Segmentectomía lateral izquierda laparoscópica en donante vivo para trasplante hepático adulto-pediátrico

Introducción: La segmentectomía lateral izquierda es el procedimiento más empleado para la cirugía del donante en trasplante hepático con donante vivo adulto-pediátrico (THDVA-P), y ha demostrado ser seguro y reproducible. Sin embargo, la información aún es escasa respecto al abordaje laparoscópico. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer los resultados posoperatorios de la segmentectomía lateral izquierda laparoscópica (SLI-L) para THDVA-P. Materiales y Método: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de un solo centro, Hospital del Salvador; con vasta experiencia en trasplante hepático y en resecciones hepáticas laparoscópicas. Se ofreció realizar el procedimiento de SLI-L para la cirugía del donante vivo. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados posoperatorios de los donantes. Resultados: Entre abril de 2015 y enero de 2021, 36 pacientes, 25 de ellos hombres, fueron sometidos a SLI-L. El 86% eran madre o padre del receptor, con una mediana de 30 años (19-45). Mediana de tiempo operatorio de 360 min (240-480). Hubo conversión en un caso debido a sangrado venoso de difícil manejo y en dos oportunidades se utilizó técnica mano asistida por la misma causa. Morbilidad Clavien-Dindo III en un paciente debido a fuga biliar precoz, manejada con prótesis vía colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica exitosamente. La mediana de hospitalización fue de 4 días (3-12) y no hubo mortalidad. Conclusión: La SLI-L ha evolucionado, desde un procedimiento innovador hasta convertirse en el actual procedimiento estándar para THDVA-P. Los buenos resultados en términos de morbimortalidad sugieren que podría ser una técnica segura y reproducible en contextos similares al del centro.

Introduction: Living donor left lateral sectionectomy is a well-established alternative in cadaveric donor pediatric liver transplantation. This procedure has proven to be safe and reproducible. However, laparoscopic approach is still under development and evidence of its feasibility is limited. Aim: The aim of this article is to present the surgical technique and postoperative outcomes of the cases of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy performed in this center. Materials and Method: A retrospective, observational, single center study was conducted in Hospital del Salvador. From 04/2015 - 01/2021 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy was offered for donor surgery. We present the surgical technique, perioperative care, and early postoperative outcomes in donors. Results: This series includes 36 patients, 25 (69%) of them were males. A total of 31 (86%) donors were mother or father of the recipient. Median age of donors was 30 years (19-45), median operative time was 360 min (240-480). All the patients underwent laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy. Conversion was necessary in one case due to difficult management of a venous bleeding. Clavien-Dindo Morbidity III, in one patient who required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to an early bile leak. Median hospitalization was 4 days (3-14). There was no mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy has proven to be safe and reproducible. This technique has evolved from an innovative procedure to become the current standard of practice in our center, with excellent results in terms of morbidity and mortality.

[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.

Trasplante hepático en Chile: pasado, presente y futuro / Hepatic transplantation in Chile: past, present and future

Resumen La donación de órganos en Chile es insuficiente, con una tasa histórica de alrededor de seis donantes por millón de habitantes. Las reformas legales, mejoras organizacionales y campañas comunicacionales han permitido hacer del año 2019 el más exitoso en cuanto a donación de órganos y trasplantes. El trasplante hepático en Chile fue realizado por primera vez en el año 1969 en el Hospital Naval de Valparaíso, falleciendo el receptor precozmente. El primer trasplante exitoso fue realizado en el año 1985 en el Hospital Militar de Santiago. Desde esa fecha hasta la actualidad se han realizado 1.812 trasplantes de hígado, el 43,6% en hospitales universitarios, el 35,1% en clínicas privadas y un 21,5% en hospitales estatales. El 23,1% en la Pontificia Universidad Católica (PUC), el 20,6% en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (HCUCH), el 15,9% en el Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna (HLCM), el 15,9% en Clínica Las Condes (CLC), el 14,3% en Clínica Alemana de Santiago (CA), el 5,6% en el Hospital del Salvador (HdS), 2% en Clínica Dávila (CD), 2% en el Sanatorio Alemán de Concepción (SA) y 0,9% en Clínica Santa María (CSM) De este total, 455 son en pacientes pediátricos, de ellos 63,3% en Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna el 21,1% en la Clínica Las Condes el 7,7% en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, el 6,4% en la Clínica Alemana y 1,5% en el Sanatorio Alemán. Desde el 2015, aproximadamente el 80% de los trasplantes pediátricos se realizan en el HLCM. Sobrevidas reportadas en adultos van del 75% a 85% al año y de 75% a 92% al año en pacientes pediátricos dependiendo el período. Hay centros que nunca han reportado sus resultados. Se espera mejorar la educación en pro de una sociedad proclive en la donación, mejorar la organización de detección, mantención y procuramiento, aumentar la utilización de órganos, potenciar la utilización los de donantes cadáveres, con técnica Split o hígado dividido y, mientras no tengamos un sistema de donación que dé cuenta de las necesidades del país, mantener los programas de donante vivo. Finalmente debe motivarse a generaciones jóvenes para que se dediquen a esta importante actividad.

Organ donation in Chile is insufficient, with a historical rate of six donors per million inhabitants. Legal reforms, organizational improvements, and communications campaigns have made 2019 the most successful year in terms of organ donations and transplants. The first liver transplant in Chile was performed in 1969 at the Naval Hospital in Valparaíso. However, the patient passed away shortly after. The first successful transplant was performed in 1985 at the Militar Hospital in Santiago. As of that date to present day, 1.812 liver transplants have been performed: 43.6% of these in university hospitals, 35.1% in private clinics, and 21.5% in state hospitals. Of these, 23.1% were performed at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), 20.6% at the Universidad de Chile Clinical Hospital (HCUCH), 15.9% at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital (HLCM), 15.9% at the Las Condes Clinic (CLC), 14.3% at the Alemana Clinic in Santiago (CA), 5.6% at the del Salvador Hospital (HdS), 2% at the Dávila Clinic (CD), 2% at the Alemán Sanatorium in Concepción (SA), and 0.9% at the Santa María Clinic (CSM). Of this total, 455 correspond to pediatric patients. Of these patients, 63.3% were at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, 21.1% at the Las Condes Clinic, 7.7% at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 6.4% at the Alemana Clinic, and 1.5% at the Alemán Sanatorium. Since 2015, approximately 80% of pediatric transplants are performed at the HLCM. Reported one-year survival range from 75% to 85% in adults and 75% to 92% in pediatric patients per year, depending on the period. Some centers have never reported their results. It is expected that education of a society prone to organ donation improves, as well as improving the detection, maintenance, and procurement of potential donors, increasing the utilization of organs, enhancing the utilization of organs from deceased donors with Split technique, and, while we are building towards a donation system that responds to the needs of the nation, upholding live donor programs. Finally, younger generations are to be motivated so that they dedicate themselves to this important activity.

Arteritis de Takayasu en lactante: caso clínico / Takayasu arteritis in childhood: a clinical case

Background: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel systemic vasculitis, affecting the aorta and its main branches, leading to stenosis, thrombosis, and aneurysm formation. Incidence of 2.6 cases per million per year has been reported. TA is rare condition in children. Steroids are the main therapy for active disease, however, additional immunosuppressive agents are required in 50 percent of the patients. Objective: To report a case of TA in a young infant, presenting with intestinal necrosis. Case Report: 12 month-old male diagnosed with TA at 6 month-old, treated with second line immunosupressors. He presented with 3 days of abdominal pain, images showed aneurysm and thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. Small bowel ischemia was confirmed. The patient underwent multiple surgical interventions with bowel resection, leaving 30 cm of jejunum and 10 cm of terminal ileum. Anticoagulant therapy was started immediately. Intestinal continuity was restored 6 weeks later, patients was discharge home 3 months after surgery in full enteral intake, anticoagulant therapy, and maintains immunosupressor therapy. Discussion: TA in young infants is uncommon, and they can present atypical clinical manifestations. These patients are a real challenge, requiring multidisciplinary care to avoid further morbidities related to the vasculitis.

Introducción: La Arteritis de Takayasu (AT) es una vasculitis de grandes vasos, que afecta a la aorta y sus ramas principales, llevando a estenosis, trombosis, y formación de aneurismas. Se ha reportado una incidencia de 2.6 casos por millón por año, siendo de baja incidencia en niños. La terapia de elección son los corticoides, seguidos de inmunosupresores en casos resistentes. Objetivo: Reportar el caso de un lactante con AT severa, que cursó con necrosis intestinal. Caso clínico: Varón, 12 meses de edad, diagnóstico de AT a los 6 meses, en tratamiento de segunda línea con inmunosupresores. Presentó cuadro de 3 días de evolución de dolor abdominal, imágenes mostraron trombosis de arteria mesénterica superior aneurismática, desarrollando isquemia intestinal. Fue sometido a múltiples intervenciones quirúrgicas con resección intestinal, con 30 cm de yeyuno y 10 cm de ileon terminal remanente. Inició precozmente tratamiento anticoagulante. La reconstitución de tránsito intestinal fue 6 semanas más tarde, paciente fue dado de alta 3 meses después alimentándose completamente por vía enteral, con tratamiento anticoagulante e inmunosupresor ambulatorio. Conclusión: LaAT en lactantes es rara, y las manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser atípicas. Estos pacientes son un desafío para los equipos médicos, y requirien un manejo multidisciplinario para evitar complicaciones mayores.

Tumores sólidos en niños: diagnóstico y terapéutica quirúrgica / Solid tumor in children: diagnosis and surgical management

Los tumores malignos en pediatría representan sólo el 2 por ciento de los casos de cáncer, sin embargo, las neoplasias son en la actualidad la segunda causa de muerte en niños mayores de 1 año de edad. Cada año se diagnostican aproximadamente 130 nuevos casos de cáncer por millón de niños. La leucemia es el más frecuente de los cánceres pediátricos, seguidos por tumores de cerebro, linfomas, neuroblastomas, sarcomas, tumores de Wilms y tumor de células germinales. La probabilidad de sobrevivir a una enfermedad maligna ha mejorado desde que en 1950 se reportaron las primeras remisiones en leucemia linfocítica aguda. Actualmente, debido al desarrollo de la quimioterapia, mejora en los métodos diagnósticos y el manejo multidisciplinario de los pacientes, el porcentaje de curación es cercano a un 75 por ciento. A pesar de estos avances, es aún necesario una mejoría de los resultados en el cáncer pediátrico, que depende del diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad.

Cancer in children represents only 2 percent of all malignancies, nevertheless, after trauma, it is the second most common cause of death in children older than 1 year. Each year approximately 130 new cases of cancer are diagnosed per million children.Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children, followed by brain tumor, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, sarcoma, Wilm’s tumor and germ cell tumor. The probability of surviving childhood malignancies has improved since the first remissions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia were reported in 1950s. At the moment due to the development of chemotherapy regimens, improvement in diagnostic methods and multidisciplinary approach of our patients, the survival is close to 75 percent. Therefore, there is still a need for significant improvement in the results of childhood cancer.

[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.

Retiro precoz de esteroides en la inmunosupresión del trasplante renal pediátrico / Early steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplantation

Background: Cardiovascular risk, growth failure and the new immunosuppressive drugs, have encouraged steroid withdrawal or total avoidance with promising results in renal transplant (Tx) immunosuppression. Aim: To evaluate a new immunosuppressor protocol with early withdrawal of steroids in pediatric kidney transplant. Patients and methods: Prospective study in pediatric patients older than 1 year and low immunological risk. Group A (n =28): steroids in decreasing doses until day 7 post Tx, tacrolimus (FK) and micophenolate mofetil (MMF). Group B (n =28) control: steroids, cyclosporine and azathioprine or steroids, FK and MMF. In both groups the induction therapy included basiliximab. Anthropometric and biochemical variables (renal function, lipid profile, hematological, blood glucose and acid-base equilibrium), acute rejection and CMV infection, were evaluated. Mean values and variations for continuous variables were calculated at months 1, 6, 12 and 18. Results: Two children were withdrawn before month 2, one had an untreatable diarrhea and the second died due to Aspergillus septicemia. Mean values at months 1, 6, 12 and 18 for groups A and B: Creatinine clearence (ml/min): 85.4 vs 89; 79.9 vs 83; 89 vs 80; 79.8 vs 80.6 (p: ns); hematocrit ( percent): 28.8 vs 30.4; 31.7 vs 34.4; 34.4; 32.4 vs 34.8; 34.4 vs 35.5 (p: ns). Total cholesterol (mg/dl): 151 vs 206; 139 vs 174; 138 vs 186; 140 vs 180 (p <0.05). Mean delta height/age Z score at the first year: 0.5 vs 0.15; 0.7 vs 0.22; 0.97 vs 0.25 (p <0.05). Mean systolic blood pressure Z score: 0.9 vs 1.5; 0.5 vs 0.9; -0.3 vs 0.8; 0.1 vs 1.0 (p <0.05). The height/age Z score was significantly superior in patients without steroids. A normalization of growth patterns at month 18 was observed (< 0.05). Both groups presented a negative variation of creatinine clearance during the follow-up, but it was minor in the study group (p <0.05). Two acute rejections were found in each group, and no difference in CMV infections...

[Early steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplantation]. / Retiro precoz de esteroides en la inmunosupresión del trasplante renal pediátrico.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk, growth failure and the new immunosuppressive drugs, have encouraged steroid withdrawal or total avoidance with promising results in renal transplant (Tx) immunosuppression. AIM: To evaluate a new immunosuppressor protocol with early withdrawal of steroids in pediatric kidney transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study in pediatric patients older than 1 year and low immunological risk. Group A (n =28): steroids in decreasing doses until day 7 post Tx, tacrolimus (FK) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Group B (n =28) control: steroids, cyclosporine and azathioprine or steroids, FK and MMF. In both groups the induction therapy included basiliximab. Anthropometric and biochemical variables (renal function, lipid profile, hematological, blood glucose and acid-base equilibrium), acute rejection and CMV infection, were evaluated. Mean values and variations for continuous variables were calculated at months 1, 6, 12 and 18. RESULTS: Two children were withdrawn before month 2, one had an untreatable diarrhea and the second died due to Aspergillus septicemia. Mean values at months 1, 6, 12 and 18 for groups A and B: Creatinine clearance (ml/min): 85.4 vs 89; 79.9 vs 83; 89 vs 80; 79.8 vs 80.6 (p: ns); hematocrit (%): 28.8 vs 30.4; 31.7 vs 34.4; 34.4; 32.4 vs 34.8; 34.4 vs 35.5 (p: ns). Total cholesterol (mg/dl): 151 vs 206; 139 vs 174; 138 vs 186; 140 vs 180 (p <0.05). Mean delta height/age Z score at the first year: 0.5 vs 0.15; 0.7 vs 0.22; 0.97 vs 0.25 (p <0.05). Mean systolic blood pressure Z score: 0.9 vs 1.5; 0.5 vs 0.9; -0.3 vs 0.8; 0.1 vs 1.0 (p <0.05). The height/age Z score was significantly superior in patients without steroids. A normalization of growth patterns at month 18 was observed (< 0.05). Both groups presented a negative variation of creatinine clearance during the follow-up, but it was minor in the study group (p <0.05). Two acute rejections were found in each group, and no difference in CMV infections was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Early steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplant recipients was effective and safe and did not increase the risk of rejection.

Recomendaciones para el estudio microbiológico de tejidos preservados para implantes / Recommendations for the microbiological study of tissues preserved for implants

El uso de los implantes de tejido en medicina ha mejorado el pronóstico y/o la calidad de vida de muchas enfermedades, sin embargo, su utilización no está exenta de riesgos para el receptor. Es por esto que la cuidadosa selección del donante vivo o cadáver y el control microbiológico de los tejidos antes de su utilización son procesos muy importantes para asegurar la calidad del procedimiento. La contaminación de los tejidos puede ser intrínseca (por una infección no diagnosticada en el donante) o extrínseca (una vez que el tejido ya ha sido procurado). Estas recomendaciones se refieren al control microbiológico de las contaminaciones extrínsecas, ya sea durante la manipulación, durante la obtención de los tejidos o durante el procesamiento para la preservación de ellos. Se analizan los implantes de uso más frecuente en nuestro país (válvulas cardíacas, tejido óseo, piel, células progenitoras hematopoyéticas y córnea) y se describe la metodología según datos existentes en la literatura y de procedimientos adaptados de centros foráneos. Dado que ningún implante es absolutamente estéril es muy importante analizar también las recomendaciones frente a cultivos contaminados. Los autores esperamos que este documento sea de utilidad y que en un futuro próximo, podamos exhibir cifras nacionales multicéntricas con metodologías comparables.