Asymptomatic synthetic vascular graft migration to duodenum after living donor liver transplantation: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present the results of two patients with vascular graft migration to the duodenum after liver transplantation. METHODS: The results of two patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation and vascular graft to the duodenum were evaluated. RESULTS: In our center, 201 liver transplants were performed, including 154 a right lobe living donor liver transplant. A synthetic graft was used to reconstruct segment 5 and 8 hepatic veins in 78 of the 154 LDLT. During the mean follow-up 19.6 ± 12.1 months (1-44 months), graft migrated to the duodenum in two patients who were present in this study. Contrary to the literature, it was followed nonoperatively. No problem was observed in the follow-up process. CONCLUSION: In patients with vascular graft migration to the duodenum after living liver transplantation, non-operative follow-up can be performed in appropriate patients.

Factors Affecting Bile Complications After Liver Transplantation: Single-Center Experience.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the surgical technique and biochemical parameters that affect biliary complications in liver transplants from live and cadaver in our center. Methods: In this study, 141 patients who underwent liver transplants at Istanbul Yeni Yüzyil Universty Gaziosmanpasa Hospital organ transplant center between January 2018 and January 2020 were included in the study. The patients were monitored for 12-24 months. The patients included in the present study were examined retrospectively. Factors that may cause biliary tract complications and treatment modalities for complications were examined. Results: In this study, liver transplantation from 124 living donors and 17 cadavers was performed. Twenty-three patients were under the age of 18. Only seven of 39 biliary complications were operated on. The rate of finding the right graft in patients with biliary complications was higher (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups concerning left, left lateral, and whole graft presence (p=0.561, p=0.172, and p=0.057, respectively). Double biliary anastomosis was to be higher in the biliary complication group, but there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.086). Conclusion: Biliary complications are common, especially in liver transplants taken from the right lobe. Significant patient survival can be achieved with an early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment approach.

Sequential Liver, Kidney, and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for AL Amyloidosis: A Case Report.

AL type amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils that can affect many organs such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, liver, and kidney. The most frequently involved organ in amyloidosis is the kidney, but cardiac amyloidosis with the poor prognosis is amyloid organ involvement. In this study, we present the treatment of a 40-year-old female patient with acute Budd-Chiari syndrome and very severe proteinuria with sequential liver, kidney, and autologous stem cell transplant after the diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis. To reduce the effects of massive proteinuria and very severe hypoalbuminemia, bilateral renal artery embolization was performed first. After the evaluation of the patient, she underwent liver transplant from a deceased donor, and then kidney transplant was performed from her son 1 month later. Afterward, the patient was discharged without any problems and underwent chemotherapy and stem cell transplant for primary AL amyloidosis. She was followed up without any problem in terms of liver, kidney, and stem cell at the 24th postoperative month. This case shows that autologous stem cell transplant after kidney and liver transplant may be a good treatment option in a selected patient with stem cell involvement diagnosed as having AL amyloidosis.

Is the incision type important for the development of hernia in liver transplant patients?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the rates and causes of incisional hernia that developed in the postoperative follow-up of patients who underwent liver transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The results of patients who underwent LT by using three different incisions at the Istanbul Yeni Yüzyil University Gaziosmanpasa Hospital organ transplant center between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into Chevron (group-1), reverse T (group-2), and J incisions (group-3) and hernia development rates were examined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of incisional hernia in groups 1 and 2 according to the incision type (p = .723). Incisional hernia rate was significantly lower in the J incision group (p < .001). When the factors that increase the development of hernia in all LT patients were examined, it was seen that male gender (p = .021), high BMI rate (p = .003), postoperative bleeding (p = .018), and wound infection (p = .039) caused a significant increase in risk. CONCLUSION: The incision, which is made during liver transplant, is important for the development of hernia. The J incision has a low hernia development rate without causing access problems. Regardless of the incision, high BMI index, male gender, postoperative bleeding, and wound infection increase the development of incisional hernia in liver transplant patients.

Analysis of Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction Technique Using Surgical Loupes for Living-Donor Liver Transplantation: Results From a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of the hepatic artery (HA) is the most complex step in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) owing to the artery's smaller diameter and the increased risk for HA-related complications. In this study, we presented our HA anastomosis technique for LDLT, which employed interrupted sutures using magnifying loupes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since January 2019, we retrospectively analyzed 179 LDLTs that were performed at our center. HA anastomosis was performed under a loupes magnifier (2.5 or 4.5 × ) by the same surgeon. RESULTS: There were 65 female and 114 male recipients with a mean age of 41.6 ± 21.6 years. Of the recipients, 34 were children. HA thrombosis (HAT) was seen in 3 recipients (1.67%; 1 child and 2 adults) in this series. HAT occurred on the third, sixth, and seventh days after LDLT. HAT was successfully treated with interventional radiologic technique. All recipients are still alive with a patent HA. CONCLUSION: The use of magnifying surgical loupes and interrupted sutures to perform HA reconstruction is safe, feasible, and yields a low rate of HAT. Also, endovascular treatment can be used safely for treatment of HAT within the first week after LDLT with a high success rate and is not associated with major complications.

COVID-19 Disease in a Kidney Transplant Recipient With Diffuse Intrarenal Hemorrhage.

Presentation of COVID-19 in renal transplant recipients is similar to that shown in the nonimmunocompromised population; almost all recipients who have this disease present with symptoms of the respiratory system. Acute kidney injury has been found prevalent in transplant recipients with COVID-19. In those with severe COVID-19 disease who transfer to an intensive care unit prevalence of acute kidney injury is more than 50%. The pathophysiological mechanisms of kidney involvement and the type of involvement are unclear. Here, we present a 71-year-old kidney transplant recipient who was admitted to our hospital with pulmonary and renal involvement. A kidney allograft biopsy demonstrated diffuse intrarenal hemorrhage, capillary congestion, and severe acute tubular injury. COVID-19 RNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction from lysed allograft tissues, but no findings of acute or chronic cellular or antibody-mediated rejection were detected. This case indicates that COVID-19 may involve the allograft by causing hemorrhage within the renal parenchymal via direct or indirect pathways.

Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lymphocele After Renal Transplantation: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent advances, lymphoceles are the most frequent complications following renal transplantation (RT), with an incidence of 0.6% to 51%. In this study, we present risk factors, treatments, and outcomes for lymphoceles after RT at our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since January 2018, 461 RTs were performed at our center. Nine recipients were excluded. The remaining 452 RTs were analyzed retrospectively. Recipients were divided into 2 groups: a lymphocele group (n = 29) and a nonlymphocele group (n = 423). Lymphoceles were diagnosed by ultrasound. Statistical analyses were made using the SPSS 15 software program. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (6.4%) of the 452 recipients developed lymphoceles. Seven of these 29 (24.1%) recipients were asymptomatic. The most common symptom was hydronephrosis (34.4%). Percutaneous drainage was performed in 21 recipients; sclerotherapy with percutaneous drainage was used in the remaining 8. In 5 (17.2%) recipients, there was a recurrence of lymphoceles. There were significant differences with respect to age (50-65 years; P = .016), use of a drainage catheter (P = .044), and polycystic kidney diseases (P = .049). CONCLUSION: Lymphoceles can be treated successfully using the percutaneous drainage technique alone or in combination with povidone iodine. Drainage use, polycystic kidney disease, and age (50-65 years) were established as risk factors for lymphocele development.

Grafts With Multiple Renal Arteries in Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Renal grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRA) are a compelling issue in surgery of kidney transplantation. Transplantations using "grafts with MRA" have conflicting results. Here, we present our experiences on the issue. METHOD: This is a single-center, observational, descriptive study. One hundred ninety-nine patients with end-stage renal disease received a kidney graft from their living- or deceased-related donors in our center between July 2016 and May 2017. We included all recipients to the study. Patients were divided into the following 2 groups: Group 1, recipients who received a renal graft with single renal artery, and Group 2, recipients who received a renal graft with MRA. Groups were compared for estimated glomerular filtration rates (months 1-3 and 12), delayed graft function, and graft survival. Data were analyzed by using SPSS for Windows version 15. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-five recipients with all documented data were analyzed. Graft function was compared between 2 groups in months 1, 3, and 12 and found both to have similar outcomes. MRA has been indicated to have no impact on delayed graft function, higher risk for vascular injury, and biopsy-proven acute tubular necrosis. Also, anastomosis sides have been found to have no importance on graft function in recipients with MRA (P > .05 between all sides). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates grafts with MRA and grafts with a single renal artery have comparable results in the first post-transplant year.

Results of Haberal's Corner-Saving Ureteral Anastomosis Technique for Renal Transplantation: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Urological complications after renal transplantation (RT), including urine leaks, remain the most common type of surgical complications in the early post-transplant period. In this study we evaluated 324 consecutive RTs recipients in whom Haberal's corner-saving anastomosis technique was used for ureteroneocystostomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since January 2018, 461 RTs were performed at our center. Haberal's corner-saving anastomosis technique was used in 324 of these 461 RTs and the effectiveness of the technique was analyzed retrospectively. There were 115 female patients and 209 male patients, with a mean age of 42.1 ± 13.9 years. The most common etiology resulting in RT was hypertension among the recipients. RESULTS: We observed 8 (2.4%) ureteral complications in 7 recipients as follows: ureteral stenosis in 2 recipients (0.6%), anastomotic leaks in 1 (0.3%), concomitant leak-stenosis in 1 (0.3%), and vesicoureteral reflux in 3 (0.9%). Six complications were treated with interventional radiological techniques and 2 were treated surgically. There was no graft and patient loss in the event of urological complications. CONCLUSION: Because of the low complication rate, we believe that Haberal's corner-saving ureteral anastomosis technique is a safe method for performing a ureteroneocystostomy.

Two Renal Transplants From Living Donors With Horseshoe Kidneys.

OBJECTIVE: To present details of 2 living-related donors and our fusion division technique, where half of the horseshoe kidney (HSK) was retrieved and transplanted. METHODS: Since January 2018, 461 renal transplantations have been performed at our center. In 2 of these 461 renal transplantations, which were analyzed retrospectively, a living donor, who had HSK, was used. Both donors had vascular anomalies, and the first donor also had urinary anomalies. RESULTS: The transplanted kidney was placed in the recipient's contralateral iliac fossa. After perfusing for both grafts, no urine leakage was detected from the transected surfaces, and the graft began producing urine. There were no complications after surgery in the donor and recipients. The recipients were discharged on the 7th and 5th day after surgery with a creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL and 0.9 mg/dL, respectively. The follow-up period was 24 months for the first recipient, and 12 months for the second. At the time of writing, both recipients and donors were alive with normal renal function. CONCLUSION: In addition to expanding the donor pool for end-stage renal disease patients, a donor with HSK can be accepted for transplantation if no other donor option presents. Preoperative evaluation should be undertaken carefully for anatomy and HSK complications.

Kidney Transplantation From Donors with Resectable Renal Cell Carcinoma: Two Case Reports.

BACKGROUND: The existence of renal cell cancer (RCC) in a donated kidney may cause some confusion for clinicians. We aim to present our clinical experiences with 2 recipients who received an RCC-containing kidney from their living related donors. METHODS: Two male patients received a kidney containing resectable size RCC from their living related donors. The recipients were discharged with well-functioning kidneys and currently are being monitored on standard follow-up protocols, and there is no evidence of RCC in their grafts. RESULTS: The kidneys with resectable sizes of renal cell carcinoma were transplanted to the recipients after nephron-sparing surgery, with no sign of recurrent RCC in the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of transplantation, the shortage of organ sources is the major barrier for the provision of organs to recipients. To enhance the graft donation pool, kidneys with resectable size RCC might be used in providing grafts to patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Comparison of CT methods for determining graft steatosis in living donor liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of non-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) attenuation indices in the assessment of hepatic steatosis by using biopsy as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. 55 Potential donors who underwent both NECT and triphasic CECT and core liver biopsy, were included the study. Average attenuation measurements that were obtained from multiple regions in liver, spleen, and psoas muscle on both unenhanced and CECT were used for analysis. Hepatic attenuation measurements were analyzed with and without normalization with the spleen and psoas muscle. Linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to evaluate the statistical association between CT indices and steatosis at histology. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis confirmed the strongest correlation between steatosis and normalized measurements of hepatic attenuation with splenic attenuations on hepatic venous phase of CECT scan (R 0.821; R2 0.674 and R 0.816; R2 0.665, respectively). The use of ROC curve analysis also demonstrated that normalized measurements of hepatic attenuation with splenic attenuations on hepatic venous phase of CECT showed high diagnostic performance regarding the qualitative distinction of steatosis (AUC values greater than 0.9). CONCLUSION: Attenuation measurements of liver normalized with spleen on hepatic venous phase may be useful in evaluating steatosis in donor candidates with moderate to severe steatosis who are unacceptable for liver donation. In this manner unnecessary liver biopsy may be avoided in those donor candidates.

Analysis of risk factors affecting coagulopathy after donor hepatectomy in a newly established liver transplant center.

OBJECTIVE: As might be expected, living donor liver surgery is associated with serious morbidity and mortality risks. Coagulopathy after donor hepatectomy is an important risk factor affecting morbidity. In this study, risk factors affecting the development of coagulopathy after donor hepatectomy was evaluated in a newly-established liver transplant center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 46 liver donors to whom hepatectomy was applied in Medipol Universty of School of Medicine Department of Organ Transplantation between April 2014 and July 2015 was made. Coagulopathy was defined as prothrombin time ≥15 sec. or platelet count <80000/mm3 on postoperative day 3. Donors were separated into 2 groups as those with (n=24) and without (n=22) coagulopathy. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors acting on coagulopathy were analyzed. RESULTS: In the intergroup analysis, it was seen that remnant liver volume, remnant liver volume % and remnant liver volume to body weight ratio were factors associated with coagulopathy. The cut-off values for these 3 parameters were calculated as 773.5 cm3, 40.5% and 0.915 cm3/kg, respectively. Only remnant liver volume % was determined as a risk factor for coagulopathy after donor hepatectomy on multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the most important risk factors affecting coagulopathy after donor hepatectomy were the parameters associated with remnant liver volume.

Ex Vivo Resection and Renal Autotransplantation for the Treatment of a Large Renal Vein Aneurysm Causing Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism and a Coexisting Vascular Malformation: A Case Report.

A 36-year-old young woman with a medical history of recurrent pulmonary embolism and chronic pelvic pain was admitted to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced imaging techniques revealed a large left renal vein aneurysm with a coexisting vascular mass. The patient was operated on electively, and the left kidney was autotransplanted to the right ileac fossa following the ex vivo resection of the vascular mass and the left renal vein aneurysm. Herein, we report an unusual coexistence of a vascular mass and recurrent pulmonary embolism treated successfully with our surgical treatment strategy.

Amifostine enhances the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of UW and HTK preservation solutions.

AIM: To investigate whether amifostine contributes to the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) and University of Wisconsin (UW) preservation solutions. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats were equally divided into six groups: (1) ringer Lactate (RL) group; (2) RL + amifostine (RL + A) group; (3) HTK group; (4) HTK + A group; (5) UW group; and (6) UW + A group. Rats in the RL + A, HTK + A and UW + A groups were administered amifostine intraperitoneally at a dose of 200 mg/kg prior to laparotomy. The RL group was perfused with RL into the portal vein. The RL + A group were perfused with RL into the portal vein after amifostine administration. The HTK group received an HTK perfusion while the HTK + A group received an HTK perfusion after administration of amifostine. The UW group received a perfusion of UW, while the UW + A group received a UW perfusion after amifostine administration. Liver biopsy was performed to investigate histopathological, immunochemical [transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), inducible nitric oxide syntetase (iNOS)] and ultrastructural alterations. Biochemical alterations were determined by examining levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and nitric oxide in the perfusion fluid. RESULTS: Pathological sinusoidal dilatation and centrilobular hydropic alteration were significantly lower in the groups that received amifostine prior to preservation solution perfusion. Although the best results were obtained in the UW + A group, we did not observe a statistically significant difference between the UW + A and HTK + A groups. iNOS grades were significantly lower in the amifostine groups 12 h after treatment. When the amifostine groups were compared against each other, the iNOS grades obtained from the UW + A and HTK + A groups were similar while the RL + A group had a much poorer score. TUNEL assays demonstrated a lower apoptosis ratio in the amifostine groups than in the non-amifostine groups 12 h after treatment. No statistically significant difference was observed between the UW + A and HTK + A groups for apoptosis. Cellular ultrastructure was best preserved in the UW + A and HTK + A groups. CONCLUSION: Here, we show that preoperative administration of a single dose of amifostine is sufficient to minimize the preservation damage in hepatic cells.

Abnormal circadian blood pressure regulation in liver transplanted children.

HT is a frequent cardiovascular risk factor in liver transplant recipients. However, there are only few studies in the literature regarding the risk of HT in liver transplanted children. The aim of this study was to assess the 24 h BP profiles of liver transplanted patients and to compare the results with healthy children. ABPM was performed on 20 liver transplanted patients and 27 healthy children aged 7.1 ± 4.8 and 8.5 ± 2.9 yr, respectively. HT was defined as SDS > 1.64 (i.e., >95th percentile) adjusted for gender and height. The mean duration of post-transplant follow-up was 32 ± 19 months. Six (30%) patients were found to be hypertensive. The physiological nocturnal BP fall was attenuated significantly in the study group for diastolic BP (11.5 ± 6.1 mmHg vs. 17.7 ± 7.1 mmHg, p = 0.006). Specifically, the number of patients with high nighttime systolic and diastolic BP SDS (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004, respectively) as well as elevated nighttime systolic (p = 0.03) and diastolic (p = 0.003) BPLs was found to be significantly higher than those in the controls. Alteration of the "normal" circadian rhythm is very frequent in liver transplant recipients. Thus, it is recommended to perform ABPM on all liver transplanted children not to underdiagnose HT.

Acute appendicitis after diaphragmatic hernia after pediatric liver transplant.

Multiple complications in liver transplant have been described in the literature. However, appendicitis and diaphragmatic hernia have rarely been reported after solid-organ transplant. The clinical presentation of appendicitis is similar to that of nontransplant patients, but complications are more frequent, because the majority of the patients do not have leukocytosis. Diaphragmatic hernia can present with a variety of atypical clinical symptoms. In this report, 1 patient who developed a diaphragmatic hernia and appendicitis after liver transplant is presented. A 2-year-old boy with end-stage liver cirrhosis owing to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type-2 received a living-donor liver transplant. The posttransplant course was complicated. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia was confirmed by thoracoabdominal computed tomography, and we decided to proceed with surgical repair. The patient had evidence of perforation, and the appendix was removed. After repositioning the intestine in the abdomen, a chest tube was placed, and the defect repaired with interrupted polypropylene sutures. The patient recovered after surgery without untoward sequelae.

Steroid-resistant acute rejections after liver transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Liver transplant is the definitive treatment for the end-stage liver disease. Although effective immunosuppressants are available, steroid-resistant acute rejection can be encountered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2001 and April 2010, 285 adult and pediatric liver transplants were done on 279 patients from deceased donors and living-related donors at our center. All patients received tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy. Steroids were tapered in 3 months. Liver biopsy was done to confirm acute rejection after vascular or biliary complications had been excluded. High-dose steroids were administered for acute rejections. If there was no response to steroids, acute rejection was defined as steroid-resistant acute rejection. After confirming steroid-resistant acute rejection by a second biopsy, antithymocyte globulin was given to patients until liver functions return to normal level with ganciclovir prophylaxis. RESULTS: Acute rejection was detected in 87 liver transplants (30.5%). Steroid-resistant acute rejections were detected in 12 of 87 patients (7 male, 5 female; 8 pediatric, 4 adult patients; mean age, 16.08 +/- 12.1 years) (13.7%). Mean time from transplant to steroid-resistant acute rejection was 73.58 +/- 59.24 days (range, 20-181 days). The predominant cause of liver disease before liver transplant in patients who had steroid-resistant acute rejection was fulminant hepatic failure. Steroid-resistant acute rejection therapy was successful in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%). Two patients did not respond to therapy; therefore, they advanced to chronic rejection. Adverse effects due to cytokine release were the most frequently encountered reactions in the early period of antithymocyte globulin treatment. The mean follow-ups after steroid-resistant acute rejection treatment were 38.2 +/- 26 months (range, 2-85 months). We did not encounter any serious reaction, serious infection, or long-term adverse effect after antithymocyte globulin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, antithymocyte globulin can be considered as a good therapeutic option in steroid-resistant acute rejection with acceptable adverse effects.

Appendiceal endometriosis presenting as perforated appendicitis: report of a case and review of the literature.

While endometriosis is a common disorder in women of reproductive age, appendiceal endometriosis accounts for less than 1% of all pelvic endometriotic lesions. Involvement at this site may present as acute appendicitis and be diagnosed only upon postoperative histopathologic examination. We report such an occurrence of appendiceal endometriosis in a 40-year-old woman who presented with acute perforated appendicitis.

Neurologic complications after renal transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Neurologic complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo transplants. We sought to evaluate the nature and incidence of neurologic complications in patients undergoing a renal transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2007, 132 adults (35 women, 97 men; mean age, 34.32 -/+ 0.90 years) underwent a renal transplant at our institution. Associated comorbid medical conditions, presenting neurologic symptoms, and type of immunosuppression were obtained from patients' medical records. RESULTS: Major indications for renal transplant were hypertensive nephropathy (14.4%), vesicoureteral reflux (11.4%), and idiopathic causes (21.2%). Mean follow-up was 17.26 -/+ 0.89 months (range, 2 weeks to 40 months). Twenty neurologic complications were found in 18 patients (6 women, 12 men; mean age, 33.83 -/+ 2.37 years). Presenting symptoms included posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, 1 (5.6%); cephalgia, 10 (55.6%); cerebral infarcts, 2 (11.1%); seizure, 3 (16.7%); tremor, 2 (11.1%); encephalopathy, 1 (5.6%); and sinus thrombosis, 1 (5.6%). Immunosuppressive agents were the primary cause of 16 of the 20 neurologic complications. Effectiveness and complications of cyclosporinewere screened for a total of 1858.50 months, tacrolimus for 853.50 months, and sirolimus for 620 months; 50.2% of the neurologic complications appeared during the first 3 months after transplant; the blood level of immunosuppressive medications did not need to be higher than normal in every case. DISCUSSION: In addition to cyclosporine and tacrolimus, we suggest (for the first time) sirolimus as a cause of neurocomplications after renal transplant.