrence is common, and in some patients will occur outside transplant criteria. We aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for recurrence beyond Milan criteria in potentially transplantable patients treated with RFA as first-line therapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of potentially transplantable patients with new diagnoses of unifocal HCC ≤3 cm that underwent RFA as first-line therapy between 2000-2015. We defined potentially transplantable patients as those aged <70 years without any comorbidities that would preclude transplant surgery. Incidence of recurrence beyond Milan criteria was compared across 2 groups according to HCC diameter at the time of ablation: (HCC ≤2 cm vs. HCC >2 cm). Competing risks Cox regression was used to identify predictors of recurrence beyond Milan criteria. RESULTS: We included 301 patients (167 HCC ≤2 cm and 134 HCC >2 cm). Recurrence beyond Milan criteria occurred in 36 (21.6%) and 47 (35.1%) patients in the HCC ≤2 cm and the HCC >2 cm groups, respectively (p = 0.01). The 1-, 3- and 5-year actuarial survival rates after RFA were 98.2%, 86.2% and 79.0% in the HCC ≤2 cm group vs. 93.3%, 77.6% and 70.9% in the HCC >2 cm group (p = 0.01). Tumor size >2 cm (hazard ratio 1.94; 95%CI 1.25-3.02) and alpha-fetoprotein levels at the time of ablation (100-1,000 ng/ml: hazard ratio 2.05; 95%CI 1.10-3.83) were found to be predictors of post-RFA recurrence outside Milan criteria. CONCLUSION: RFA for single HCC ≤3 cm provides excellent short- to medium-term survival. However, we identified patients at higher risk of recurrence beyond Milan criteria. For these patients, liver transplantation should be considered immediately after the first HCC recurrence following RFA. LAY SUMMARY: Radiofrequency ablation and liver transplantation are treatment options for early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). After ablation some patients will experience recurrence or metastatic spread of the initial tumor or may develop new tumors within the liver. Despite close follow-up, these recurrences can progress rapidly and exceed transplant criteria, preventing the patient from receiving a transplant. We identified that patients with HCC >2 cm and higher serum alpha-fetoprotein are at greater risk of recurrence beyond the transplant criteria. These data suggest that liver transplantation should be considered immediately after the first HCC recurrence for these patients.

Predictors of De Novo Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease After Liver Transplantation and Associated Fibrosis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can occur de novo in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for indications other than NAFLD, and it has been increasingly recognized as a complication in the post-LT setting. This study aims to better characterize de novo NAFLD after LT by identifying risk factors for its development, describing incidence and extent of fibrosis, assessing the diagnostic utility of noninvasive serum fibrosis algorithms, and comparing survival to those without NAFLD. This was a retrospective single-center analysis of de novo NAFLD in a post-LT cohort. Those whose primary indication for LT was nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were excluded. Risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. De novo NAFLD and fibrosis were assessed on posttransplant liver biopsies, and noninvasive fibrosis scores were calculated from concomitant blood tests. After applying the exclusion criteria, 430 for-cause post-LT biopsies were evaluated; 33.3% (n = 143) had evidence of de novo steatosis and/or NASH at a median of 3.0 years after transplant. On multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 1.12; P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 3.01; P = 0.002), hepatitis C virus (OR, 4.61; P < 0.001), weight gain (OR, 1.03; P = 0.007), and sirolimus use (OR, 3.11; P = 0.02) were predictive of de novo NAFLD after LT. Significant fibrosis (≥F2) was present in almost 40% of the cohort. Noninvasive serum fibrosis scores were not useful diagnostic tests. There was no significant difference in the short-term or longterm survival of patients who developed de novo NAFLD. In conclusion, diabetes, BMI, weight gain after LT, and sirolimus-based immunosuppression, in keeping with insulin resistance, were the only modifiable factors associated with development of de novo NAFLD. A significant proportion of patients with de novo NAFLD had fibrosis and given the limited utility of noninvasive serum fibrosis algorithms, alternative noninvasive tools are required to screen for fibrosis in this population. There was no significant difference in the short-term or longterm survival of patients who developed de novo NAFLD.

Management and surveillance of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: Retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: /Objective. To determine the outcomes of a non-operative management approach for sporadic, small, non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours initially managed non-operatively at a single institution was performed. Patients were identified through a search of radiologic reports, and individuals with ≥2 cross-sectional imaging studies performed >6 months apart from Jan. 1, 2000 to Dec. 31, 2013 were included. Data on tumour size, radiologic characteristics at diagnosis, interval radiologic growth, and surgical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Over the thirteen-year study period, 95 patients met inclusion criteria and were followed radiologically for a median of 36 months (18-69 months). Median initial tumour size on first imaging was 14.0 mm (IQR 10-19 mm). Median overall tumour growth rate was 0.03 mm/month (IQR: 0.00-0.14 mm/month). There was no significant relationship between initial tumour size and growth rate for tumours ≤ 2 cm or for lesions between 2 and 4 cm. Thirteen (14%) patients initially managed non-operatively underwent resection during the follow-up period. Reasons for surgery included interval tumour growth, patient anxiety or preference, or diagnostic uncertainty. Median time to surgery was 14 months (IQR 8-19 months). No patients progressed beyond resectability or developed metastatic disease during the observation period. CONCLUSION: For patients with sporadic, small, non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, radiologic surveillance appears to be a safe initial approach to management.

Effect of portal vein embolization on treatment plan prior to major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used before major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to increase future liver remnant (FLR) volume. However, this may increase tumour growth rate, leading to more extensive resections. This study aimed to determine the effect of tumour growth, following PVE, on treatment plan. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study conducted on patients treated from 2008 to 2015 with PVE before major hepatectomy for HCC. Liver and tumour volumetry was performed on pre- and post-PVE CT scans. Image-based and actioned plans were compared before and after PVE. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients received PVE. Non-tumour total liver volume decreased (median 1440 to 1394 cm3; p = 0.031), while tumour (median 161-240 cm3; p < 0.001) and FLR volumes (median 430-574 cm3; p < 0.001) increased. The treatment plan changed in 15/31 patients: more extensive resection (n = 6), less extensive resection (n = 1), no resection as scheduled (n = 8). Tumour progression accounted for a clinically relevant change in treatment plan in 8/31 patients. CONCLUSION: Following PVE in the setting of HCC, tumour progression accounts for a change in treatment plan in approximately a quarter of patients. Further research is warranted to determine whether additional liver directed therapy should routinely be used to slow the growth of HCC post-PVE.

Renal outcomes following left renal vein harvest for venous reconstruction during pancreas and liver surgery.

BACKGROUND: The left renal vein (LRV) may be used for venous reconstruction during hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, although concerns exist about compromising renal function. This study aimed to determine renal outcomes following LRV harvest during HPB resections. METHODS: Circumferential PV/SMV resections from 2008 to 2014 were included within two groups (LRV harvest, Control). Absolute and change in Creatinine (Cr) and estimated GFR (eGFR), and rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: 76 patients were included (LRV n = 17, Control n = 59). Median Cr and eGFR did not change within groups, although change in eGFR differed between groups at postoperative day (POD) 3 (-4.3 vs. 12.8, p = 0.0035) and 7 (-1.8 vs. 12.4, p = 0.0074). AKI occurred more frequently in the LRV group at POD1 (5/17 vs. 4/59, p = 0.023) and POD3 (5/17 vs. 3/59, p = 0012), with no difference in CKD between groups (2/11 vs. 5/33 at 3 months, p = 0.99). LRV harvest was an independent risk factor for AKI at POD1 and POD3, but not thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo LRV harvest experience a higher rate of AKI in the first three post-operative days. LRV harvest during pancreas resection does not impact on long-term renal function.

Neoadjuvant therapy and major arterial resection for potentially reconstructable arterial involvement by stage 3 adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Stage 3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is defined by arterial involvement. This study objective was to evaluate outcomes for patients with stage 3 PDAC with potentially reconstructable arterial involvement, considered for neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and pancreatic resection, and to compare outcomes following arterial (AR) and non-arterial resection (NAR). METHODS: This study included patients from 2009 to 2016 with biopsy-proven stage 3 PDAC who were offered NAT before surgical exploration. AR was performed if required to achieve R0 resection. Time to event outcomes were analysed from diagnosis date. RESULTS: 87/89 patients (97.8%) received NAT (chemotherapy 41.6%, chemotherapy/radiotherapy 56.2%). 46/89 (51.7%) underwent exploration; 31 underwent resection (AR n = 20, NAR n = 11). AR patients had longer operative time (681 vs. 563 min, p = 0.006) and more blood loss (1600 vs. 575 mL, p = 0.0004), with no difference for blood transfusion, pancreatic fistula, length of stay, reoperation, or mortality. R0 rate was 30/31. Post-resection 90-day mortality was 3.2%. Median overall survival was statistically comparable between the AR and NAR groups (19.7 vs. 28.4 months, p = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: AR had comparable clinical and oncologic outcomes to NAR. Following careful selection and non-progression after NAT, major AR may cautiously be considered if required to obtain a negative resection margin.

Surgical Complications after Right Hepatectomy for Live Liver Donation: Largest Single-Center Western World Experience.

The authors assessed the incidence, management, and risk factors for postoperative complications after right lobe (RL) live donor hepatectomy in a high-volume center in North America. All donors undergoing an RL live donor hepatectomy between 2000 and 2017 at our institution were included. The primary outcome was the development of complications (both medical and surgical). Predictors of postoperative complications were determined by logistic regression. A total of 587 patients underwent RL live donor hepatectomy. Among those, 187 postoperative complications were diagnosed in 141 (24%) patients. One patient had >90-day morbidity, and there were no donor deaths. Overall complications were significantly higher in the first era, 2000 to 2008 (81 [57.4%]) versus the second era, 2009 to 2017 (60 [42.6%]) (p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the only predictor of postoperative complications was the center volume of RL live donor hepatectomy in the previous 12 months with an odds ratio of 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.95-0.99). In conclusion, increasing center volume is associated with lower rates of postoperative complications after RL living liver donation.

Medial Open Transversus Abdominis Plane (MOTAP) Catheters Reduce Opioid Requirements and Improve Pain Control Following Open Liver Resection: A Multicenter, Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional management of pain following open liver resection involves intravenous, patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) or epidural analgesia. The objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy of a regional technique called Medial Open Transversus Abdominis Plane (MOTAP) catheter analgesia compared with IV PCA. METHODS: This was a blinded, randomized, controlled parallel-arm trial conducted at 2 high-volume centers. Patients undergoing liver resection through a subcostal incision were enrolled. Using a standardized technique, 2 catheters were placed after resection: one in the plane between internal oblique and transversus abdominis and the other in the posterior rectus sheath. Patients were randomized to receive ropivacaine 0.2% (ROP) or saline (NS) through both catheters for 72 hours. All patients received IV PCA with hydromorphone as part of a multimodality analgesia program. Primary outcome was opioid use over the first 48 hours. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three patients were included in the analysis (71 ROP, 82 NS). Patients receiving ROP used significantly less opioid than patients with NS at 48 hours (median 39.6 mg morphine-equivalent vs 49.2 mg, P = 0.033) and at 72 hours (median 50.0 vs 66.4 mg, P = 0.046). Pain scores at rest and with coughing were significantly lower at all time points in patients who received ROP (P = 0.002). Median length of hospital stay was 5 days in patients receiving ROP and 6 days in patients who received NS (P = 0.035). There was no difference between groups in complications [ROP 20 (28.2%) vs NS 26 (31.7%), P = 0.63]. CONCLUSION: MOTAP catheter analgesia reduces opioid requirements, pain, and length of hospital stay compared with IV PCA following open liver resection with subcostal incisions.

Defining Benchmarks in Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Outcome Analysis Determining Best Achievable Results.

: This multicentric study of 17 high-volume centers presents 12 benchmark values for liver transplantation. Those values, mostly targeting markers of morbidity, were gathered from 2024 "low risk" cases, and may serve as reference to assess outcome of single or any groups of patients. OBJECTIVE: To propose benchmark outcome values in liver transplantation, serving as reference for assessing individual patients or any other patient groups. BACKGROUND: Best achievable results in liver transplantation, that is, benchmarks, are unknown. Consequently, outcome comparisons within or across centers over time remain speculative. METHODS: Out of 7492 liver transplantation performed in 17 international centers from 3 continents, we identified 2024 low risk adult cases with a laboratory model for end-stage liver disease score ≤20 points, a balance of risk score ≤9, and receiving a primary graft by donation after brain death. We chose clinically relevant endpoints covering intra- and postoperative course, with a focus on complications graded by severity including the complication comprehensive index (CCI). Respective benchmarks were derived from the median value in each center, and the 75 percentile was considered the benchmark cutoff. RESULTS: Benchmark cases represented 8% to 49% of cases per center. One-year patient-survival was 91.6% with 3.5% retransplantations. Eighty-two percent of patients developed at least 1 complication during 1-year follow-up. Biliary complications occurred in one-fifth of the patients up to 6 months after surgery. Benchmark cutoffs were ≤4 days for ICU stay, ≤18 days for hospital stay, ≤59% for patients with severe complications (≥ Grade III) and ≤42.1 for 1-year CCI. Comparisons with the next higher risk group (model for end stage liver disease 21-30) disclosed an increase in morbidity but within benchmark cutoffs for most, but not all indicators, while in patients receiving a second graft from 1 center (n = 50) outcome values were all outside of benchmark values. CONCLUSIONS: Despite excellent 1-year survival, morbidity in benchmark cases remains high with half of patients developing severe complications during 1-year follow-up. Benchmark cutoffs targeting morbidity parameters offer a valid tool to assess higher risk groups.

Expanding the donor pool: Donation after circulatory death and living liver donation do not compromise the results of liver transplantation.

Because of the shortfall between the number of patients listed for liver transplantation (LT) and the available grafts, strategies to expand the donor pool have been developed. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) and living donor (LD) grafts are not universally used because of the concerns of graft failure, biliary complications, and donor risks. In order to overcome the barriers for the implementation of using all 3 types of grafts, we compared outcomes after LT of DCD, LD, and donation after brain death (DBD) grafts. Patients who received a LD, DCD, or DBD liver graft at the University of Toronto were included. Between January 2009 through April 2017, 1054 patients received a LT at our center. Of these, 77 patients received a DCD graft (DCD group); 271 received a LD graft (LD group); and 706 received a DBD graft (DBD group). Overall biliary complications were higher in the LD group (11.8%) compared with the DCD group (5.2%) and the DBD group (4.8%; P < 0.001). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates were similar between the groups with 88.3%, 83.2%, and 69.2% in the DCD group versus 92.6%, 85.4%, and 84.7% in the LD group versus 90.2%, 84.2%, and 79.9% in the DBD group (P = 0.24). Furthermore, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival was comparable, with 92.2%, 85.4%, and 71.6% in the DCD group versus 95.2%, 88.8%, and 88.8% in the LD group versus 93.1%, 87.5%, and 83% in the DBD group (P = 0.14). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the type of graft did not impact graft survival. In conclusion, DCD, LD, and DBD grafts have similar longterm graft survival rates. Increasing the use of LD and DCD grafts may improve access to LT without affecting graft survival rates. Liver Transplantation 24 779-789 2018 AASLD.

Splenectomy as Flow Modulation Strategy and Risk Factors of De Novo Portal Vein Thrombosis in Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a severe complication after liver transplantation that can result in increased morbidity and mortality. Few data are available regarding risk factors, classification, and treatment of PVT after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Between January 2004 and November 2014, 421 adult-to-adult LDLTs were performed at our institution, and they were included in the analysis. Perioperative characteristics and outcomes from patients with no-PVT (n = 393) were compared with those with de novo PVT (total portal vein thrombosis [t-PVT]; n = 28). Ten patients had early portal vein thrombosis (e-PVT) occurring within 1 month, and 18 patients had late portal vein thrombosis (l-PVT) appearing later than 1 month after LDLT. Analysis of perioperative variables determined that splenectomy was associated with t-PVT (hazard ratio [HR], 3.55; P = 0.01), e-PVT (HR, 4.96; P = 0.04), and l-PVT (HR, 3.84; P = 0.03). In contrast, donor age was only found as a risk factor for l-PVT (HR, 1.05; P = 0.01). Salvage rate for treatment in e-PVT and l-PVT was 100% and 50%, respectively, without having an early event of rethrombosis. Mortality within 30 days did not show a significant difference between groups (no-PVT, 2% versus e-PVT, 10%; P = 0.15). No significant differences were found regarding 1-year (89% versus 92%), 5-year (79% versus 82%), and 10-year (69% versus 79%) graft survival between the t-PVT and no-PVT groups, respectively (P = 0.24). The 1-year (89% versus 96%), 5-year (82% versus 86%), and 10-year (79% versus 83%) patient survival was similar for the patients in the no-PVT and t-PVT groups, respectively (P = 0.70). No cases of graft loss occurred as a direct consequence of PVT. In conclusion, the early diagnosis and management of PVT after LDLT can lead to acceptable early and longterm results without affecting patient and graft survival.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation Using Selected Grafts With 2 Bile Ducts Compared With 1 Bile Duct Does Not Impact Patient Outcome.

The outcome after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using grafts with multiple bile ducts (BDs) remains unclear. We analyzed 510 patients who received an adult-to-adult right lobe LDLT between 2000 and 2015 and compared outcome parameters of those receiving grafts with 2 BDs (n = 169) with patients receiving grafts with 1 BD (n = 320). Additionally, patients receiving a graft with 3 BDs (n = 21) were analyzed. Demographic variables and disease severity were similar between the groups. Roux-en-Y reconstruction was significantly more common in the 2 BD group (77% versus 38%; P < 0.001) compared with the 1 BD group. No difference was found in biliary complication rates within 1 year after LDLT (1 BD versus 2 BD groups, 18% versus 21%, respectively; P = 0.46). In the 2 BD group, 82/169 (48.5%) patients were reconstructed with 2 anastomoses. The number of anastomoses did not negatively impact biliary complication rates. Recipients' major complication rate (Clavien ≥ 3b) was similar between both groups (1 BD versus 2 BD groups, 21% versus 24%, respectively; P = 0.36). Furthermore, no difference could be found between the 1 BD, the 2 BD, and the 3 BD groups in the frequency of developing biliary complications within 1 year (18%, 21%, 14%, respectively; P = 0.64), BD strictures (15%, 15%, 5%, respectively; P = 0.42), or BD leaks (10%, 11%, 10%, respectively; P = 0.98). In addition, the 1-year (90% versus 91%), 5-year (82% versus 77%), and 10-year (70% versus 66%) graft survival rates as well as the 1-year (92% versus 93%), 5-year (84% versus 80%), and 10-year (75% versus 76%) patient survival rates were comparable between the 1 BD and the 2 BD groups (P = 0.41 and P = 0.54, respectively). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that selected living donor grafts with 2 BDs can be used safely without negatively impacting biliary complication rates and graft or patient survival rates.

Liver Transplantation is Equally Effective as a Salvage Therapy for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence Following Radiofrequency Ablation or Liver Resection with Curative Intent.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection (LR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are curative-intent therapies for early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). If HCC recurs, salvage liver transplant (SLT) may constitute a treatment option. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients transplanted for recurrent HCC after curative-intent therapies with those transplanted as initial therapy. METHODS: We conducted a matched-control (1:1) cohort study comparing patients with HCC treated with primary liver transplant (PLT) with SLT after HCC recurrence. Matching was performed according to the size and number of viable tumors at explant pathology following liver transplant. RESULTS: Between November 1999 and December 2014, 687 patients with HCC were listed for transplant at our institution. A total of 559 patients were transplanted; 509 patients were treated with PLT and 50 patients were treated with SLT for HCC recurrence after primary treatment with LR (n = 25) or RFA (n = 25). The median length of follow-up from transplant was 64 months (0.5-195), and the median time from curative-intent treatment of HCC with RFA or LR to recurrence was 9.5 months (1-36) and 14.5 months (3-143), respectively (p = 0.04). The matched cohort was composed of 48 SLT patients (23 LR and 25 RFA) and 48 PLT patients. The 5-year risk of recurrence after LT was 22% in the PLT group versus 32% in the SLT group (p = 0.53), while the 5-year actuarial patient survival after PLT was 69% versus 70% in the SLT group (p = 1). CONCLUSION: Liver transplant is an effective treatment for patients with HCC recurrence following RFA or LR. Outcomes are similar in both groups.

Live donor liver transplantation with older donors: Increased long-term graft loss due to HCV recurrence.

Using our prospectively collected database all adult hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients receiving an adult-to-adult LDLT between October 2000 and May 2014 were identified. Outcome of LDLT with grafts from younger (<50 years=128) vs older donors (≥50 years=31) was compared. Post-transplant graft function, postoperative complications and incidence of HCV recurrence were evaluated. Long-term graft and patient survival was calculated. No difference in graft function was observed between younger and older grafts. Overall complications were similar between both groups. The severity of complications determined by the Dindo-Clavien score was similar. Graft loss from HCV recurrence was significantly less frequent in younger grafts (18% vs 62%, P = 0.001). Young vs older livers had a trend toward improved 1-, 5-, and 10-year graft survival (89% vs 87%, 77% vs 69%, 70% vs 55%, P = 0.096), while patient survival was comparable between both groups (91% vs 90%, 78% vs 69%, 71% vs 60%, P = 0.25). In conclusion, LDLT with older vs younger grafts are more frequently associated with long-term graft loss due to HCV recurrence. Differences in graft survival might be more prominent with prolonged (≥5-year) follow-up. Living donor-recipient matching is particularly important for younger HCV-positive recipients.

Neoadjuvant hyperfractionated chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Canada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation may be offered for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). This study aimed to determine the dropout rate and survival of patients who entered a national tri-modality protocol. METHOD: Patients enrolled Jan 2009-Aug 2015 were included. Enrolment criteria: ≤65 years, brush biopsy-proven unresectable pCCA <3.5 cm diameter. Conformal radiotherapy was given concurrently with Capecitabine. Following surgical staging, patients received maintenance Cisplatin and Gemcitabine until transplant or progression. Time to event analyses were performed from start of neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Of 43 patients screened, 18 started treatment; median age 53.9 (26.7-62.8) years, tumour diameter 2.7 (2.0-3.4) cm. 11/18 dropped out due to metastatic disease identified during chemoradiation (n = 2), surgical staging (n = 6), or maintenance chemotherapy (n = 3). Six patients underwent transplantation. Median follow up was 17.6 (4.9-57.7) months and overall survival 16.4 months. One and two year survival was 70.6% and 35.3%, respectively. One and 2 year post transplant survival was 83.3% and 55.6%. Median progression free survival was 11.5 months. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable early stage pCCA is feasible, although with high rates of dropout and disease progression. Further research is required to determine factors to help select patients for treatment.