Modelo de impresión 3D para planificación quirúrgica en trasplante hepático con donante vivo adulto-adulto

Gracias a los grandes avances de la tecnología, los últimos diez años, la impresión en tres dimensiones (3D) se ha convertido en una herramienta accesible, útil e innovadora para distintas áreas de la medicina. Entre ellas planificación quirúrgica, creación de implantes y prótesis, educación médica e incluso comunicación médico-paciente. Con respecto a planificación quirúrgica, la impresión 3D cobra especial relevancia en cirugías de alta complejidad. En el caso del trasplante hepático con donante vivo, donde es prioritario garantizar la máxima seguridad para el donante, al mismo tiempo que la mejor calidad del injerto para el receptor, la planificación quirúrgica es mandatoria. En este aspecto, la impresión 3D de un modelo de hígado, anatómicamente comparable al del donante, entrega al cirujano la posibilidad de obtener una imagen más clara, directa y tangible, desde cualquier ángulo del órgano, que una imagen virtual tradicional. De esta forma, el cirujano tiene a su alcance una herramienta adicional para plantear el mejor abordaje quirúrgico, anticipar variaciones anatómicas e incluso, cuando el material de impresión lo permite, practicar el procedimiento. En Clínica Las Condes, el centro de trasplante junto al Centro de Innovación, trabajaron en conjunto en la impresión 3D de dos modelos de hígado, utilizados para la planificación quirúrgica de los primeros dos trasplantes hepáticos con donante vivo adulto-adulto realizados en Latinoamérica, donde la hepatectomía del donante se realizó de manera totalmente laparoscópica. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el proceso de impresión 3D y analizar las dificultades y beneficios del proceso y sus resultados.

The last ten years, thanks to the great advances in technology, three-dimensional (3D) printing has become an accessible, useful, and innovative tool for different areas of medicine. These include surgical planning, implant and prosthetic creation, medical education, and even doctor-patient communication. Regarding surgical planning, 3D printing takes on special relevance in highly complex surgeries. In the case of living donor liver transplantation where it is a priority to guarantee maximum safety for the donor, as well as the best quality of the graft for the recipient, surgical planning is mandatory. Regarding this, 3D printing of an anatomically comparable liver model of the donor, gives the surgeon the possibility of obtaining a clearer, more direct, and tangible image, from any angle of the organ, than a traditional virtual image. In this manner, the surgeon has an additional tool to plan the best surgical approach, anticipate anatomical variations and even, when the impression material allows it, to practice the procedure. Transplant center of Clinica las Condes, together with Innovation laboratory worked together on the 3D printing process liver models used for surgical planning of the first two liver transplants with an adult-adult laparoscopic living donor. The objective of this work is to describe the 3D printing process and analyze the difficulties and benefits of the process and its results.

Hepatectomía derecha totalmente laparoscópica para trasplante hepático con donante vivo adulto-adulto: técnica quirúrgica y experiencia inicial en Chile / Pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation: surgical technique and initial experience in Chile

Resumen El trasplante hepático con donante vivo (THDV) es un procedimiento complejo y desafiante para el cirujano, ya que exige garantizar tanto la máxima seguridad para el donante, así como también, la mejor calidad del injerto para el receptor. Debido a lo anterior, la implementación de la cirugía mini-invasiva ha sido lenta en esta área. Sin embargo, en los últimos 10 años, gracias a los avances que ha experimentado la cirugía hepática laparoscópica, ha aumentado el interés de algunos grupos altamente especializados por incorporar la cirugía mini-invasiva a la cirugía del donante, principalmente en trasplante hepático donante vivo adulto-pediátrico (THDVA-P). Los favorables resultados obtenidos en esta área incluso han llevado a los expertos en el tema, a categorizar el abordaje laparoscópico para la cirugía del donante como el procedimiento estándar en THDVA-P. Contrario a lo anterior, la implementación de la laparoscopía para trasplante hepático donante vivo adulto-adulto (THDVA-A), es más compleja y requiere en su mayoría, una hepatectomía de lóbulo derecho o izquierdo para cumplir con las necesidades volumétricas del receptor. Esta cirugía es de mayor dificultad y riesgo para el donante, por lo que su indicación por vía mini-invasiva está limitada a centros de alto volumen y preparación, tanto en laparoscopía, como en trasplante hepático. En este trabajo, se busca dar a conocer la técnica quirúrgica y nuestra experiencia inicial con la primera hepatectomía derecha totalmente laparoscópica (HDTL) para THDVA-A realizada en Chile.

Living donor liver transplantation is a complex and challenging procedure. The surgeon needs to guarantee maximum safety for the donor, as well as the best quality of the graft for the recipient. For this reason, the implementation of mini-invasive surgery has been slow in this area. However, in the last 10 years, due to the advances in laparoscopic liver surgery, the interest of some highly specialized groups has increased in incorporating mini-invasive surgery into donor surgery, mainly in pediatric living donor liver transplantation. The favorable results obtained in this field, have even led to turn this procedure, into the technique of choice for pediatric living donor liver transplantation. Nevertheless, this procedure is even more challenging for adult-to-adult living donor transplantation. To meet the volumetric criteria of an adult, a complete hepatectomy of right or left lobe is mostly required. This surgery is of greater complexity and risk for the donor, so its indication by minimally invasive approach is limited to high-volume centers with preparation, both in laparoscopy and liver transplants. In this report we seek to present our surgical technique and initial experience with the first pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation carried out in Chile.

[Living donor graft versus cadaveric in pediatric liver transplantation. Multicentric study]. / Injerto de donante vivo versus fallecido en trasplante hepático pediátrico. Estudio multicéntrico.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the therapy of choice in patients with end-stage chronic liver disease, se vere acute liver failure, and metabolic diseases, among other pathologies. Historically, more patients have been on the waiting list than organs for transplantation. In 1999, we started a living-related donor liver transplantation program. OBJECTIVE: to compare surgical results and graft survival in liver transplanted patients with living donor graft (LDG) versus deceased donor graft (DDG). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective observational analytical study of pediatric patients undergoing LT at the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital and Las Condes Clinic between 1999 and 2020 in Santia go, Chile. They were grouped into LDG and DDG and demographic characteristics, complications, and graft and patient survival were compared. RESULTS: 276 LT were performed. Of these, 198 were included, of which 81 were LDG and 117 were DDG. The recipients of LDG had a lower average weight (p < 0.001), a higher frequency of portal vein thrombosis (13.6% versus 4.3%; p = 0.006), biliary stricture (38.3% versus 14.5%; p < 0.001), and surgical reintervention (76.5% versus 57.3%, p = 0.006). Survival of DDG and LDG patients at 1 year and 5 years was 86.1% and 72.3% versus 82.5% and 81.1%, respectively (p = 0.16). Graft survival at one year and 5 years was significantly higher in LDG with 80% and 78.6% versus 79% and 62% in DDG, respectively (p = 0.032). The recipient's weight between 9-13 kg was significantly correlated with a higher frequency of hepatic artery thrombosis (RR = 1.98) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated comparable long-term results in LDG despite greater postoperative complications, which supports continuing its use as an option in pediatric LT.

Hiperplasia nodular regenerativa del hígado secundaria a uso de azatioprina por trasplante renal previo, tratado con trasplante combinado hepático y renal / Combined hepatic and renal transplant after nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver secondary to azathioprine in renal transplant patient

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is an uncommon condition, characterized by the presence of regenerative nodules with minimal or absence of fibrosis, which can lead to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. There are numerous diseases, conditions and drugs that can cause it. Thiopurines, a group of immunosuppressors used in transplanted patients, has been linked to this entity. We report a case of a renal transplant woman, who has been on chronic therapy with azathioprine and that develops portal hypertension and end-stage renal disease, undergoing combined hepatic and renal transplant. Histological examination of the explanted liver was compatible with nodular regenerative hyperplasia. How azathioprine causes this entity is unknown, but endothelial vascular damage in a dose-dependent manner is postulated as the main mechanism. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a renal transplant patient who develops nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver in association with azathioprine, and undergoes combined hepatic and renal transplant, with a favorable outcome 5 years post procedure.

La hiperplasia nodular regenerativa es una entidad infrecuente, que se caracteriza por la presencia de nódulos hepáticos con ausencia o mínima fibrosis y que puede llevar a hipertensión portal de origen no cirrótico. Existen diversas enfermedades, condiciones y medicamentos que la causan, destacando entre estos últimos las tiopurinas, inmunosupresores utilizados habitualmente en trasplantados. Se presenta el caso de una paciente trasplantada renal usuaria crónica de azatioprina, que desarrolla hipertensión portal además de deterioro de la función renal, requiriendo de un doble trasplante hepático y renal, destacando en la biopsia del explante hallazgos histológicos compatibles con hiperplasia nodular regenerativa. Los mecanismos de daño por azatioprina en esta entidad son desconocidos, pero se postula al daño endotelial dosis-dependiente como principal causa. La revisión de la literatura demuestra que este caso corresponde al primero de hiperplasia nodular regenerativa secundaria a azatioprina en trasplantado renal, que requiere de doble trasplante hepático y renal con evolución favorable hasta 5 años post trasplante.

Protocolos de selección y estudio del donante y receptor aplicables a la práctica chilena, en trasplante de intestino / Selection and pre transplant evaluation criterias for small bowell trasplantion: a chilean model

La insuficiencia intestinal se define como la pérdida de la autonomía nutricional debido a disfunción intestinal. Su única opción de tratamiento adecuado es la Nutrición Parenteral Total Central. El trasplante de intestino se presenta como una alternativa de tratamiento. Los resultados iniciales del trasplante de intestino evidenciaron una alta incidencia de rechazo, infección y complicaciones técnicas que frenaron el desarrollo de esta técnica, sin embargo con la disminución de los problemas técnicos por la experiencia acumulada y la mejoría de los tratamientos inmunosupresores los resultados mejoraron en forma importante. Si bien en Chile la experiencia es limitada la indicación para su realización existe y aumenta debido al interés creciente por los buenos resultados demostrados a nivel mundial. En este breve artículo se revisan las indicaciones y contraindicaciones del procedimiento, el estudio del receptor y del donante, la técnica de procuramiento y se analizan los resultados actuales y las perspectivas futuras.

Intestinal insufficiency is defined as the loss of nutricional autonomy as a result of intestinal malfunction. The only adequate treatment option is Total Central Parenteral Nutrition. Intestinal transplantation is proposed as a treatment alternative. Initial intestinal transplantation results showed a high incidence of rejection, infection and technical complications that stunted the development of this technique. Results have however greatly improved with the enhancement of immunosuppressive therapy and increased experience which has led to a subsequent decrease in technical problems. Even though Chile has limited experience, the demand for intestinal transplantation exists and increases due to a rising interest brought about by the good results presented worldwide. This short article addresses the indications and contraindications of this procedure, receptor and donor studies, the procurement technique and also analyzes current results and future prospects.

Dieciséis años de experiencia de trasplante hepático en clínica las condes / Liver transplant in clinica las condes, sixteen years of experience

Resumen: el trasplante hepático ya es reconocido a nivel mundial y nacional como la mejor alternativa terapéutica en casos de daño hepático terminal. Los avances en técnica quirúrgica e inmunosupresión han permitido sobrevida global de alrededor de 80–75% a 5 y 10 años, con calidad de vida cada vez mejor. Clínica Las Condes ha sido uno de los centros pioneros y líderes en esta materia en Chile. En 16 años de experiencia, el equipo de trasplante hepático de Clínica Las Condes-Hospital Salvador y Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna ha realizado 400 trasplantes hepáticos, 212 de ellos en Clínica Las CondesObjetivoPresentar los resultados de los trasplantes hepáticos realizados en Clínica Las Condes entre diciembre 1993 y diciembre 2009.MétodosSe analizaron retrospectivamente los datos de 212 trasplantes hepáticos realizados entre las fechas mencionadas en Clínica Las Condes, evaluando indicaciones, técnica quirúrgica, sobrevida y principales complicaciones post trasplante. Para el análisis de las variables se utilizó estadística descriptiva y para el cálculo de sobrevida actuarial de paciente e injerto se usó fórmula de Kaplan y Meier...

Summary: liver transplantation is already recognized as the best therapeutic option for end stage liver disease in our country and worldwide. The advances in surgical and immunosuppressive issues have allowed an overall survival of 80–75% at 5 and 10 years with improving patients' quality of life. Clinica Las Condes has been one of the pioneer and leading centers in liver transplantation in Chile. In 16 years of experience the liver transplant team of Clínica Las Condes-Hospital Salvador y Hsopital Luis Calvo Mackenna has performed 400 liver transplants, 212 of them in Clínica Las Condes.Objectivethe aim of this descriptive study is to present the results of liver transplants performed in Clinica Las Condes from December 1993 to December 2009.Methodsclinical data from 212 liver transplants performed in Clinica Las Condes during the observation period mentioned above were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, in terms of diagnosis, surgical techniques, and main post transplant complications. Actuarial patient and graft survival was determined using Kaplan Meier formula...

Trasplante páncreas y riñón en Clínica Las Condes / Simultaneous kidney pancreas transplant, Clínica Las Condes experience

El trasplante combinado páncreas-riñón (TPR) para pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus 1 con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal, ha demostrado ser la única terapia que permite alcanzar el estado de normoglicemia de manera estable, situación que lleva a una disminución de las complicaciones crónicas de la DM y mejora la expectativa y calidad de vida. En nuestro país la tasa de realización de este trasplante es aún muy baja, lo que se debe a factores asociados a la donación y a una insuficiente divulgación de los resultados nacionales. Objetivo: Describir los resultados obtenidos por el equipo de trasplante de Clínica Las Condes en TPR desde el inicio del programa, en marzo 1994 a marzo 2009. Método: Se recopiló la información de los 12 pacientes sometidos a TPR en nuestro centro entre 1994 y marzo 2009, analizando las variables con estadística descriptiva y la sobrevida con curvas de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: La sobrevida actuarial de pacientes a 5 y 10 años fue de 75 por ciento. La sobrevida actuarial de páncreas fue 83 por ciento a los 5 y 10 años, y la de riñón 74 por ciento en los mismos periodos. Nueve pacientes presentan injertos funcionantes a marzo 2009, todos los cuales realizan una vida normal. Discusión: Estos resultados son comparables a los presentados por centros extranjeros de prestigio internacional y se deben principalmente a avances en las técnicas quirúrgicas y de inmunosupresión. La baja tasa de complicaciones y alta sobrevida presentada refuerzan la necesidad de potenciar esta terapia en nuestro país.

Combined kidney-pancreas transplant (KPT) for patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus complicated with end stage renal disease has shown to be the best treatment to achieve a stable metabolic condition, which may lead to a decrease in chronic diabetes complications and improves quality of life and patient survival. In our country, the rate of this transplant is still very low, associated with donation issues and little knowledge of the results achieved by Chilean experience. Objective: describe the results obtained by Clínica Las Condes transplant team in KPT, from the beginning of the program in March 1994 to March 2009. Methods: Information of 12 patients undergoing KPT in our center from 1994 to march 2009, was collected and analyzed through descriptive statistics. Actuarial survival was calculated with Kaplan Meier formula. Results: Patient survival was 75 percent at 5 and 10 years. Kidney transplant survival was 74 percent and pancreas survival was 83 percent in the same periods. Nine patients have functioning grafts, all of them living a normal life. Discussion: These results are similar to those reported by foreign centers of international status and are due to advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive treatment. The low rate of complications and excellent survival presented in this article enforces the need to potentates this therapy in our country.

El centro de trasplante de clínica las condes: después de 15 años ¿cuál ha sido el aporte a la medicina chilena? / The Transplantation center of clínica las condes 15 years after: it contribution to chilean medicine development

El Centro de Trasplante de Clínica Las Condes se formó en 1994, doce años después de fundada la institución, con el objetivo de aplicar las técnicas de los trasplantes de órganos sólidos a receptores con insuficiencia de variados órganos abdominales y torácicos. Quince años después se pueden mostrar resultados que considerados en sus conjuntos son inéditos en el país: 212 trasplantes hepáticos, 179 trasplantes renales, 60 trasplantes de pulmón, 20 trasplantes cardiacos, 13 trasplantes combinados de páncreas y riñón, 2 de intestino y uno de islotes de páncreas. Los resultados clínicos son comparables a los de centros especializados de países desarrollados. Además, se han procurado órganos dentro y fuera de la institución, se ha realizado docencia de post grado en Trasplante para médicos y enfermeras, se ha hecho investigación básica y clínica en alianza con la Universidad de Chile, se ha innovado tecnológicamente para ofrecer una terapia actualizada y segura. Todo ello ha sido posible por la constitución de un sólido equipo de trabajo asentado en una institución eficiente que estimula el progreso y el perfeccionamiento.

The Transplantation Center of Clínica Las Condes was created in 1994, 12 years after the initiation of the based institution, with the purpose of offering to Chilean patients who suffer end stage solid organ disease a modern therapy. Fifteen years after the numbers of multiorgan transplants speak by themselves: 212 liver transplants, 179 renal transplants, 60 pulmonary transplants, 20 cardiac transplants, 13 combined pancreas and renal transplants, 2 intestine grafts, and one pancreatic islet transplant. Clinical resulst are comparable to those shown by centres of more developped countries. In addition, an active organ procurement system have been installed locally providing organs to the organ distribution Chilean system. Also, associated to the University of Chile, post graduate teaching in the Transplantation area have been started dedicated to medical doctors and nurses and Basic and Clinical investigation have been performed with significant scientific production. All this was possible thanks to being installed in a solid health care institution that stimulate progress and improvement.

[Cytomegalovirus infection and disease in pediatric solid organ transplantation. Experience in a Chilean multiorganic transplantation center]. / Infección y enfermedad por citomegalovirus en niños sometidos a trasplante de órgano sólido. Experiencia en un centro de referencia chileno.

UNLABELLED: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in transplant (Tx) recipients may severely complicate the patients outcome. AIM: To determine the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for CMV infection and disease in liver and kidney transplant recipients in a tertiary care children's hospital. METHOD: A clinical and laboratory evaluation was prospectively performed in 44 and 20 children receiving a renal and liver Tx respectively in the Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: At the time of the organ Tx 20.3% (13/64) children were seronegative for CMV. Thirty six per cent (23/64) patients were infected with CMV, of whom 32% (14/44) received kidney Tx and 9/20 (45%) received liver Tx. CMV disease occurred in 52% (12/23) of infected patients. CMV disease was characterized by fever (100%), anemia (50%), leucopenia (16.6%) and specific organ involvement (renal graft 60% liver graft 57.1%, lung 25%, intestine 16.6%). Variables significantly associated with infection were a CMV seronegative status (p = 0.035) and lower age 5.5 + 3.7 years old vs 8.3 + 4.4 years old (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of CMV infection was high in children receiving a solid organ transplant in our institution and near half of infected children developed CMV-associated disease.

Infección y enfermedad por citomegalovirus en niños sometidos a trasplante de órgano sólido: experiencia en un centro de referencia chileno / Cytomegalovirus infection and disease in pediatric solid organ transplarntation: experience in a Chilean multiorganic transplantation center

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in transplant (Tx) recipients may severely complícate the patients outcome. Aim: To determine the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for CMV infection and disease in liver and kidney transplant recipients in a tertiary care children's hospital. Method: A clinical and laboratory evaluation was prospectively performed in 44 and 20 children receiving a renal and liver Tx respectively in the Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna between 2004 and 2006. Results: At the time of the organ Tx 20.3 percent (13/64) children were seronegative for CMV. Thirty six per cent (23/64) patients were infected with CMV, of whom 32 percent (14/44) received kidney Tx and 9/20 (45 percent) received liver Tx. CMV disease occurred in 52 percent (12/23) of infected patients. CMV disease was characterized by fever (100 percent), anemia (50 percent), leucopenia (16.6 percent) and specific organ involvement (renal graft 60 percent liver graft 57.1 percent, lung 25 percent, intestine 16.6 percent). Variables significantly associated with infection were a CMV seronegative status (p = 0.035) and lower age 5.5 + 3.7 years oíd vs 8.3 + 4.4 years oíd (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Incidence of CMV infection was high in children receiving a solid organ transplant in our institution and near half of infected children developed CMV-associated disease.

La infección y enfermedad por citomegalovirus (CMV) en pacientes sometidos a trasplantes (Tx) es una complicación que condiciona la evolución del injerto y la sobrevida del paciente. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia de infección y enfermedad por CMV durante los primeros seis meses de efectuados Tx hepático y renal. Caracterizar la enfermedad, e identificar factores de riesgo asociados a infección. Metodología: Análisis prospectivo en 64 pacientes pediátricos sometidos a Tx renal (n: 44) o hepático (n: 20) en el Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna entre 2004 y 2006. Resultados: Al trasplante, 23,1 por ciento (13/64) eran receptores IgG CMV (-). Cumplieron criterio de infección 36 por cientoo (23/64) de los pacientes, con Tx renal 32 por ciento (14/44) y con Tx hepático 45 por ciento (9/20). Desarrolló enfermedad el 52 por ciento) (12/23) la que se caracterizó porfiebre (100 por cientoo), anemia (50 por cientoo), leucopenia (16,6 por cientoo), disfunción del órgano trasplantado 60 por cientoo en Tx renal, hepático 57, l por cientoo, compromiso pulmonar en 25 por cientoo e intestinal en 16,6 por cientoo del total de pacientes. Variables asociadas a infección fueron: ser receptor IgG CMV (-)pre-Tx (p=0,035) y una menor edad del paciente 5,5 +3,7 vs 8,3 + 4,4 (p= 0,01). Conclusiones: Hay una elevada tasa de infección por CMV en la población de pacientes con Tx renal y hepática en nuestro medio, la mitad de ellos desarrolló enfermedad amenazando la función del injerto.

[Small bowel transplantation: Report of a single case]. / Primer trasplante de intestino en Chile: Caso clínico.

Small bowel transplantation is associated with a patient survival at one and five years, of 80% and 63%, respectively. We report a 36 year-old female with short bowel syndrome, subjected to the first small bowel transplantation performed in Chile. A cadaveric gran was used. Immunosuppression was achieved by means of alemtuzumab, tacrolimus, sirolimus, micofenolate mofetil and steroids. Serial endoscopies and biopsies were performed during seven months after transplantation. The most important late complications were a drug induced renal failure, infections caused by opportunistic agents and a gastrointestinal bleeding probably induced by drugs. After 29 months of follow up, the patient is ambulatory, on oral diet only and with no evidence of graft rejection.

Primer trasplante de intestino en Chile: Caso clínico / Small bowel transplantation: Report of a single case

Small bowel transplantation is associated with a patient survival atone and five years, of 80% and 63%, respectively. We report a 36 year-old female with short bowel syndrome, subjected to the first small bowel transplantation performed in Chile. A cadaveric graft was used. Immunosuppression was achieved by means of alemtuzumab, tacrolimus, sirolimus, micofenolate mofetil and steroids. Serial endoscopies and biopsies were performed during sevenmonths after transplantation. The most important late complications were a drug induced renal failure, infections caused by opportunistic agents and a gastrointestinal bleeding probably induced by drugs. After 29 months of follow up, the patient is ambulatory, on oral diet only, and with no evidence of graft rejection.

[Primary biliary cirrhosis: a thirteen years experience]. / Cirrosis biliar primaria: experiencia de trece años en dos centros de referencia.

BACKGROUND: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic disease, which can progress to hepatic failure. AIM: To study the clinical presentation, pathological features, treatment and outcome of a group of patients with PBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of 115 patients (110 females, age range 30-76 years) with PBC. Clinical presentation, pathological stage, treatment, outcome and eventual use of liver transplantation, were recorded. RESULT: Seventy eight percent of patients were symptomatic at presentation (itching in 69% and malaise in 62%). Antimitochondrial antibodies were positive in 56%. No clinical or laboratory differences were observed between symptomatic patients or those with positive antimitochondrial antibodies and the rest of the study group. Sjögren syndrome was present in 38%, hypothyroidism in 13%, scleroderma in 7% and rheumatoid arthritis in 5%. Initially, 61% had fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, and ursodeoxycholic acid was indicated in 94% of the patients. Fifteen patients underwent liver transplantation due to upper digestive bleeding or itching. Survival has been 67% at 36 months after transplantation. In one transplanted liver, PBC recurred. CONCLUSIONS: An early diagnosis and treatment of a progressive disease such as PBC will reduce the incidence of complications and the use of costly treatments.

Cirrosis biliar primaria: experiencia de trece años en dos centros de referencia / Primary biliary cirrhosis: a thirteen years experience

Background: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic disease, which can progress to hepatic failure. Aim: To study the clinical presentation, pathological features, treatment and outcome of a group of patients with PBC. Material and methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 115 patients (110 females, age range 30-76 years) with PBC. Clinical presentation, pathological stage, treatment, outcome and eventual use of liver transplantation, were recorded. Result: Seventy eight percent of patients were symptomatic at presentation (itching in 69% and malaise in 62%). Antimitochondrial antibodies were positive in 56%. No clinical or laboratory differences were observed between symptomatic patients or those with positive antimitochondrial antibodies and the rest of the study group. Sjögren syndrome was present in 38%, hypothyroidism in 13%, scleroderma in 7% and rheumatoid arthritis in 5%. Initially, 61% had fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, and ursodeoxycholic acid was indicated in 94% of the patients. Fifteen patients underwent liver transplantation due to upper digestive bleeding or itching. Survival has been 67% at 36 months after transplantation. In one transplanted liver, PBC recurred. Conclusions: An early diagnosis and treatment of a progressive disease such as PBC will reduce the incidence of complications and the use of costly treatments.

Hepatitis crónica y cirrosis por virus C pre y post trasplante hepático en una niña de 9 años: report of one case / Chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis caused by C virus before and after liver transplantation

We report a girl with a chronic hepatitis caused by C virus diagnosed at the age of nine, unsuccessfully treated with interferon and ribavirine. Two years later, she was subjected to a liver transplantation. She maintained elevated viral loads with a normal pathological study of the liver until 22 months after transplantation. She was treated again with combined antiviral therapy, for 6 months, without response and experienced a progressive deterioration liver function, dying three years after transplantation.

Transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta / Cavernous transformation of the portal vein

Se presenta un caso clínico de transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta, en una paciente de 37 años que debuta con una hemorragia digestiva alta de muy difícil manejo. Se efectúa el diagnóstico mediante una arteriografía selectiva por sustracción digital. Se interviene quirúrgicamente en reiteradas ocasiones realizándose finalmente una derivación mesocava con prótesis de PTFE. Evoluciona con múltiples complicaciones médicas y quirúrgicas, que finalmente la llevan a la falla multisistémica y posterior fallecimiento. En la autopsia se confirma el diagnóstico de cavernomatosis portal.

Análisis crítico de la mortalidad quirúrgica en un servicio de cirugía / Critical analysis of surgical mortality in a sugical service

Se analizaron propectivamente las causas de muertes de pacientes en un Servicio de Cirugía de nivel terciario y con docencia universitaria, ocurridas en 24 meses, con 151 fallecidos en 7.866 egresos (1,9 por ciento). Del análisis se concluye que fue posible detectar fallas en el diagnóstico y tratamiento en el 23,5 por ciento y que en 16,5 por ciento existió falta de recursos. Se realizó un 50,3 por ciento de autopsias y hubo falta de correlación entre los hallazgos de las necropsias y el diagnóstico clínico en el 17 por ciento. Se concluye que es recomendable mantener estos análisis como un índice de calidad de las atenciones prestadas en los hospitales y que deben efectuarse todos los esfuerzos necesarios para llegar al estudio por necropsia en todos los pacientes fallecidos

Estudio preliminar de fibrosis en estenosis biliar experimental / Preliminar study of fibrosis in experimental biliary stenosis

Uno de nuestros enfermos presentó ictericia en el postoperatorio y la ERCP demostró un clip en el colédoco. Esto motivó la búsqueda en la literatura si existía un tiempo, después de producido el accidente, en el cual se podía retirar el clip o ligadura, sin que existiera daño o reacción importante del colédoco. Al no encontrarlo, diseñamos un modelo experimental el cual desarrollamos en nuestro laboratorio de cirugía e investigación experimental. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la cuantía y el momento en que se producen las alteraciones anatómicas (principalmente la fibrosis), que van a llevar, eventualmente, a una estenosis futura (aunque el clip se haya retirado). Se planifica una serie de 10 perros que se operaron bajo anestesia general, en forma consecutiva, a los cuales se les coloca un clip en el colédoco, el que fue retirado en días sucesivos (del 1 al 10). El colédoco fue extirpado y la muestra analizada en anatomía patológica posteriormente. Se observó una fibrosis leve a moderada, con inflamación rica en linfocitos y células plasmáticas. El sitio del clip presentó necrosis focal de tipo isquémica. Estos hallazgos pueden constituir una línea interesante de investigación en el estudio de los mecanismos que llevan a la estenosis de la vía biliar, y definir el momento en que se producen alteraciones probablemente irreversibles en el colédoco

Situación actual de los trasplantes de órganos en Chile / Organ transplantation in Chile: current situation

In Chile, the experience in organ transplatation began in the sixties with renal transplantation. Since then, a great progress has been made in terms of number of transplants, performance of extrarenal transplants (liver and to a lesser extent, heart), organ procurement and increasing the access of adult and pediatric patients to these complex and expensive procedures. Transplantation has become widely accepted as the therapy of choice for end stage organ failure and we have acquired considerable experience in the fields of renal and liver transplantation. These improvements have been the result of the great efforts made by transplant groups but the financial support provided by public health authorities has also contributed to the success. In the near future, organ transplantation will most likely continue to progress in our country, specially in the area of thoracic organs, but the still is a good deal of work to be done. In the forthcoming years, we will face the challenge of maintaining high quality levels with tremendous financial restrictions. We are optimistic that we will continue to improve our skills and experience as in the last decade and organ transplantation will become a widely available therapy with high standards of results