Hepatic recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells upon liver injury promotes both liver regeneration and fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The liver regeneration is a highly complicated process depending on the close cooperations between the hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells involving various inflammatory cells. Here, we explored the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the processes of liver regeneration and liver fibrosis after liver injury. METHODS: We established four liver injury models of mice including CCl4-induced liver injury model, bile duct ligation (BDL) model, concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis model, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatitis model. The intrahepatic levels of MDSCs (CD11b+Gr-1+) after the liver injury were detected by flow cytometry. The effects of MDSCs on liver tissues were analyzed in the transwell co-culture system, in which the MDSCs cytokines including IL-10, VEGF, and TGF-ß were measured by ELISA assay and followed by being blocked with specific antibodies. RESULTS: The intrahepatic infiltrations of MDSCs with surface marker of CD11b+Gr-1+ remarkably increased after the establishment of four liver injury models. The blood served as the primary reservoir for hepatic recruitment of MDSCs during the liver injury, while the bone marrow appeared play a compensated role in increasing the number of MDSCs at the late stage of the inflammation. The recruited MDSCs in injured liver were mainly the M-MDSCs (CD11b+Ly6G-Ly6Chigh) featured by high expression levels of cytokines including IL-10, VEGF, and TGF-ß. Co-culture of the liver tissues with MDSCs significantly promoted the proliferation of both hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). CONCLUSIONS: The dramatically and quickly infiltrated CD11b+Gr-1+ MDSCs in injured liver not only exerted pro-proliferative effects on hepatocytes, but also accounted for the activation of profibrotic HSCs.

A new model of portal vein thrombosis in rats with cirrhosis induced by partial portal vein ligation plus carbon tetrachloride and intervened with rivaroxaban.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis that can aggravate portal hypertension. However, there are features of both PVT and cirrhosis that are not recapitulated in most current animal models. In this study, we aimed to establish a stable animal model of PVT and cirrhosis, intervene with anticoagulant, and explore the related mechanism. METHODS: First, 49 male SD rats received partial portal vein ligation (PPVL), and 44 survival rats were divided into 6 groups: PPVL control group; 4-week, 6 -week, 8-week, and 10-week model group; and the rivaroxaban (RIVA)-treated group. The rats were intoxicated with or without carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 4-10 weeks. Seven normal rats were used as the normal controls. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and parameters for blood coagulation were all assayed with kits. Liver inflammation, collagen deposition and hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels were also measured. The extrahepatic macro-PVT was observed via portal vein HE staining, etc. The intrahepatic microthrombi was stained via fibrin immunohistochemistry. The portal blood flow velocity (PBFV) and diameter were detected via color Doppler ultrasound. Vascular endothelial injury was evaluated by von Willebrand Factor (vWF) immunofluorescence. Fibrinolytic activity was estimated by western blot analysis of fibrin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). RESULTS: After PPVL surgery and 10 weeks of CCl4 intoxication, a rat model that exhibited characteristics of both cirrhosis and extra and intrahepatic thrombi was established. In cirrhotic rats with PVT, the PBFV decreased, both factors of pro- and anti-coagulation decreased, but with relative hypercoagulable state, vascular endothelial injured, and fibrinolytic activity decreased. RIVA-treated rats had improved coagulation function, increased PBFV and attenuated thrombi. This effect was related to the improvements in endothelial injury and fibrinolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: A new rat model of PVT with cirrhosis was established through partial portal vein ligation plus CCl4 intoxication, with the characteristics of macrothrombi at portal veins and microthrombi in hepatic sinusoids, as well as liver cirrhosis. Rivaroxaban could attenuate PVT in cirrhosis in the model rats. The underlying mechanisms of PVT formation in the rat model and pharmacological action of rivaroxaban are related to the regulation of portal blood flow, coagulant factors, and vascular endothelial cell function.

Utilización de escalas no invasivas en la detección de varices esofágicas en pacientes con trombosis venosa portal / Use of non-invasive scales for detecting esophageal varices in paediatric patients with portal vein thrombosis

Introducción La trombosis portal (TVP) es la causa más frecuente de hipertensión portal en población pediátrica. El Consenso de Baveno VI considera la ligadura endoscópica de varices como segunda opción terapéutica tras el meso-Rex-bypass (shunt quirúrgico). Objetivo Analizar la rentabilidad diagnóstica de escalas no invasivas para predecir el riesgo de varices esofágicas en niños con TVP. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo donde se incluyeron endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) en pacientes<15 años con TVP no cirróticos. Se dividieron según la presencia de varices esofágicas y se estudiaron sexo, etiología, edad, hemorragia digestiva o tratamientos previos, resultados de EDA y las escalas (Regla Predicción Clínica-CPR, Regla Predicción Varices-VPR, King's Variceal Prediction Score-K-VaPS y ratio plaquetas/bazo-RPB). Las variables cualitativas se expresaron mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje, y las cuantitativas mediante mediana y rango intercuartílico. Para las comparaciones se emplearon los test U de Mann-Whitney y Hanley-McNeil. Resultados Se realizaron 45 EDA. Un 80%(n=36) presentaron varices esofágicas: mediana de 3(2 – 3) y un 33,3%(n=12) precisó ligadura endoscópica de varices. Se demostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos: CPR (142,39 [132,22 - 166,53] vs. 122,75 [115,24 – 133,15] p=0,003), VPR (9,91 [9,36 – 11,75] vs. 5,6 [3,34 – 8,39] p=0,001), K-VaPS (117,86 [99,66 - 126,58] vs. 99,64 [94,88 - 110,18] p=0,019), RPB (2384,62 [1902,22 - 3201,63] vs. 1252,5 [579,6 - 2144,42] p=0,05), con un área bajo la curva>75%, sin demostrarse diferencias entre escalas. Conclusiones En pacientes pediátricos con TVP no cirróticos se pueden emplear escalas no invasivas como herramienta para predecir la presencia de VE y plantear con ello la indicación de EDA. (AU)

Introduction Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most frequent cause of portal hypertension in paediatric population. Baveno VI Consensus considers endoscopic variceal ligation as the second therapeutic option after meso-Rex bypass (surgical shunt). Aim Analyse the diagnostic profitability of non-invasive scales in order to predict the risk of oesophageal varices (OV) in children with PVT. Material and methods Descriptive retrospective study where every upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) carried on patients <15 years old with non-cirrhotic PVT were included. There were divided according to the presence of OV and sex, cause, age, previous gastrointestinal bleeding or treatments, results of UGE and scales (Clinical Prediction Rule – CPR), Varices Prediction Rule – VPR), King's Variceal Prediction Score – K-VaPS) and Platelet count/Spleen diameter Ratio – PSR). Qualitative variables were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, and quantitative variables as median and interquartile range. U Mann–Whitney and Hanley–McNeil tests were used for comparisons. Results Forty-five UGE were analysed. 80% (n=36) presented OV: median of 3 (2–3) and 33.3% (n=12) required endoscopic variceal ligation. Statistical differences were demonstrated between both groups: CPR (142.39 [132.22-166.53] vs. 122.75 [115.24-133.15]; p=0.003), VPR (9.91 [9.36-11.75] vs. 5.6 [3.34-8.39]; p=0.001), K-VaPS (117.86 [99.66-126.58] vs. 99.64 [94.88-10.18]; p=0.019), PSR (2384.62 [1902.22-3201.63] vs. 1252.5 [579.6-2144.42]; p=0.05), with and area under the curve AUROC>75%, without statistical differences between scales. ConclusionsIn paediatric patients with non-cirrotic PVT non-invasive scales can be used as a tool to predict the presence of OV and raise the indication of UGE. (AU)

[Diagnosis and treatment of feline persistent ductus arteriosus: a retrospective evaluation of 17 cats]. / Diagnose und Therapie eines persistierenden Ductus arteriosus: Eine retrospektive Evaluation bei 17 Katzen.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the signalement, clinical features, and echocardiographic findings of cats diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as well as short- and medium-term outcome after successful ligation of the PDA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 10-year period 17 cats were diagnosed with PDA by transthoracic echocardiography. Thirteen cats were surgically treated by thoracotomy and ligation of the PDA. RESULTS: In all cats, a heart murmur was detected. In 88.2% of the cases, this presented as grade 4 out of 6 murmur (15/17 cats). A continuous murmur was more common (10/17 cats; 58.9%) than a systolic murmur (7/17 cats; 41.1%). Echocardiography showed that left ventricular internal diameter end diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter end systole (LVIDs) were significantly above reference values in the majority of cats. Mean diameter of the PDA measured at the widest point of the vessel was 3.4 mm (± 1.08 mm) and mean maximum flow velocity amounted to 5,06 m/sec (2,6m/sec-6,4m/sec). Surgery was successfully performed in all cats treated by surgical ligation and all of these patients were discharged after postoperative inpatient therapy. One cat experienced perioperative bleeding from the PDA, which was stopped efficaciously. This cat exhibited a residual shunt directly postoperatively; this could no longer be visualized in a re-check echocardiography 3 months later. Six cats were followed over a longer period of time. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical prognosis in this case study is very good with a postoperative survival rate of 100%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment of PDA is curative in animals not displaying advanced cardiac lesions. The auscultation of a heart murmur can provide initial findings indicative of PDA. Therefore, cardiac auscultation is warranted at every first presentation of a kitten. It must however be taken into consideration that not every cat with PDA necessarily has a continuous murmur but may display a systolic heart murmur. Therefore, it is important give utmost attention to the patients' clinical signs.

Real-time ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block combined with mild sedation for hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis present perioperative challenges for clinical anesthesiologists for anesthesia-associated complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old Han woman with a 2-year history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation. We performed real-time ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block with dexmedetomidine under standard monitoring. The anesthesia method met the surgical demands and avoided respiratory complications during the procedures. There was no neurological deterioration after the surgery and 3 months after, the patient was discharged. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block combined with mild sedation may be an effective and safe technique in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis undergoing hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation.

Chylous leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chylous leakage is a rare complication following esophagectomy; however, it can lead to mortality. We aimed to systematically evaluate the factors that may lead to increased chylous leakage after esophagectomy. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched for all studies investigating the occurrence of chylous leakage after esophagectomy. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies were identified, including 26 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort and case-control studies, each. The overall incidence of chylous leakage was 4.7% (278/5,971 cases). Analysis of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors showed that most of the qualitative analysis results did not significantly increase the incidence of chylous leakage. In some quantitative analyses, the chylous leakage rate was significantly lower in the thoracic duct mass ligation group than in the conservative treatment group (relative risk [RR] = 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.83; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.327). Direct oral feeding significantly reduced chylous leakage compared with jejunostomy (RR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.33; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.335). However, preoperative inspiratory muscle training (RR = 1.66; 95% CI, 0.21-12.33; I2 = 55.5%; P = 0.134), preoperative chemoradiotherapy (RR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.55-1.80; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.943), and robotic assistance (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.92-2.86; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.814) did not significantly reduce the incidence of chylous leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Ligation of the thoracic duct and direct oral feeding can reduce the incidence of chylous leakage after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. Other contributing factors remain unclear and require validation in further high-quality studies.

Comparison of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation in preterm infants after patent ductus arteriosus ligation: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on intubated preterm infants who underwent PDA ligation at our hospital from July 2021 to January 2023. Infants were divided into NAVA or SIMV groups based on the ventilation mode after surgery. RESULTS: Fifty preterm infants were included. During treatment, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and mean airway pressure (MAP) were lower with NAVA compared to SIMV (PIP: 19.1 ± 2.9 vs. 22.4 ± 3.6 cmH2O, P < 0.001; MAP: 9.1 ± 1.8 vs. 10.9 ± 2.7 cmH2O, P = 0.002). PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 were higher with NAVA (PaO2: 94.0 ± 11.7 vs. 84.8 ± 15.8 mmHg, P = 0.031; PaO2/FiO2: 267 [220-322] vs. 232 [186-290] mmHg, P = 0.025). Less sedation was required with NAVA (midazolam: 1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 µg/kg/min, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to SIMV, early use of NAVA post PDA ligation in preterm infants was associated with decreased PIP and MAP. Early NAVA was also associated with reduced sedation needs and improved oxygenation. However, further studies are warranted to quantify the benefits of NAVA ventilation.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after ligation and sclerotherapy of esophageal and gastric varices.

Esophageal cancer ranked ten of the most common cancers in China. With the advancement of high-quality endoscopy and chromoendoscopic technique, early esophageal cancer can be diagnosed more easily, even combined with esophageal-gastric fundal varices. Endoscopic resection of early esophageal cancer is a minimally invasive treatment method for early esophageal cancer, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is one of the standard treatments for early esophageal cancer in view of the risk of bleeding, the patient in this study successfully received ESD treatment after using endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic injection of tissue glue and sclerosing agent before ESD surgery. ESD treatment is safe and feasible for early esophageal cancer patients with cirrhosis of esophageal-gastric fundal varices.

SLAMF1-derived peptide exhibits cardio protection after permanent left anterior descending artery ligation in mice.

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) results in tissue damage to affected areas of the myocardium. The initial inflammatory response is the most damaging for residual cardiac function, while at later stages inflammation is a prerequisite for proper healing and scar formation. Balancing the extent and duration of inflammation during various stages after MI is thus pivotal for preserving cardiac function. Recently, a signaling lymphocytic activation molecule 1 (SLAMF1)-derived peptide (P7) was shown to reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and protected against acute lipopolysaccharide-induced death in mice. In the present study, we experimentally induced MI by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in mice and explored the beneficial effect of immediately administering P7, with the aim of dampening the initial inflammatory phase without compromising the healing and remodeling phase. Blood samples taken 9 h post-LAD surgery and P7 administration dampened the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, but this dampening effect of P7 was diminished after 3 days. Echocardiography revealed less deterioration of cardiac contraction in mice receiving P7. In line with this, less myocardial damage was observed histologically in P7-treated mice. In conclusion, the administration of a SLAMF1-derived peptide (P7) immediately after induction of MI reduces the initial myocardial inflammation, reduces infarct expansion, and leads to less deterioration of cardiac contraction.

The preventive effect of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum on male reproductive toxicity induced by cholestasis in rats.

This study investigated the preventive effect of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cholestasis-induced male reproductive toxicity in rats. Rats were divided into control normal, sham control, bile duct ligation (BDL) control, and BDL with heat-killed L. plantarum supplementation groups. The effects on sexual hormones, testicular and epididymal histology, sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory gene expression were evaluated. Compared to the BDL control group, the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group showed higher levels of normal sperm, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity, indicating improved reproductive function. Conversely, markers of oxidative stress, such as total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, and carbonyl protein, were lower in the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group. The expression levels of inflammatory genes tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were reduced, while interleukin-10 gene expression was increased in the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group. Histological evaluation confirmed the positive effects of heat-killed L. plantarum intervention on testicular parameters. In conclusion, heat-killed L. plantarum supplementation protects against cholestasis-induced male reproductive dysfunction in rats, as evidenced by improvements in hormonal balance, sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Effects of high ligation plus endovenous laser therapy in patients with varicosis of great saphenous vein and type 2 diabetes.

To analyze the effects of high ligation plus endovenous laser therapy on intraoperative blood loss, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and complications in patients with varicosis of great saphenous vein and type 2 diabetes. About 61 patients with varicosis of great saphenous vein and type 2 diabetes treated at our hospital were included. About 32 patients (37 affected limbs) receiving conventional surgery were included in control group, while 29 patients (34 affected limbs) receiving high ligation plus endovenous laser therapy were included in study group. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative VAS scores, blood glucose levels, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Compared with the control group, there were less intraoperative blood loss (P < .05), shorter operation time (P < .05), and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay in the study group (P < .05). Besides, there was also lower VAS scores at different time points after surgery in the study group than in the control group (P < .05). Blood glucose levels were decreased in both groups after surgery (P < .05). Moreover, VCSS was decreased in either group at 3 months after surgery (P < .05). Blood glucose levels of patients in the study group were lower than those of the control group after surgery (P < .05). The VCSS was also lower in the study group at 3 months after surgery than in the control group (P < .05). High ligation with endovenous laser therapy for varicosis of great saphenous vein in patients with type 2 diabetes was safe and feasible.

An improved mouse model of sepsis based on intraperitoneal injections of the enriched culture of cecum slurry.

AIM: Sepsis is a life-threatening clinical syndrome comprising multiorgan dysfunctions caused by a disproportionate body immune response. There are several animal sepsis models which are based on cecum ligation, cecal puncture, and cecum slurry injection. The major limitation of all current sepsis models is the high variability owing to the variable degree of ligation, puncture and inconsistent microbial composition used for sepsis initiation. The primary objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of a standardized method for sepsis development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cecal slurry bacterial culture was developed and preserved in glycerol stocks. Antibiotics aztreonam and vancomycin were used for generating several defined, enriched cecal slurry bacterial cultures. Mice survival was assessed until 48 hrs post injection, and the tissue samples were collected after 10 hrs from sepsis initiation. KEY FINDINGS: The results indicate that increasing polymicrobial load resulted in lower survival rates and was associated with the higher number of infiltrating immune cells and necrosis. H&E (haematoxylin & eosin) staining & serum markers revealed that septic mice exhibited increased inflammation and significant damage to the liver and kidneys. The defined Gram-negative and Gram-positive specific cecal slurry bacterial cultures were developed and their efficiency in inducing sepsis was characterized. SIGNIFICANCE: Enriched cecal slurry bacterial cultures can be stored in glycerol stocks at -80 °C. This has an ethical advantage of avoiding unnecessary animal euthanasia for each experiment and provides a standardization capability of sepsis development.

Hepatic LGR4 aggravates cholestasis-induced liver injury in mice.

Current therapy for hepatic injury induced by the accumulation of bile acids is limited. Leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4), also known as GPR48, is critical for cytoprotection and cell proliferation. Here, we reported a novel function for the LGR4 in cholestatic liver injury. In the bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver injury model, hepatic LGR4 expression was significantly downregulated. Deficiency of LGR4 in hepatocytes (Lgr4LKO) notably decreased BDL-induced liver injury measured by hepatic necrosis, fibrosis, and circulating liver enzymes and total bilirubin. Levels of total bile acids in plasma and liver were markedly reduced in these mice. However, deficiency of LGR4 in macrophages (Lyz2-Lgr4MKO) demonstrated no significant effect on liver injury induced by BDL. Deficiency of LGR4 in hepatocytes significantly attenuated S1PR2 and the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) induced by BDL. Recombinant Rspo1 and Rspo3 potentiated the taurocholic acid (TCA)-induced upregulation in S1PR2 and phosphorylation of AKT in hepatocytes. Inhibition of S1PR2-AKT signaling by specific AKT or S1PR2 inhibitors blocked the increase of bile acid secretion induced by Rspo1/3 in hepatocytes. Our studies indicate that the R-spondins (Rspos)-LGR4 signaling in hepatocytes aggravates the cholestatic liver injury by potentiating the production of bile acids in a S1PR2-AKT-dependent manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Deficiency of LGR4 in hepatocytes alleviates BDL-induced liver injury. LGR4 in macrophages demonstrates no effect on BDL-induced liver injury. Rspos-LGR4 increases bile acid synthesis and transport via potentiating S1PR2-AKT signaling in hepatocytes.

Uterine packing with chitosan-covered tamponade to treat postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide with higher rates found in resource-challenged countries. Conventional use of uterotonics such as oxytocin, prostaglandins, and medications to support coagulation, such as fibrinogen and tranexamic acid, are helpful but may not be sufficient to arrest life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage. Severe postpartum hemorrhage leads to an increased need for blood transfusions and the use of invasive techniques, such as intrauterine balloon tamponade, compression sutures, and arterial ligation, as advanced steps in the management cascade. In extreme cases where hemorrhage is resistant to these therapies, a hysterectomy may be necessary to avoid possible maternal death. Uterine packing with a chitosan-covered tamponade is an emerging tool in the armamentarium of the obstetrical team, especially when resources for advance surgical and other invasive options may be limited. Modified chitosan-impregnated gauze was originally described in the management of acute hemorrhage in the field of military medicine, combining the physiological antihemorrhaging effect of modified chitosan with a compression tamponade for the acute treatment of wound bleeding. The first described use in obstetrics was in 2012, showing that the chitosan-covered tamponade is an effective intervention to arrest ongoing therapy-resistant postpartum hemorrhage. Further studies showed a reduction in hysterectomies and blood transfusions. The method is, however, underreported and is not yet an established method used worldwide. To demonstrate the step-by-step application of the intrauterine chitosan-covered tamponade in the management of therapy-resistant postpartum hemorrhage, we have produced a teaching video to illustrate the important steps and techniques to optimize the effectiveness and safety of this novel intervention.

Predictors of recurrence and long-term patient reported outcomes following surgical repair of anal fistula, a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Surgery for anal fistulas can result in devastating complications, including reoperations and fecal incontinence. There is limited contemporary evidence comparing outcomes since the adoption of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure into mainstream practice. The purpose of this study is to compare recurrence rates and long-term outcomes of anal fistula following repair. METHODS: Data was collected from the electronic medical records or patient reported outcomes from patients aged 18 or older with a primary or recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistula. Primary outcome was recurrence defined as the identification of at least one fistula os or a high clinical suspicion of anal fistula. Secondary outcomes included fecal incontinence and postoperative quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients underwent definitive surgical repairs for their anal fistula. So 66.5% had a simple fistula, and 33.5% had a complex fistula. Of the 171 patients, 12.5% had a recurrence. The recurrence rates were 5.9% for simple fistula and 25.4% for complex fistula. Predictors of recurrence included diabetes mellitus, history of anorectal abscess, complex fistula, and sphincter sparing surgery. LIFT or plug/biologic procedures were both associated with a 50% or greater recurrence rate. No significant differences were found in fecal incontinence or associated quality of life between sphincter sparing or non-sphincter sparing surgical resections. CONCLUSION: The study provides insights into the long-term outcomes of surgical repair for anal fistula. We demonstrate that sphincter sparing operations are associated with increased recurrence, meanwhile, non-sphincter sparing surgeries did not increase the risk of fecal incontinence or worsen quality of life.

Impact of the extent and location of liver split on future liver remnant hypertrophy after portal vein ligation in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role and mechanism of liver parenchyma transection in accelerating the regeneration of future liver remnants in rats with portal vein ligation (PVL). METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into the PVL group (90% PVL at the caudate lobe, right lobe , left lateral lobe and left median lobe), associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (portal vein ligation with complete liver parenchyma transection [ALPPS]) group (90% PVL with 80 to 90% liver parenchyma transection), PVL + partial liver partition (PLP) group (90% PVL with 30 to 50% liver parenchyma transection), PVL + partition in the ligated lobe (PLL) group (90% PVL with 40 to 60% liver parenchyma transection in the portal vein ligated lobe), PVL + partition in the remnant lobe (PRL) group (90% PVL with 40 to 60% liver parenchyma transection in the remnant lobe), PVL + radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group (90% PVL with splenic ablation) and sham operation (sham) group. The animals were killed at 4 time points of postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Six rats were killed at each time point, with 24 rats in each group. The weights of the future liver remnant and whole liver were measured. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were analyzed by using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and hepatocyte growth factor were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of cell proliferating nuclear antigen (Ki67) and phosphorylated histone H3 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the positive rate was calculated. RESULTS: The ALPPS group displayed the highest FLR weight to body weight ratio compared with that of the other groups (P < .05), and the partial liver split (PVL + PLP) group also displayed higher remnant weight to body weight ratio than the ectopic liver split (PVL + PLL and PVL + PRL) groups (P < .05). During the first 7 days after surgery the cytokine levels of the ALPPS, PVL + PLP, PVL + PLL and PVL + PRL groups were comparable (P > .05). The PVL + PLP, PVL + PLL, PVL + PRL and PVL + RFA groups showed similar necrotic areas in the portal vein ligated lobe (P > .05). A hemodynamic study revealed that a liver split along the demarcation line could further increase the portal pressure of the FLR and both the split site and completeness were associated with portal hemodynamic alternations and liver hypertrophy. Extrahepatic organ injury (eg, spleen ablation) also has a significant impact on portal hemodynamics and liver regeneration. CONCLUSION: Complete liver splitting along the demarcation line induced higher portal vein pressure and more rapid FLR hypertrophy than partial or ectopic liver splitting after PVL. The portal hemodynamic alterations after liver split rather than inflammatory cytokine release may be the major cause of ALPPS-induced rapid liver hypertrophy.

Ligadura del trayecto fistuloso interesfinteriano. Nuestros resultados / Ligation of the intersphincteric fistulatract. Our results

Introducción: existen varias técnicas para el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas anales, con variables resultados. La técnica de ligadura del trayecto fistuloso interesfinteriano (LIFT) consiste en la disección del espacio entre ambos esfínteres para localizar el trayecto fistuloso y proceder a su ligadura y sección. Objetivo: evaluar nuestros resultados con la técnica de LIFT para del tratamiento de las fístulas anales transesfinterianas. Diseño: retrospectivo, observacional de corte transversal. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con fístulas transesfinterianas tratados con LIFT desde enero de 2013 a diciembre 2020. El seguimiento postoperatorio se realizó hasta los 2 años. Resultados: se operaron 62 pacientes. El sexo predominante fue masculino. Hubo 47 pacientes con fístulas transesfinterianas bajas y 15 con fístulas transesfinterianas altas. En todos se identificó el trayecto fistuloso realizándose ligadura de ambos cabos del trayecto interesfinteriano y se procedió a un curetaje del trayecto a través del orificio externo. Cinco pacientes (8%) presentaron dehiscencia de piel a nivel de la incisión del espacio interesfinteriano, manejado en forma conservadora. Este grupo tuvo una cicatrización mas retardada de 4 semanas. Ocurrió recidiva en 22 (35,5%) pacientes. Conclusión: La técnica de LIFT parece una alternativa eficaz y segura para el tratamiento de las fístulas transesfinterianas bajas y altas ya que no altera la anatomía ni la continencia. (AU)

Introduction: there are various techniques for the surgical treatment of anal fistulas, with variable results. The ligation procedure of the intersphincteric fistulous tract (LIFT) consists of dissecting the space between both sphincters to locate the fistulous tract and proceed to its ligation and section. Objective: to evaluate our results with the LIFT procedure for the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulas. Design: retrospective, cross-sectional observational study. Material and methods: all patients with transsphincteric fistulas treated with LIFT from January 2013 to December 2020 were included. Postoperative follow-up was carried out for up to 2 years. Results: sixty-two patients underwent surgery. The predominant sex was male. There were 47 patients with low transsphincteric fistulas and 15 with high transsphincteric fistulas. After identifying the fistulous tract in the intersphincteric groove, both ends were ligated and the tract was cut. Finally, curettage of the tract through the external orifice was performed. Five patients (8%) presented skin dehiscence at the level of the intersphincteric groove incision, managed conservatively. This group had a longer healing time of four weeks. Recurrence occurred in 22 (35.5%) patients. Conclusion: the LIFT procedure appears to be an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of low and high transsphincteric fistulas, since it does not alter the anatomy or continence. (AU)

Influence of a single locking throw on the in vitro holding security of five friction throws.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the in vitro security of four different friction throws (square, surgeon's, Miller's, and strangle), with and without a locking throw, and a slip knot, on a vascular ligation model. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Nine groups with nine samples per group. METHODS: Four throws (square, surgeon's, Miller's, and strangle), with and without a locking throw, and a square throw locked in slip knot fashion, were tested to measure leakage pressure. RESULTS: The square and surgeon's throws leaked at a lower pressure than the Miller's and strangle throws (p < .0001). The leakage pressure was below physiologic arterial pressure for the square and the surgeon's throws. After the addition of a locking throw, the five knots leaked at a similar pressure (p = .5233) above physiologic arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: Following the addition of a locking throw, all the constructs tested in this study leaked at a similar pressure. The leakage pressure for all knots exceeded physiologic arterial pressures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Any throw tested may be appropriate for secure vascular ligation if the initial throw is applied correctly.

Management of vascular injuries on ICU patients: KZN experience.

BACKGROUND: Vascular injury management remains an extremely challenging task. The fundamental principles of management are bleeding arrest and flow restoration, to avoid death and amputation. With advances in medicine, there has been a shift from ligation to primary repair which has resulted in a fall in amputation rate from 50 % in World War II to less than 2 % in civilian injuries. METHOD: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on ICU requiring polytrauma patients with vascular trauma admitted between January 2013 and December 2021. Additional data were collected prospectively from January 2022 to December 2022. All data was from an ethics approved Trauma Registry. The injury was either confirmed by imaging or via exploration. The pre-designed data proforma acquired the following variables: age, mechanism of injury, injured vessel, associated injury, management of the vessel, and management of the associated injury. The data were analysed using Stata version 17 (StataCorp, College Station TX). Frequencies and percentages were calculated to summarise numerical data An ethical clearance was granted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal BREC (BREC 0004353/2022) and the KZN Department of Health. All data were de-identified in the data collection sheet. RESULTS: There were 154 arterial injuries and 39 venous injuries. The majority, 77 (50 %) of arterial injuries were managed via open strategies, and 36 (23 %) were managed via endovascular intervention. The majority, 20 (51 %) of venous injuries underwent open ligation, and 12 (31 %) were managed non-surgically. The highest number of endovascular interventions was observed in aortic injuries. For a total of 25 aortic injuries, 22 (83 %) were managed endovascular (TEVAR) and 2 (8 %) were managed non-operatively. CONCLUSION: The choice between the endovascular and open approach depends on the injured blood vessel. The majority of venous injuries were treated with open ligation in this cohort.