Right Ex-situ split grafts for adult liver transplantation - A Multicenter Benchmarking Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse outcomes after adult right ex-situ split graft liver transplantations (RSLT) and compare with available outcome benchmarks from whole liver transplantation (WLT). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Ex-situ SLT may be a valuable strategy to tackle the increasing graft shortage. Recently established outcome benchmarks in WLT offer a novel reference to perform a comprehensive analysis of results after ex-situ RSLT. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzes all consecutive adult SLT performed using right ex-situ split grafts from 01.01.2014 to 01.06.2022. Study endpoints included 1 year graft and recipient survival, overall morbidity expressed by the comprehensive complication index (CCI©) and specific post-LT complications. Results were compared to the published benchmark outcomes in low-risk adult WLT scenarii. RESULTS: In 224 adult right ex-situ SLT, 1y recipient and graft survival rates were 96% and 91.5%, within the WLT benchmarks. The 1y overall morbidity was also within the WLT benchmark (41.8 CCI points vs. <42.1). Detailed analysis, revealed cut surface bile leaks (17%, 65.8% Grade IIIa) as a specific complication without a negative impact on graft survival. There was a higher rate of early hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after SLT, above the WLT benchmark (4.9% vs. ≤4.1%), with a significant impact on early graft but not patient survival. CONCLUSION: In this multicentric study of right ex-situ split graft LT, we report 1-year overall morbidity and mortality rates within the published benchmarks for low-risk WLT. Cut surface bile leaks and early HAT are specific complications of SLT and should be acknowledged when expanding the use of ex-situ SLT.

Correlation between antifungal clinical practices and a new clinical decision support system ANTIFON-CLIC® for the treatment of invasive candidiasis: a retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Invasive candidiasis is still recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. To support clinicians in the optimal use of antifungals for the treatment of invasive candidiasis, a computerized decision support system (CDSS) was developed based on institutional guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation of this newly developed CDSS with clinical practices, we set-up a retrospective multicentre cohort study with the aim of providing the concordance rate between the CDSS recommendation and the medical prescription (NCT05656157). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients who received caspofungin or fluconazole for the treatment of an invasive candidiasis were included. The analysis of factors associated with concordance was performed using mixed logistic regression models with department as a random effect. RESULTS: From March to November 2022, 190 patients were included from three centres and eight departments: 70 patients from centre A, 84 from centre B and 36 from centre C. Overall, 100 patients received caspofungin and 90 received fluconazole, mostly (59%; 112/190) for empirical/pre-emptive treatment. The overall percentage of concordance between the CDSS and medical prescriptions was 91% (173/190) (confidence interval 95%: 82%-96%). No significant difference in concordance was observed considering the centres (P > 0.99), the department of inclusion (P = 0.968), the antifungal treatment (P = 0.656) or the indication of treatment (P = 0.997). In most cases of discordance (n = 13/17, 76%), the CDSS recommended fluconazole whereas caspofungin was prescribed. The clinical usability evaluated by five clinicians was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated the high correlation between current antifungal clinical practice and this user-friendly and institutional guidelines-based CDSS.

From large-for-size to large-for-flow: A paradigm shift in liver transplantation.

Liver graft-recipient matching remains challenging, and both morphologic and hemodynamic characteristics have been shown to be relevant indicators of post-transplant outcomes. However, no combined analysis is available to date. To study the impact of both morphologic and hemodynamic characteristics of liver grafts on transplantation outcomes, we retrospectively evaluated all consecutive 257 liver transplantations with prospective hemodynamic measurements from 2017 to 2020 in a single-center perspective. First, a morphologic analysis compared recipients with or without large-for-size (LFS), defined by a graft/recipient weight ratio >2.5% and excluding extreme LFS. Second, a hemodynamic analysis compared recipients with or without low portal flow (LPF; <80 mL/min per 100 g of liver tissue). Third, an outcome analysis combining LPF and LFS was performed, focusing on liver graft-related morbidity (LGRM), graft and patient survival. LGRM was a composite endpoint, including primary nonfunction, high-risk L-Graft7 category, and portal vein thrombosis. Morphologic analysis showed that LFS (n=33; 12.9%) was not associated with an increased LGRM (12.1% vs 9.4%; p =0.61) or impaired graft and patient survival. However, the hemodynamic analysis showed that LPF (n=43; 16.8%) was associated with a higher LGRM (20.9% vs 7.5%, p = 0.007) and a significantly impaired 90-day graft and patient survival. Multivariable analysis identified LPF but not LFS as an independent risk factor for LGRM (OR: 2.8%; CI:1.088-7.413; and p = 0.03), 90-day (HR: 4%; CI: 1.411-11.551; and p = 0 .01), and 1-year patient survival. LPF is a significant predictor of post-liver transplantation morbi-mortality, independent of LFS when defined as a morphologic metric alone. Consequently, we propose the novel concept of large-for-flow, which may guide graft selection and improve perioperative management of LPF.

Tacrolimus Monitoring in Liver Transplant Recipients, Posttransplant Cholestasis: A Comparative Between 2 Commercial Immunoassays and a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method.

BACKGROUND: Cholestasis commonly occurs after orthotopic liver transplantation. It can be extrahepatic because of mechanical obstruction or intrahepatic because of various causes. During cholestasis episodes, blood concentrations of tacrolimus (TAC) metabolites may increase, potentially affecting TAC concentrations measured by immunoassays. This study aimed to simultaneously evaluate the analytical performance of 2 TAC immunoassays, a quantitative microsphere system (QMS) immunoassay, and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as a reference method in liver transplant recipients. METHODS: This single-center study included 265 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. In total, 942 blood samples were collected. TAC trough concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS and 2 immunoassays in parallel. The plasma concentrations of conjugated bilirubin were measured in all samples. The results were analyzed using Bland-Altman plots and Passing-Bablok regressions. RESULTS: The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the TAC QMS immunoassay has a significant bias (+37%) compared with LC-MS/MS, and this bias was higher in patients with cholestasis with hyperbilirubinemia (≤+70% in patients with conjugated bilirubin >150 µmol/L). In comparison, the chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay showed acceptable analytical performance in patients with hyperbilirubinemia (bias <10%). CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with previous findings, the TAC QMS immunoassay showed a positive bias compared with LC-MS/MS. This bias is remarkably high in patients with cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia, suggesting the cross-reactivity of TAC metabolites with the monoclonal antibody used in the QMS immunoassay.

HOPE Mitigates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Ex-Situ Split Grafts: A Comparative Study With Living Donation in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

Optimizing graft preservation is key for ex-situ split grafts in pediatric liver transplantation (PSLT). Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) improves ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and post-operative outcomes in adult LT. This study compares the use of HOPE in ex-situ partial grafts to static cold storage ex-situ partial grafts (SCS-Split) and to the gold standard living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). All consecutive HOPE-Split, SCS-Split and LDLT performed between 2018-2023 for pediatric recipients were included. Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS, drop ≥30% in systolic arterial pressure) and reperfusion biopsies served as early indicators of IRI. We included 47 pediatric recipients (15 HOPE-Split, 17 SCS-Split, and 15 LDLT). In comparison to SCS-Split, HOPE-Split had a significantly shorter cold ischemia time (CIT) (470min vs. 538 min; p =0.02), lower PRS rates (13.3% vs. 47.1%; p = 0.04) and a lower IRI score (3 vs. 4; p = 0.03). The overall IRI score (3 vs. 3; p = 0.28) and PRS (13.3% vs. 13.3%; p = 1) after HOPE-Split were comparable to LDLT, despite a longer CIT (470 min vs. 117 min; p < 0.001). Surgical complications, one-year graft, and recipient survival did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, HOPE-Split mitigates early IRI in pediatric recipients in comparison to SCS-Split, approaching the gold standard of LDLT.

Surgical resection versus transarterial chemoembolization followed by moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the gold standard treatment in intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but long-term disease control rates remain low. Herein, we compared results of TACE followed by hypofractionated radiotherapy (TACE-hRT) to surgical resection (SR) in early single or paucinodular intrahepatic HCC. METHODS: Between June 2004 and November 2016, data on 160 consecutive patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A Child-Pugh A HCC treated with SR or TACE-hRT in our expert center were retrospectively reviewed. Time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared using the stabilized-weights inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients underwent SR and 62 were treated by TACE-hRT. Median total dose of RT was 54 Gy (interquartile range [IQR] 54-54) in 3­Gy fractions. Median OS follow-up was 93 months. TTP did not significantly differ between patients following SR and TACE-hRT, with 1­year rates of 68.2% and 82.6% (p = 0.17), respectively. In contrast, PFS and OS were lower in the TACE-hRT group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.006), with a median OS of 37 vs. 63 months for patients with surgery and TACE-hRT, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a significant negative impact on PFS and OS was seen for age at diagnosis, on TTP for alcohol-related liver disease, and on OS for total number of HCC nodules. Symptomatic grade ≥ 3 adverse events were presented by 42 (42.9%) SR and 19 (30.6%) TACE-hRT patients (p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: In patients presenting Child-Pugh A BCLC­A HCC with high risk for surgical complications, TACE-hRT can be an effective and safe treatment. However, surgical management remains the standard of care whenever possible.

Ex-situ graft reduction (H67) during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion to prevent large-for-size syndrome in liver transplantation-A technical report.

In this report, we discuss several technical and anatomical details of ex-situ H67 reduction of liver grafts during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion to prevent large-for-size syndrome in the case of anthropometric graft-recipient mismatch.

Optimizing graft-recipient size matching in adolescent liver transplantation: Don't forget ex situ right posterior sectionectomy.

BACKGROUND: Graft-recipient size matching is a major challenge in pediatric liver transplantation, especially for adolescent recipients. Indeed, adolescents have the lowest transplantation rate among pediatric recipients, despite prioritization policies and the use of split grafts. In case of an important graft-recipient size mismatch, ex situ graft reduction with right posterior sectionectomy (RPS) may optimize the available donor pool to benefit adolescent recipients. METHODS: We present three cases of liver graft reduction with ex situ RPS for adolescent recipients. The surgical strategy was guided by GRWR (graft/recipient weight ratio), GW/RAP (right anteroposterior distance ratio), and CT-scan volumetric and anthropometric evaluation. RESULTS: Recipients were 12, 13, and 14-year-old and weighed 32, 47, and 35 kg, respectively. All liver grafts were procured from brain-dead donors with a donor/recipient weight ratio >1.5. RPS was performed ex situ, removing 20% of the total liver volume leading to a decrease of the GRWR <4% and the GW/RAP <100 g/cm in each case. All three reduced grafts were successfully transplanted with a static cold storage time ranging from 390 to 510 min without the need for delayed abdominal closure. We did not observe any primary non-function, vascular complication, or delayed graft function with a median follow-up of 6 months. One biliary anastomotic stenosis occurred which required surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Ex situ liver graft reduction with RPS allowed for successful transplantation in case of anthropometric graft-recipient size mismatch in adolescent liver transplant candidates. Although the use of split grafts remains the gold standard, RPS should be acknowledged as a way to optimize the donor pool, especially for adolescent recipients.

Liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma: is TIPS deleterious? A multicentric retrospective study of the ARCHET research group with propensity score matching.

PURPOSE: A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) before the liver transplantation (LT) has been considered a contraindication in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because of the risk of tumour growth. We aimed to assess the impact of TIPS on incidental HCC and oncological outcomes in transplanted patients with pre-existing HCC. METHODS: All consecutive transplanted patients for cirrhosis who had a previous TIPS with or without HCC were included. Between 2007 and 2014, 1912 patients were transplanted. We included 122 (6.3%) patients having TIPS before LT. A 1:3 matched cohort of 366 patients (18.9%) having LT without previous TIPS was selected using a propensity score. Incidental HCC rate and risk factor of HCC recurrence were evaluated using multivariate analysis with a competing risk model. RESULTS: Before LT, in the TIPS group, 27 (22.1%) had an HCC vs. 81 (22.1%) in the control group (p = 1). The incidental HCC rate was similar: 10.5% (10/95) in the TIPS group vs. 6.3% (18/285) in the control group (p = 0.17). Recurrence occurred in 1/27 (3.7%) patient in the TIPS group and in 7/81 (8.6%) patients in the control group, without significant difference (p = 0.51). After multivariate regression, patient's gender (p < 0.01) was significantly associated with HCC recurrence while a tumour within Milan criteria (p = 0.01, sHR: 0.17 [0.04; 0.7]) and an incidental HCC (p<0.01) were found to be protector factors against HCC recurrence. CONCLUSION: TIPS did not worsen the prognosis of transplanted patients for HCC. TIPS should no longer be contraindicated for oncological reasons in patients with HCC waiting for an LT.

Liver transplantation of partial grafts after ex situ splitting during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion-The HOPE-Split pilot study.

Partial liver grafts from ex situ splitting are considered marginal due to prolonged static cold storage. The use of ex situ hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) may offer a strategy to improve preservation of ex situ split grafts. In this single-center pilot study, we prospectively performed ex situ liver splitting during HOPE (HOPE-Split) for adult and pediatric partial grafts over a 1-year period (November 1, 2020 to December 1, 2021). The primary safety endpoint was based on the number of liver graft-related adverse events (LGRAEs) per recipient, including primary nonfunction, biliary complications, hepatic vascular complications, and early relaparotomies and was compared with consecutive single-center standard ex situ split transplantations (Static-Split) performed from 2018 to 2020. Secondary endpoints included preservation characteristics and early outcomes. Sixteen consecutive HOPE-Split liver transplantations (8 HOPE-Split procedures) were included and compared with 24 Static-Splits. All HOPE-Split grafts were successfully transplanted, and no graft loss nor recipient death was encountered during the median follow-up of 7.5 months (interquartile range, 5.5-12.5). Mean LGRAE per recipient was similar in both groups (0.31 ± 0.60 vs. 0.46 ± 0.83; p = 0.78) and split duration was not significantly increased for HOPE-Split (216 vs. 180 min; p = 0.45). HOPE-Split grafts underwent perfusion for a median of 125 min, which significantly shortened static cold storage (472 vs. 544 min; p = 0.001), whereas it prolonged total ex vivo preservation (595 vs. 544 min; p = 0.007) and reduced neutrophil infiltration on reperfusion biopsies (p = 0.04) compared with Static-Split. This clinical pilot study presents first feasibility and safety data for transplantation of partial liver grafts undergoing ex situ split during HOPE and suggests improved preservation compared with static ex situ splitting. These preliminary results will allow to set up large-scale trials on the use of machine perfusion in pediatric and split-liver transplantation.

In situ normothermic regional perfusion versus ex situ normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation from donation after circulatory death.

In situ normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) aim to improve the outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) using controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD). NRP and NMP have not yet been compared directly. In this international observational study, outcomes of LT performed between 2015 and 2019 for organs procured from cDCD donors subjected to NRP or NMP commenced at the donor center were compared using propensity score matching (PSM). Of the 224 cDCD donations in the NRP cohort that proceeded to asystole, 193 livers were procured, resulting in 157 transplants. In the NMP cohort, perfusion was commenced in all 40 cases and resulted in 34 transplants (use rates: 70% vs. 85% [p = 0.052], respectively). After PSM, 34 NMP liver recipients were matched with 68 NRP liver recipients. The two cohorts were similar for donor functional warm ischemia time (21 min after NRP vs. 20 min after NMP; p = 0.17), UK-Donation After Circulatory Death risk score (5 vs. 5 points; p = 0.38), and laboratory Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores (12 vs. 12 points; p = 0.83). The incidence of nonanastomotic biliary strictures (1.5% vs. 2.9%; p > 0.99), early allograft dysfunction (20.6% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.13), and 30-day graft loss (4.4% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.40) were similar, although peak posttransplant aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in the NRP cohort (872 vs. 344 IU/L; p < 0.001). NRP livers were more frequently allocated to recipients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; 60.3% vs. 20.6%; p < 0.001). HCC-censored 2-year graft and patient survival rates were 91.5% versus 88.2% (p = 0.52) and 97.9% versus 94.1% (p = 0.25) after NRP and NMP, respectively. Both perfusion techniques achieved similar outcomes and appeared to match benchmarks expected for donation after brain death livers. This study may inform the design of a definitive trial.

Full left/full right liver graft ex situ split during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo split liver transplantation in pediatric recipients has shown inferior results compared with whole grafts. One factor among others contributing to split grafts being considered as marginal is the prolonged static cold storage time related to ex vivo liver splitting. End ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion is a validated strategy to improve outcomes of marginal whole grafts and may thus also benefit split liver grafts. METHOD: We present the first case of full left/full right split procedure performed during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion. RESULTS: We present a standardized surgical two-step approach where parenchymal transection was performed during end ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion via the portal vein to shorten static cold storage duration. Both split grafts were successfully transplanted in a 4-year-old pediatric and a 38-year-old adult recipient. Despite high-risk procedure (retransplantation), extended donor criteria including a prolonged cardiac arrest and high donor risk index (2,25), both grafts showed early recovery of hepatic function and low serum transaminase release. At 6 months, both recipients were alive with a normal liver biology and a functioning graft. CONCLUSION: Although challenging, full left/full right liver split procedure during end ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion can be successfully performed and is a promising strategy to improve post-transplant outcomes.

How to Handle Arterial Conduits in Liver Transplantation? Evidence From the First Multicenter Risk Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to identify independent risk factors for conduit occlusion, compare outcomes of different AC placement sites, and investigate whether postoperative platelet antiaggregation is protective. BACKGROUND: Arterial conduits (AC) in liver transplantation (LT) offer an effective rescue option when regular arterial graft revascularization is not feasible. However, the role of the conduit placement site and postoperative antiaggregation is insufficiently answered in the literature. STUDY DESIGN: This is an international, multicenter cohort study of adult deceased donor LT requiring AC. The study included 14 LT centers and covered the period from January 2007 to December 2016. Primary endpoint was arterial occlusion/patency. Secondary endpoints included intra- and perioperative outcomes and graft and patient survival. RESULTS: The cohort was composed of 565 LT. Infrarenal aortic placement was performed in 77% of ACs whereas supraceliac placement in 20%. Early occlusion (≤30 days) occurred in 8% of cases. Primary patency was equivalent for supraceliac, infrarenal, and iliac conduits. Multivariate analysis identified donor age >40 years, coronary artery bypass, and no aspirin after LT as independent risk factors for early occlusion. Postoperative antiaggregation regimen differed among centers and was given in 49% of cases. Graft survival was significantly superior for patients receiving aggregation inhibitors after LT. CONCLUSION: When AC is required for rescue graft revascularization, the conduit placement site seems to be negligible and should follow the surgeon's preference. In this high-risk group, the study supports the concept of postoperative antiaggregation in LT requiring AC.

External validation of the French alpha-fetoprotein model for hepatocellular carcinoma liver transplantation in a recent unicentric cohort - a retrospective study.

Prognostic models of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mainly derive from LT cohorts with numerous hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. The AFP model, which is currently used in France to select LT candidates, was derived from a cohort of LT performed between 1988 and 2001, including a majority of HCV-positive recipients. The emergence of new direct-acting antiviral therapies and subsequent decrease of HCV incidence may change the generalizability of such models. We performed an external validation of the AFP model in a cohort of recipients transplanted between 2005 and 2018. Although multivariable analysis identified all three model's factors (AFP level, largest tumor size, number of nodules) as predictors of tumor recurrence, the AFP model showed poor discrimination and calibration in the present cohort. This poor performance could be related to significant differences between the derivation and the present cohort in terms of etiology, severity of underlying liver disease, tumor burden and differentiation, and use of neoadjuvant treatments. The present findings suggest that the decline of HCV-induced HCC among LT candidates may compromise the generalizability of the AFP model in more recent LT cohorts. Further studies are required for updating or building more robust prognostic models.

Graft utilization after normothermic regional perfusion in controlled donation after circulatory death-a single-center perspective from France.

Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) is a promising procurement strategy. However, a detailed analysis of graft utilization rates is lacking. This retrospective study included all cDCD donors proposed to a single center for NRP procurement of at least one abdominal organ from 2015 to 2020. Utilization rates were defined as the proportion of transplanted grafts from proposed donors in which withdrawal of life sustaining therapies (WLST) was initiated. In total, 125 cDCD donors underwent WLST with transplantation of at least one graft from 109 (87%) donors. In a total of 14 (11%) procedures NRP failure led to graft discard. Utilization rates for kidney and liver grafts were 83% and 59%, respectively. In 44% of the discarded livers, the reason was poor graft quality based on functional donor warm ischemia >45 min, macroscopic aspect, high-transaminases release, or pathological biopsy. In this study, abdominal NRP in cDCD lead to transplantation of at least one graft in the majority of cases. While the utilization rate for kidneys was high, nearly half of the liver grafts were discarded. Cannulation training, novel graft viability markers, and ex-vivo liver graft perfusion may allow to increase graft utilization.

Long-term abdominal wall benefits of the laparoscopic approach in liver left lateral sectionectomy: a multicenter comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is nowadays considered as the standard approach for hepatic left lateral sectionectomy (LLS), but its value in the prevention of incisional hernia (IH) has not been demonstrated. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2017, patients undergoing laparoscopic (LLLS) or open LLS (OLLS) in 8 centers were compared. Patients undergoing a simultaneous major abdominal procedure were excluded. The incidence of IH was assessed clinically and morphologically on computed tomography (CT) using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: After IPTW, 84 LLLS were compared to 48 OLLS. Compared to OLLS, LLLS patients had reduced blood loss (100 [IQR: 50-200] ml vs. 150 [IQR: 50-415] ml, p = 0.023) and shorter median hospital stay (5 [IQR: 4-7] days vs. 7 [6-9] days, p < 0.001), but experienced similar rate of postoperative complications (mean comprehensive complication index: 12 ± 19 after OLLS versus 13 ± 20 after LLLS, p = 0.968). Long-term radiological screening was performed with a median follow-up of 27.4 (12.1-44.9) months. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of clinically relevant IH (10.7% [n = 9] after LLLS, 8.3% [n = 4] after OLLS, p = 0.768). The rate of IH detected on computed tomography was lower after LLLS than after OLLS (11.9% [n = 10] versus 29.2% [n = 14], p = 0.013). On multivariable analysis, the laparoscopic approach was the only independent factor influencing the risk of morphological IH (OR = 0.290 [95% CI: 0.094-0.891], p = 0.031). The 2 preferential sites for specimen extraction after LLLS were Pfannenstiel and midline incisions, with rates of IH across the extraction site of 2.3% [n = 1/44] and 23.8% [n = 5/21], respectively (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach for LLS decreases the risk of long-term IH as evidenced on morphological examinations, with limited clinical impact. Pfannenstiel's incision should be preferred to midline incision for specimen extraction after LLLS.

Impact of 2016 Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Recommendations on Outcomes after Hepatectomy in Cirrhotic and Non-Cirrhotic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) society published new recommendations for hepatectomy in 2016. Few studies have assessed their clinical impact. The aim of this monocentric study was to assess the impact of those guidelines on outcomes after liver surgery with a special focus on cirrhotic patients. METHOD: Postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing hepatectomy 30 months before and after ERAS implementation according to the 2016 ERAS guidelines were compared after inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Primary endpoint was 90-day morbidity. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2020, 430 patients underwent hepatectomy including 226 procedures performed before and 204 after ERAS implementation. After IPTW, overall morbidity (42.5% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.001), Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) score (14.3 vs. 20.8, p = 0.004), length of stay (10.4 vs. 13.7 days, p = 0.001) and textbook outcome (50% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.022) were significantly improved in the ERAS group, while mortality and severe complications were similar in both groups. In the non-cirrhosis subgroup (n = 321), these results were confirmed. However, in the cirrhosis subgroup (n = 105), no difference appeared on outcomes after hepatectomy with an overall morbidity (47.5% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.069) and a length of stay (8 vs. 9 days, p = 0.310) which were not significantly different. The compliance rate to ERAS guidelines was 60% in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic subgroups. CONCLUSION: Perioperative ERAS program for hepatectomy results in improved outcomes with decreased rate of non-severe morbidity. Although those guidelines are not deleterious for cirrhotic patients, they probably require revisions to be more effective in this patient population.

Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Liver Metastases: Current Management and Future Perspectives.

Patients with nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer have few therapeutic options and a dismal prognosis. Although liver transplantation for this indication has historically a poor reputation, recent advances in the field of chemotherapy and immunosuppression have paved the way to revisit the concept. New data have shown promising results that need to be validated in several ongoing clinical trials. Since liver grafts represent a scarce resource, several new tools are being explored to expand the donor pool for this indication. The purpose of this review is to present all current available data and perspectives about liver transplantation for nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Strategies for liver transplantation during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: Preliminary experience from a single center in France.

Liver transplantation (LT) during the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is challenging given the urgent need to reallocate resources to other areas of patient care. Available guidelines recommend reorganizing transplant care, but data on clinical experience in the context of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are scarce. Thus, we report strategies and preliminary results in LT during the peak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic from a single center in France. Our strategy to reorganize the transplant program included 4 main steps: optimization of available resources, especially intensive care unit capacity; multidisciplinary risk stratification of LT candidates on the waiting list; implementation of a systematic SARS-CoV-2 screening strategy prior to transplantation; and definition of optimal recipient-donor matching. After implementation of these 4 steps, we performed 10 successful LTs during the peak of the pandemic with a short median intensive care unit stay (2.5 days), benchmark posttransplant morbidity, and no occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during follow-up. From this preliminary experience we conclude that efforts in resource planning, optimal recipient selection, and organ allocation strategy are key to maintain a safe LT activity. Transplant centers should be ready to readapt their practices as the pandemic evolves.

Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion Versus Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Liver Transplantation From Controlled Donation After Circulatory Death: First International Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare HOPE and NRP in liver transplantation from cDCD. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Liver transplantation after cDCD is associated with higher rates of graft loss. Dynamic preservation strategies such as NRP and HOPE may offer safer use of cDCD grafts. METHODS: Retrospective comparative cohort study assessing outcomes after cDCD liver transplantation in 1 Swiss (HOPE) and 6 French (NRP) centers. The primary endpoint was 1-year tumor-death censored graft and patient survival. RESULTS: A total of 132 and 93 liver grafts were transplanted after NRP and HOPE, respectively. NRP grafts were procured from younger donors (50 vs 61 years, P < 0.001), with shorter functional donor warm ischemia (22 vs 31 minutes, P < 0.001) and a lower overall predicted risk for graft loss (UK-DCD-risk score 6 vs 9 points, P < 0.001). One-year tumor-death censored graft and patient survival was 93% versus 86% (P = 0.125) and 95% versus 93% (P = 0.482) after NRP and HOPE, respectively. No differences in non-anastomotic biliary strictures, primary nonfunction and hepatic artery thrombosis were observed in the total cohort and in 32 vs. 32 propensity score-matched recipients CONCLUSION:: NRP and HOPE in cDCD achieved similar post-transplant recipient and graft survival rates exceeding 85% and comparable to the benchmark values observed in standard DBD liver transplantation. Grafts in the HOPE cohort were procured from older donors and had longer warm ischemia times, and consequently achieved higher utilization rates. Therefore, randomized controlled trials with intention-to-treat analysis are needed to further compare both preservation strategies, especially for high-risk donor-recipient combinations.