URGENT LIVER RETRANSPLANTATION DUE TO TRANSMISSION OF INTRAHEPATIC CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA BY DONOR: THE FIRST REPORT IN THE LITERATURE.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation represents the best therapeutic modality in end-stage chronic liver disease, severe acute hepatitis, and selected cases of liver tumors. AIMS: To describe a double retransplant in a male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease and complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis, severe portal hypertension, and cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed in the transplanted liver. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease 25 years ago, complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis and severe portal hypertension. He underwent a liver transplantation in 2018 due to secondary biliary cirrhosis. In 2021, a primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence was diagnosed and a liver retransplantation was indicated. Recipient's hepatectomy was very difficult by reason of complex portal vein thrombosis requiring extensive thromboendovenectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound with liver doppler evaluation was performed. Two suspicious nodules were incidentally diagnosed in the donor's liver and immediately removed for anatomopathological evaluation. RESULTS: After pathological confirmation of carcinoma, probable cholangiocarcinoma, at frozen section, the patient was re-listed as national priority and a new liver transplantation was performed within 24 hours. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The screening for neoplasms in donated organs should be part of our strict daily diagnostic arsenal. Moreover, we argue that, for the benefit of an adequate diagnosis and the feasibility of a safer procedure, the adoption of imaging tests routine for the liver donor is essential, allowing a reduction of the costs and some potential risks of liver transplant procedure.

An experience on living donor liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastasis in south america: a new era in transplant oncology / Experiência de transplante de fígado para metástase colorretal na américa do sul: uma nova era em transplante oncológico

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with liver metastases, but in some patients, it is not possible to obtain a complete R0 resection. Moreover, the recurrence rate is up to 75% after three years. After the experience of the Oslo group with cadaveric liver transplant, some centers are starting their experience with liver transplant for colorectal liver metastasis. AIMS: To present our initial experience with living donor liver transplant for colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: From 2019 to 2022, four liver transplants were performed in patients with colorectal liver metastases according to the Oslo criteria. RESULTS: Four patients underwent living donor liver transplants, male/female ratio was 3:1, mean age 52.5 (42-68 years). All patients were included in Oslo criteria for liver transplant. Two patients had already been submitted to liver resection. The decision for liver transplant occurred after discussion with a multidisciplinary team. Three patients recurred after the procedure and the patient number 3 died after chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Living donor liver transplant is a viable treatment option for colorectal liver metastasis in Brazil, due to a shortage of donors.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A ressecção cirúrgica completa é o tratamento de escolha para pacientes com metástases hepáticas, mas em alguns pacientes não é possível obter uma completa ressecção R0. Além disso, a taxa de recorrência é de até 75% após 3 anos. Após a experiência do grupo de Oslo com transplante hepático cadavérico, alguns centros estão iniciando sua experiência com transplante hepático para metástase hepática colorretal. OBJETIVOS: Apresentar a experiência inicial com transplante de fígado de doador vivo para metástase hepática colorretal. MÉTODOS: De 2019 a 2022, foram quatro transplantes hepáticos em pacientes com metástases hepáticas colorretais, de acordo com os critérios de Oslo. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes foram submetidos a transplante hepático de doador vivo, a relação homem/mulher de 3:1, a idade média foi de 52,5 (42-68 anos). Todos os pacientes foram incluídos nos critérios de Oslo para transplante de fígado. Dois pacientes já haviam sido submetidos à ressecção hepática. A decisão pelo transplante hepático ocorreu após discussão com equipe multidisciplinar. Três pacientes recidivaram após o procedimento e o paciente número 3 morreu após a quimioterapia. CONCLUSÕES: O transplante de fígado com doador vivo é uma opção viável de tratamento para metástase hepática colorretal no Brasil, devido à escassez de doadores.

Urgent liver retransplantation due to transmission of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by donor: the first report in the literature / Retransplante de fígado urgente devido à transmissão de colangiocarcinoma intra-hepático pelo doador: o primeiro relato da literatura

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation represents the best therapeutic modality in end-stage chronic liver disease, severe acute hepatitis, and selected cases of liver tumors. AIMS: To describe a double retransplant in a male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease and complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis, severe portal hypertension, and cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed in the transplanted liver. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease 25 years ago, complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis and severe portal hypertension. He underwent a liver transplantation in 2018 due to secondary biliary cirrhosis. In 2021, a primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence was diagnosed and a liver retransplantation was indicated. Recipient's hepatectomy was very difficult by reason of complex portal vein thrombosis requiring extensive thromboendovenectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound with liver doppler evaluation was performed. Two suspicious nodules were incidentally diagnosed in the donor's liver and immediately removed for anatomopathological evaluation. RESULTS: After pathological confirmation of carcinoma, probable cholangiocarcinoma, at frozen section, the patient was re-listed as national priority and a new liver transplantation was performed within 24 hours. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The screening for neoplasms in donated organs should be part of our strict daily diagnostic arsenal. Moreover, we argue that, for the benefit of an adequate diagnosis and the feasibility of a safer procedure, the adoption of imaging tests routine for the liver donor is essential, allowing a reduction of the costs and some potential risks of liver transplant procedure.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O transplante de fígado representa a melhor modalidade terapêutica na doença hepática crônica terminal, hepatite aguda grave e casos selecionados de tumores hepáticos. OBJETIVOS: Descrever um retransplante duplo em paciente do sexo masculino, diagnosticado com doença de Crohn e complicado com colangite esclerosante primária, hipertensão portal grave e colangiocarcinoma diagnosticado no fígado transplantado. MÉTODOS: Paciente do sexo masculino, 48 anos, diagnosticado com doença de Crohn há 25 anos e complicado com colangite esclerosante primária e hipertensão portal grave. Foi submetido a um transplante de fígado em 2018 devido a cirrose biliar secundária. Em 2021, foi diagnosticada recidiva de colangite esclerosante primária e indicado retransplante hepático. A hepatectomia do receptor foi de alta complexidade devido à trombose complexa da veia porta, exigindo extensa tromboendovenectomia. Foi realizada ultrassonografia intraoperatória com doppler hepático. Dois nódulos suspeitos foram diagnosticados incidentalmente no fígado do doador e imediatamente removidos para avaliação anatomopatológica. RESULTADOS: Após confirmação patológica de carcinoma, provável colangiocarcinoma, pela congelação, o paciente foi relistado como prioridade nacional, e novo transplante hepático foi realizado em 24 horas. O paciente teve alta após 2 semanas. CONCLUSÕES: O rastreamento de neoplasias em órgãos doados deve fazer parte de nosso estrito arsenal diagnóstico diário. Além disso, defendemos que, em benefício de um diagnóstico correto e da viabilidade de um procedimento mais seguro, a adoção de uma rotina de exames de imagem é essencial em doadores hepáticos, permitindo a redução dos custos e alguns riscos potenciais do procedimento de transplante hepático.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) predicts liver failure after transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Esophagogastric variceal bleeding is a serious complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt (TIPS) is a salvage treatment with clear hemostatic results. However, various complications may occur after TIPS, including postoperative liver failure, and the prognosis is very poor once occurs. Liver failure is a common symptom of severe liver disease with a high mortality rate. This study investigated the incidence of liver failure after TIPS treatment for varicose bleeding. Methods: We analyzed the data of patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2013 and December 2018 with portal hypertension with an episode of acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. A total of 121 patients were referred to the regional liver unit for TIPS. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and clinical data were collected. Patients with incomplete data were excluded, and 93 patients were ultimately enrolled in the study. Primary outcomes were morbidity and hospital mortality within 4 weeks of surgery. The data were retrospectively and consecutively collected and evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors of liver failure. Results: The patients included 58 males (62.37%) and 35 females (37.63%), and the mean age was 58.43±11.85 years. The main cause was hepatitis B virus (HBV), which was found in 50.54% of patient. The overall surgical success rate was 83.87% (78/93). Of 15 treatment-failure patients, 9 (9.68%) died in hospital. Four patients died of liver failure, accounting for 44.44% of postoperative all-cause deaths. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that only hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was an independent risk factor for post-TIPS morbidity [relative risk (RR) 1.156; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.041 to 1.283; P=0.006]. In addition, HVPG was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality within 4 weeks (RR 1.133; 95% CI: 1.021 to 0.539; P=0.016). Conclusions: Post-TIPS liver failure is a serious complication in patients with cirrhosis. Pre-TIPS HVPG level may be used as a predictor of potential short-term postoperative adverse events.

Surgical Management of Postoperative Grade C Pancreatic Fistula following Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background: The incidence of Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula ranges from 2 to 11% depending on the type of pancreatic resection. This complication may frequently require early relaparotomy and the surgical approach remains technically challenging and is still associated with a high mortality. Infectious complications and post-operative hemorrhage are the two most common causes of reoperation. Summary: The best management of grade C pancreatic fistulas remains controversial and ranges from conservative approaches up to completion pancreatectomy. The choice of the technique depends on the patient's conditions, intraoperative findings, and surgeon's discretion. A pancreas-preserving strategy appears to be attractive, including from simple to more complex procedures such as debridement and drainage, and external wirsungostomy. Completion pancreatectomy should be reserved for selected cases, including stable patients with severe infection complication or hemorrhage after pancreatic fistula who do not respond to pancreas-preserving procedures. Key Messages: This review describes the current options for management of grade C pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy with regard to indication, choice of procedure and outcomes of the different approaches.

PROTOCOL FOR LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN UNRESECTABLE COLORECTAL METASTASIS. / PROTOCOLO DE TRANSPLANTE HEPÁTICO PARA METÁSTASE COLORRETAL IRRESSECÁVEL.

AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common neoplasm, and half of the patients with CRC develop liver metastasis. The best prognostic factor for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the possibility of performing a resection with free margins; however, most of them remain unresectable. The justification for performing liver transplantation (LT) in patients with CRLM regards an increase in the number of resectable patients by performing total hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to provide a Brazilian protocol for LT in patients with unresectable CRLM. METHOD: The protocol was carried out by two Brazilian institutions, which perform a large volume of resections and LTs, based on the study carried out at the University of Oslo. The elaboration of the protocol was conducted in four stages. RESULT: A protocol proposal for this disease is presented, which needs to be validated for clinical use. CONCLUSION: The development of an LT protocol for unresectable CRLM aims to standardize the treatment and to enable a better evaluation of surgical results.

OBJETIVO: O câncer colorretal é a terceira neoplasia mais frequente e metade dos pacientes desenvolvem metástase hepática. O melhor fator prognóstico na metástase hepática de câncer colorretal (MHCCR) é a possibilidade de ressecção com margens livres, porém a maioria permanece irressecável. O racional em realizar transplante hepático (TH) em pacientes portadores de MHCCR está na ampliação do número de pacientes ressecáveis através de uma hepatectomia total. Apresentar protocolo brasileiro para realização de transplante hepático em pacientes com MHCCR irressecável. MÉTODO: O protocolo foi realizado por duas instituições com grande volume de ressecções e transplantes hepáticos no Brasil, baseado no trabalho realizado pela Universidade de Oslo. A elaboração foi dividida em 4 etapas. RESULTADO: É apresentada proposta de protocolo para esta doença a ser validada na aplicação clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível elaborar protocolo de transplante hepático para MHCCR irressecável a fim de uniformizar o tratamento e melhor avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos.

PROTOCOL FOR LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN HILAR CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA.

BACKGROUND: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma represents more than half of all cholangiocarcinoma cases, having poor prognosis and presenting a median overall survival after diagnosis of 12-24 months. In patients who have unresectable tumors with a better prognosis, the proposal to perform liver transplantation emerged for expanding the possibility of free margins by performing total hepatectomy. AIM: To provide a Brazilian protocol for liver transplantation in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHOD: The protocol was carried out by two Brazilian institutions which perform a large volume of resections and liver transplantations, based on the study carried out at the Mayo Clinic. The elaboration of the protocol was conducted in four stages. RESULT: A protocol proposal for this disease is presented, which needs to be validated for clinical use. CONCLUSION: The development of a liver transplantation protocol for cholangiocarcinoma aims not only to standardize the treatment, but also enable a better assessment of the surgical results in the future.

Protocolo de transplante hepático para metástase colorretal irressecável / Protocol for liver transplantation in unresectable colorectal metastasis

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O câncer colorretal é a terceira neoplasia mais frequente e metade dos pacientes desenvolvem metástase hepática. O melhor fator prognóstico na metástase hepática de câncer colorretal (MHCCR) é a possibilidade de ressecção com margens livres, porém a maioria permanece irressecável. O racional em realizar transplante hepático (TH) em pacientes portadores de MHCCR está na ampliação do número de pacientes ressecáveis através de uma hepatectomia total. OBJETIVO: Apresentar protocolo brasileiro para realização de transplante hepático em pacientes com MHCCR irressecável. MÉTODO: O protocolo foi realizado por duas instituições com grande volume de ressecções e transplantes hepáticos no Brasil, baseado no trabalho realizado pela Universidade de Oslo. A elaboração foi dividida em 4 etapas. RESULTADO: É apresentada proposta de protocolo para esta doença a ser validada na aplicação clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível elaborar protocolo de transplante hepático para MHCCR irressecável a fim de uniformizar o tratamento e melhor avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common neoplasm, and half of the patients with CRC develop liver metastasis. The best prognostic factor for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the possibility of performing a resection with free margins; however, most of them remain unresectable. The justification for performing liver transplantation (LT) in patients with CRLM regards an increase in the number of resectable patients by performing total hepatectomy. AIM: The aim of this study was to provide a Brazilian protocol for LT in patients with unresectable CRLM. METHOD: The protocol was carried out by two Brazilian institutions, which perform a large volume of resections and LTs, based on the study carried out at the University of Oslo. The elaboration of the protocol was conducted in four stages. RESULT: A protocol proposal for this disease is presented, which needs to be validated for clinical use. CONCLUSION: The development of an LT protocol for unresectable CRLM aims to standardize the treatment and to enable a better evaluation of surgical results.

Protocol for liver transplantation in hilar cholangiocarcinoma / Protocolo de transplante hepático para colangiocarcinoma hilar

ABSTRACT Background: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma represents more than half of all cholangiocarcinoma cases, having poor prognosis and presenting a median overall survival after diagnosis of 12-24 months. In patients who have unresectable tumors with a better prognosis, the proposal to perform liver transplantation emerged for expanding the possibility of free margins by performing total hepatectomy. Aim: To provide a Brazilian protocol for liver transplantation in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Method: The protocol was carried out by two Brazilian institutions which perform a large volume of resections and liver transplantations, based on the study carried out at the Mayo Clinic. The elaboration of the protocol was conducted in four stages. Result: A protocol proposal for this disease is presented, which needs to be validated for clinical use. Conclusion: The development of a liver transplantation protocol for cholangiocarcinoma aims not only to standardize the treatment, but also enable a better assessment of the surgical results in the future.

RESUMO Racional: O colangiocarcinoma hilar representa mais da metade de todos os casos de colangiocarcinoma; tem prognóstico reservado e sobrevida global mediana de 12- 24 meses após o diagnóstico. A proposta de realizar transplante hepático surgiu para ampliar a possibilidade de margens livres através de hepatectomia total nos portadores de tumoresirressecáveis com melhor prognóstico. Objetivo: Apresentar protocolo brasileiro para realização de transplante hepático em pacientes com colangiocarcinoma hilar. Método: O protocolo foi realizado por duas instituições com grande volume de ressecções e transplantes hepáticos no Brasil, baseado no trabalho realizado pela MayoClinic. A elaboração foi dividida em quatro etapas. Resultado: É apresentada proposta de protocolo para esta doença a ser validada na aplicação clínica. Conclusão: Foi possível elaborar protocolo de transplante hepático para colangiocarcinoma a fim de uniformizar o tratamento e melhor avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos.

Treatment strategies for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liver cancer ranks fifth in incidence and fourth in overall cancer-related mortality, with approximately 854,000 new cases and 810,000 deaths per year worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of these cases, and, over time, both the incidence and mortality of this cancer have been rising in many regions. Several staging systems are used to assess the extent of primary tumor, presence of metastasis, and underlying liver disease, and thereby aid in the definition of treatment strategies and prognosis for these patients. The consequence of this heterogeneity in HCC staging is that no consensual definition of advanced disease exists, and there is still ongoing debate on the optimal treatment for these patients. Patients with advanced tumors can be candidates for multiple therapies, ranging from potentially curative options such as transplantation and resection-to locoregional and systemic treatments; these should be evaluated on an individual basis by a multidisciplinary team. This paper provides an overview of treatment options for advanced stage HCC, based on a review of the latest relevant literature and the personal experience of the authors.

Living Donor Liver Transplant as Rescue Surgery for a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Underwent Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS).

BACKGROUND The associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is an important tool to induce fast liver hypertrophy. The degree of hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with HCC negatively impacts their health, and the risk of liver failure is always present. In these cases, liver transplantation may be necessary as a rescue procedure. We present the case of a patient with HCC who underwent ALPPS and developed liver failure. A living donor liver transplant was performed as a rescue procedure. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B without cirrhosis underwent computed tomography, which revealed an expansive lesion in the right lobe of his liver that was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver resection was indicated and liver cirrhosis was observed with high portal pressure after transection. The treatment strategy was switched from right hepatectomy to ALPPS. The patient developed severe liver dysfunction and liver transplantation was indicated. His postoperative course was uneventful and 3 months after the procedure the patient was without complications. CONCLUSIONS Living donor liver transplantation may be necessary as a rescue procedure for patients who underwent ALPPS and develop liver dysfunction.

I BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES. MODULE 2: APPROACH TO RESECTABLE METASTASES.

BACKGROUND: Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially fatal event in the evolution of patients. AIM: In the second module of this consensus, management of resectable liver metastases was discussed. METHOD: Concept of synchronous and metachronous metastases was determined, and both scenarius were discussed separately according its prognostic and therapeutic peculiarities. RESULTS: Special attention was given to the missing metastases due to systemic preoperative treatment response, with emphasis in strategies to avoid its reccurrence and how to manage disappeared lesions. CONCLUSION: Were presented validated ressectional strategies, to be taken into account in clinical practice.

THE LARGEST WESTERN EXPERIENCE WITH HEPATOPANCREATODUODENECTOMY: LESSONS LEARNED WITH 35 CASES.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy is one of the most complex abdominal operations mainly indicated in advanced biliary carcinoma. AIM: To present 10-year experience performing this operation in advanced malignant tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study. From 2004 to 2014, 35 hepatopancreatoduodenectomies were performed in three different institutions. The most common indication was advanced biliary carcinoma in 24 patients (68.5%). RESULTS: Eighteen patients had gallbladder cancer, eight Klatskin tumors, five neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastasis, one colorectal metastasis invading the pancreatic head, one intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with liver metastasis, one gastric cancer recurrence with liver involvement and one ocular melanoma with pancreatic head and right liver lobe metastasis. All patients were submitted to pancreatoduodenectomy with a liver resection as follows: eight right trisectionectomies, five right lobectomies, four left lobectomies, 18 central lobectomies (IVb, V and VIII). The overall mortality was 34.2% (12/35) and the overall morbidity rate was 97.4%. CONCLUSION: Very high mortality is seen when major liver resection is performed with pancreatoduodenectomy, including right lobectomy and trisectionectomy. Liver failure in combination with a pancreatic leak is invariably lethal. Efforts to ensure a remnant liver over 40-50% of the total liver volume are the key to obtain patient survival.

I brazilian consensus on multimodal treatment of colorectal liver metastases. module 2: approach to resectable metastases / I consenso brasileiro de tratamento multidisciplinar de metástase hepática colorretais módulo 2: manejo das metástases ressecáveis

Background : Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially fatal event in the evolution of patients. Aim : In the second module of this consensus, management of resectable liver metastases was discussed. Method : Concept of synchronous and metachronous metastases was determined, and both scenarius were discussed separately according its prognostic and therapeutic peculiarities. Results : Special attention was given to the missing metastases due to systemic preoperative treatment response, with emphasis in strategies to avoid its reccurrence and how to manage disappeared lesions. Conclusion : Were presented validated ressectional strategies, to be taken into account in clinical practice.

Racional: As metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal são evento frequente e potencialmente fatal na evolução dos pacientes. Objetivo : No segundo módulo desse consenso, foi discutido o manejo de metástases hepáticas ressecáveis. Método : Foi definido o conceito de metástases síncrônicas e metacrônicas, e ambos os cenários foram discutidos separadamente de acordo com as suas peculiaridades prognósticas e terapêuticas. Resultados : Foi dada especial atenção às missing metástases em resposta ao tratamento pré-operatório sistêmico, com ênfase em estratégias para evitar sua recorrência e como gerenciar as lesões desaparecidas. Conclusão : Foram apresentadas e validadas estratégias de ressecção em várias circunstâncias, para serem aplicadas na prática clínica.