Could retrograde reperfusion combined with washout technique broaden the applicability of marginal grafts in liver transplantation? Intra-operative and short-term outcomes of a prospective cohort.

INTRODUCTION: many revascularization techniques were designed to reduce the imbalance of ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study's objective is to evaluate retrograde reperfusion (RR) compared to sequential anterograde reperfusion (AR), with and without the washout technique (WO). METHOD: this prospective cohort study collected data from 94 deceased donor orthotopic liver transplants and divided it into three groups: RR with WO (RR+WO), AP with WO (AR+WO), and AP without WO (AR). This study did not assign the reperfusion technique to the participants. The primary outcome considered the early graft dysfunction, and secondary outcomes included post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS), post-reperfusion lactate, surgery fluid balance, and vasoactive drug dose during the surgery. RESULTS: 87 patients were submitted to the final analysis-29 in the RR+WO group, 27 in the AR+WO group, and 31 in the AR group. Marginal grafts prevalence was not significantly different between the groups (34% vs. 22% vs. 23%; p=0.49) and early graft dysfunction occurred at the same rate (24% vs. 26% vs. 19%; p=0.72). RR+WO reduced serum post-reperfusion lactate (p=0.034) and the incidence of significant PRS (17% vs. 33% vs. 55%; p=0.051), but norepinephrine dosing >0.5mcg/kg/min were not different during the surgery (20,7% vs. 29,6% vs. 35,5%, p=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: primary outcome was not significantly different between the groups; however, intraoperative hemodynamic management was safer using the RR+WO technique. We theorized that the RR+WO technique could reduce the incidence of PRS and benefit marginal graft survival following diseased donor orthotopic liver transplantation.

Combined liver-kidney transplant in polycystic diseases: a case report.

Polycystic liver disease, a hereditary pathology, usually manifests as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The many cysts in the liver cause massive hepatomegaly, majorly affecting the patient's quality of life. In cases of refractory symptoms, liver transplantation is the only treatment choice. A 43-year-old woman was followed up as a hepatology outpatient in August 2020, with a progressive increase in abdominal volume, lower limb edema, and cachexia. The patient was diagnosed with polycystic renal and liver disease with massive hepatomegaly in March 2021, a combined kidney-liver transplant. Liver size represented 13% of the patient's corporal composition, weighing 8.6kg. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with no complications. Only 10-20% of patients with polycystic liver disease have clinical manifestations, most of which result from hepatomegaly. An increase in liver volume deteriorates liver function until the condition becomes end-stage liver disease, as kidney function is already compromised; liver-kidney transplantation remains the only treatment choice. The case described drew significant attention to the massive hepatomegaly presented in the patient, with the liver representing over 10% of the patient's body weight, approximately five to six times larger than a normal-sized liver.

Combined liver-kidney transplant in polycystic diseases: a case report

ABSTRACT Polycystic liver disease, a hereditary pathology, usually manifests as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The many cysts in the liver cause massive hepatomegaly, majorly affecting the patient's quality of life. In cases of refractory symptoms, liver transplantation is the only treatment choice. A 43-year-old woman was followed up as a hepatology outpatient in August 2020, with a progressive increase in abdominal volume, lower limb edema, and cachexia. The patient was diagnosed with polycystic renal and liver disease with massive hepatomegaly in March 2021, a combined kidney-liver transplant. Liver size represented 13% of the patient's corporal composition, weighing 8.6kg. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with no complications. Only 10-20% of patients with polycystic liver disease have clinical manifestations, most of which result from hepatomegaly. An increase in liver volume deteriorates liver function until the condition becomes end-stage liver disease, as kidney function is already compromised; liver-kidney transplantation remains the only treatment choice. The case described drew significant attention to the massive hepatomegaly presented in the patient, with the liver representing over 10% of the patient's body weight, approximately five to six times larger than a normal-sized liver.

Could retrograde reperfusion combined with washout technique broaden the applicability of marginal grafts in liver transplantation? Intra-operative and short-term outcomes of a prospective cohort / A reperfusão retrógrada combinada com a lavagem do enxerto pode ampliar a aceitabilidade de fígados limítrofes no transplante hepático? Resultados intraoperatórios e precoces de uma coorte prospectiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: many revascularization techniques were designed to reduce the imbalance of ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study's objective is to evaluate retrograde reperfusion (RR) compared to sequential anterograde reperfusion (AR), with and without the washout technique (WO). Method: this prospective cohort study collected data from 94 deceased donor orthotopic liver transplants and divided it into three groups: RR with WO (RR+WO), AP with WO (AR+WO), and AP without WO (AR). This study did not assign the reperfusion technique to the participants. The primary outcome considered the early graft dysfunction, and secondary outcomes included post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS), post-reperfusion lactate, surgery fluid balance, and vasoactive drug dose during the surgery. Results: 87 patients were submitted to the final analysis-29 in the RR+WO group, 27 in the AR+WO group, and 31 in the AR group. Marginal grafts prevalence was not significantly different between the groups (34% vs. 22% vs. 23%; p=0.49) and early graft dysfunction occurred at the same rate (24% vs. 26% vs. 19%; p=0.72). RR+WO reduced serum post-reperfusion lactate (p=0.034) and the incidence of significant PRS (17% vs. 33% vs. 55%; p=0.051), but norepinephrine dosing >0.5mcg/kg/min were not different during the surgery (20,7% vs. 29,6% vs. 35,5%, p=0.45). Conclusions: primary outcome was not significantly different between the groups; however, intraoperative hemodynamic management was safer using the RR+WO technique. We theorized that the RR+WO technique could reduce the incidence of PRS and benefit marginal graft survival following diseased donor orthotopic liver transplantation.

RESUMO Introdução: várias técnicas de reperfusão foram desenvolvidas a fim de reduzir o dano da lesão induzida por isquemia-reperfusão. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a reperfusão retrograda (RR) comparado com a reperfusão anterógrada (AR), com e sem a realização da técnica de lavagem do enxerto (WO). Métodos: coorte prospectiva com 94 transplantes ortotópicos de fígado de doador falecido divididos em três grupos: RR com WO (RR+WO), reperfusão anterógrada com WO (AR+WO), e AR sem WO (AR). Este estudo não designou a técnica de reperfusão entre os participantes. O desfecho primário considerou a disfunção precoce do enxerto, e os desfechos secundários incluíram a síndrome pós-reperfusão (SPR), lactato pós-reperfusão, balanço hídrico operatório, e uso de drogas vasoativas durante o ato peratório. Resultados: 87 pacientes foram submetidos para consolidação dos dados-29 no RR+WO, 27 no AR+WO, e 31 no AR. A prevalência de enxertos maginais não diferiu entre os grupos (34% vs 22% vs 23%; p=0,49). Disfunção precoce do enxerto ocorreu em uma proporção similar (24% vs 26% vs 19%; p=0,72). RR+WO reduziu o lactato sérico pós-reperfusão (p=0,034) e a incidência de SPR severa (17% vs 33% vs 55%; p=0,051), entretanto a infusão de noradrenalina >0,5mcg/kg/min não foi diferente durante a cirurgia (20,7% vs 29,6% vs 35,5%, p=0,45). Conclusões: o desfecho primário não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos; entretanto, o manejo hemodinâmico intra-operatório foi mais seguro no grupo RR+WO. Nós teorizamos que a técnica RR+WO pode reduzir a SPR e beneficiar enxertos marginais no transplante de fígado.

Tacrolimus therapeutic efficacy in post-liver transplant patients with Cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms. / Eficácia terapêutica do Tacrolimo em pacientes pós-transplante hepático com polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5).

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 have been pointed out as factors that influenciates tacrolimus immunosuppressive efficacy in post liver transplant patients. This study aims to review the literature on the influence of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms of tacrolimus in post-liver transplant patients. This study is a literature review. A combination of the descriptors "tacrolimus", "liver transplant", "cytochrome P-450 CYP3A inhibitors" and "genetic polymorphism" were used in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Scielo, being evaluated only studies between 2009 and 2019 in English, Portuguese or Spanish. A total of six studies, each from a different population were summarized. Initially, the pharmacological aspects of tacrolimus were discussed, including details on its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicity After that, we analyzed the studies that correlates CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms and tacrolimus efficacy, including the ethnical specifications and the general limittions of the studies. The CYP3A5 polymorphisms have pointed to alterations in the metabolism of tacrolimus according to the ethnic and populational genotype, specially the *1 and *3*3 alleles, reflecting in the need for dose adjustment and also in post liver transplant rejection.

Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm sido apontados enquanto fatores influenciadores na eficácia farmacológica com tacrolimo em pacientes em terapia imunossupressora no pós-transplante hepático. O presente estudo objetiva realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca da influência dos polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) na eficácia terapêutica com tacrolimo em indivíduos pós-transplante hepático. Revisão da literatura. Foi utilizada a combinação dos descritores "tacrolimo", "transplante de fígado", "inibidores do citocromo P-450 CYP3A" e "polimorfismo genético", nas bases de dados: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus e Scielo, sendo avaliados apenas estudos publicados entre 2009 e 2019 em inglês, português ou espanhol. Ao todo foi feita a sumarização de seis estudos, cada um avaliando uma diferente população. Inicialmente, foram abordados os aspectos farmacológicos do tacrolimo, incluindo detalhes sobre sua farmacodinâmica, farmacocinética e toxicidade. Na seção seguinte, foi realizada a avaliação de estudos que tratam da relação entre os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 e a eficácia farmacológica com o tacrolimo, incluindo as especificações étnicas e as limitações gerais dos estudos. Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm apontado para alterações no metabolismo do tacrolimo de acordo com um recorte étnico e populacional, com destaque para os alelos *1 e *3*3, refletindo na necessidade de ajuste de dose ou até mesmo nas taxas de rejeição do órgão.

Use of Liver Grafts From Deceased Organ Donors With Infectious Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplant is the only option in reversing liver insufficiency and its complications. It is very important to realize the quality control of organs and tissues used in transplant, as well as to develop diagnostic, treatment, and prophylaxis techniques to prevent other comorbidities and to increase the survival of transplanted patients. OBJECTIVES: The study describes the characteristics of liver transplant using organs with infectious diseases realized by Liver Transplantation Unit (LTU) of the University Hospital Oswaldo Cruz (UHOC). METHODS: The methodology is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study, with a quantitative approach of all patients submitted for liver transplantation between 2013 and 2017. The research was realized at LTU ambulatory of the UHOC from the analysis of medical records using a semistructured collect instrument for the information acquisition. RESULTS: Researchers analyzed 127 medical records, 85% of which had transmissible diseases and 15% of which had infectious diseases. Of the infectious diseases, it was observed that 85% were syphilis (16 cases), followed by 10% with Chagas disease and 5% with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The transplant outcomes showed that 68% of organ receptors with infectious diseases achieved good recovery. CONCLUSION: Organ transplant for those with infectious diseases is a treatment option to improve the life quality of people at any age who present with a chronic disease, where its use has been an alternative well accepted due to the shortage of livers for transplants.

Eficácia terapêutica do Tacrolimo em pacientes pós-transplante hepático com polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) / Tacrolimus therapeutic efficacy in post-liver transplant patients with Cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms

RESUMO Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm sido apontados enquanto fatores influenciadores na eficácia farmacológica com tacrolimo em pacientes em terapia imunossupressora no pós-transplante hepático. O presente estudo objetiva realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca da influência dos polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) na eficácia terapêutica com tacrolimo em indivíduos pós-transplante hepático. Revisão da literatura. Foi utilizada a combinação dos descritores "tacrolimo", "transplante de fígado", "inibidores do citocromo P-450 CYP3A" e "polimorfismo genético", nas bases de dados: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus e Scielo, sendo avaliados apenas estudos publicados entre 2009 e 2019 em inglês, português ou espanhol. Ao todo foi feita a sumarização de seis estudos, cada um avaliando uma diferente população. Inicialmente, foram abordados os aspectos farmacológicos do tacrolimo, incluindo detalhes sobre sua farmacodinâmica, farmacocinética e toxicidade. Na seção seguinte, foi realizada a avaliação de estudos que tratam da relação entre os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 e a eficácia farmacológica com o tacrolimo, incluindo as especificações étnicas e as limitações gerais dos estudos. Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm apontado para alterações no metabolismo do tacrolimo de acordo com um recorte étnico e populacional, com destaque para os alelos *1 e *3*3, refletindo na necessidade de ajuste de dose ou até mesmo nas taxas de rejeição do órgão.

ABSTRACT Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 have been pointed out as factors that influenciates tacrolimus immunosuppressive efficacy in post liver transplant patients. This study aims to review the literature on the influence of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms of tacrolimus in post-liver transplant patients. This study is a literature review. A combination of the descriptors "tacrolimus", "liver transplant", "cytochrome P-450 CYP3A inhibitors" and "genetic polymorphism" were used in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Scielo, being evaluated only studies between 2009 and 2019 in English, Portuguese or Spanish. A total of six studies, each from a different population were summarized. Initially, the pharmacological aspects of tacrolimus were discussed, including details on its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicity After that, we analyzed the studies that correlates CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms and tacrolimus efficacy, including the ethnical specifications and the general limittions of the studies. The CYP3A5 polymorphisms have pointed to alterations in the metabolism of tacrolimus according to the ethnic and populational genotype, specially the *1 and *3*3 alleles, reflecting in the need for dose adjustment and also in post liver transplant rejection.

UPPER MIDLINE INCISION IN RECIPIENTS OF DECEASED-DONORS LIVER TRANSPLANTATION.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant (LT) is the only effective and long-lasting option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Innovations and refinements in surgical techniques occurred with the advent of transplants with partial grafts and laparoscopy. Despite these modifications, the abdominal incision remains with only few changes. AIM: Demonstrate the experience with the upper midline incision in LT recipients with whole liver grafts from deceased donors. METHODS: Retrospective study with patients submitted to LT. Data were collected from the recipients who performed the surgical procedure through the upper midline incision. RESULTS: The upper midline incision was used in 20 LT, 19 of which were performed in adult recipients. The main cause was liver disease secondary to alcohol. Male, BMI>25 kg/m² and MELD greater than 20 were prevalent in the study. Biliary complications occurred in two patients. Hemoperitoneum was an indication for reoperation at one of the receptors. Complication of the surgical wound occurred in two patients, who presented superficial surgical site infection and evisceration (omental). Two re-transplant occurred in the first postoperative week due to severe graft dysfunction and hepatic artery thrombosis, which were performed with the same incision, without the need to increase surgical access. There were two deaths due to severe graft dysfunction after re-transplant in 72 h and respiratory sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction in the third week. CONCLUSION: The upper midline incision can be safely used in LT recipients with whole grafts from deceased donors. However, receptor characteristics and hepatic graft size should be considered in the option of abdominal surgical access.

Upper midline incision in recipients of deceased-donors liver transplantation / Incisão mediana superior em receptores de transplantes de fígado de doadores falecidos

ABSTRACT Background: Liver transplant (LT) is the only effective and long-lasting option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Innovations and refinements in surgical techniques occurred with the advent of transplants with partial grafts and laparoscopy. Despite these modifications, the abdominal incision remains with only few changes. Aim: Demonstrate the experience with the upper midline incision in LT recipients with whole liver grafts from deceased donors. Methods: Retrospective study with patients submitted to LT. Data were collected from the recipients who performed the surgical procedure through the upper midline incision. Results: The upper midline incision was used in 20 LT, 19 of which were performed in adult recipients. The main cause was liver disease secondary to alcohol. Male, BMI>25 kg/m² and MELD greater than 20 were prevalent in the study. Biliary complications occurred in two patients. Hemoperitoneum was an indication for reoperation at one of the receptors. Complication of the surgical wound occurred in two patients, who presented superficial surgical site infection and evisceration (omental). Two re-transplant occurred in the first postoperative week due to severe graft dysfunction and hepatic artery thrombosis, which were performed with the same incision, without the need to increase surgical access. There were two deaths due to severe graft dysfunction after re-transplant in 72 h and respiratory sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction in the third week. Conclusion: The upper midline incision can be safely used in LT recipients with whole grafts from deceased donors. However, receptor characteristics and hepatic graft size should be considered in the option of abdominal surgical access.

RESUMO Racional: O transplante de fígado (TF) é a única opção eficaz e duradoura para os pacientes com doença hepática em estágio terminal. Inovações e refinamentos nas técnicas cirúrgicas ocorreram com o advento dos transplantes com enxertos parciais e da laparoscopia. Apesar dessas modificações, a incisão abdominal permanece sem grandes mudanças. Objetivo: Demonstrar a experiência com a incisão mediana superior nos receptores de TF com enxertos hepáticos inteiros provenientes de doadores falecidos. Método: É estudo retrospectivo entre os pacientes submetidos ao TF. Foram coletados os dados dos receptores que realizaram o procedimento cirúrgico através da incisão mediana superior . Resultados: Essa incisão foi utilizada em 20 TF, sendo 19 realizados em receptores adultos. A principal causa foi a doença hepática secundária ao álcool. O gênero masculino, IMC>25 kg/m² e o MELD superior a 20 foram prevalentes no estudo. Complicações biliares ocorreram em dois pacientes. Hemoperitônio foi indicação de reoperação em um dos receptores. Complicação da ferida cirúrgica ocorreu em dois pacientes, que apresentaram infecção de sítio cirúrgico superficial e evisceração (omental). Ocorreram dois re-transplantes na primeira semana de pós-operatório devido à disfunção grave do enxerto e à trombose da artéria hepática, sendo realizados com a mesma incisão, sem a necessidade de ampliar o acesso cirúrgico. Ocorreram dois óbitos por disfunção grave do enxerto após o re-transplante em 72 h e sepse respiratória com disfunção de múltiplos órgãos na terceira semana. Conclusão: A incisão mediana superior pode ser utilizada com segurança em receptores de TF com enxertos inteiros provenientes de doadores falecidos. Entretanto, características do receptor e tamanho do enxerto hepático devem ser considerados na opção do acesso cirúrgico abdominal.

Transplante hepático no tratamento de lesão iatrogênica de via biliar após colecistectomia: um estudo em centro de referência no Nordeste do Brasil / Liver transplantation for treatment of biliary iatrogenic injury after cholecistectomy: a study in reference center in the Northeast of Brazil

Introdução: a lesão iatrogênica de via biliar é uma grave complicação cirúrgica que pode ocorrer durante a realização de colecistectomia. Os pacientes portadores desse tipo de lesão podem evoluir com cirrose biliar secundária a despeito de múltiplos tratamentos cirúrgicos, sendo necessário o transplante hepático como a última opção para tratamento. Objetivo: analisar o perfil dos pacientes em um centro de referência no Nordeste do Brasil submetidos a transplante hepático por lesão iatrogênica de via biliar. Métodos: foram analisados retrospectivamente 730 prontuários na Unidade de Transplante de Fígado do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, no período de 2001 até 2015, e selecionados os oito pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático por lesão iatrogênica de via biliar. Resultados: a idade variou entre 26 e 61 anos, sendo seis indivíduos do sexo feminino. A cirurgia inicial foi a colecistectomia aberta em sete casos e videolaparoscópia em um caso. Em uma oportunidade, a lesão foi identificada durante a colecistectomia. Os sintomas se assemelharam com os descritos na literatura, incluindo colangite de repetição. Quatro pacientes eram portadores de lesão E2 e três de lesão tipo E3 de Strasberg. Seis pacientes já haviam sido submetidos a abordagens cirúrgicas prévias e o tempo entre a lesão inicial e o transplante variou entre três (3) e vinte e seis anos (26). Todos os pacientes eram portadores de Cirrose Biliar Secundária e o tempo na lista de espera para transplante variou entre 111 e 1123 dias. O MELD teve uma média de 16. O transplante foi realizado por técnica convencional em seis casos e Piggyback em dois, sendo a reconstrução por hepaticojejunostomia realizada em todos. Um paciente necessitou de retransplante, evoluindo a óbito. Conclusão: transplante hepático por lesão iatrogênica de via biliar é mais comum naqueles pacientes que demoraram a ser encaminhados para centro de referência e que foram submetidos a múltiplos procedimentos prévios.

Background: iatrogenic bile duct injury is a serious surgical complication that may occur during cholecystectomy.Patients with this type of lesion may develop secondary biliary cirrhosis, despite multiple surgical treatments, requiring liver transplantation as the last measure. Aim: analyze the patients submitted to hepatic transplantation due to iatrogenic bile duct injury in a referral center in the Northeast of Brazil. Results: the age ranged from 26 to 61 years, with six females. The initial surgery was open cholecystectomy in seven cases and videolaparoscopic in one case. In one patient the lesion was identified during cholecystectomy. The symptoms resembled those described in the literature, including recurrent cholangitis. Four patients had E2 lesions and three E3 lesions from Strasberg. Six patients had undergone previous surgical approaches and the time between initial injury and transplantation ranged from three to twenty-six years. All patients had secondary Biliary Cirrhosis and the time on the transplant waiting list varied between 111 and 1123 days. The MELD had an average of 16. The transplantation was performed by conventional technique in six cases and Piggyback in two, and reconstruction by hepaticojejunostomy performed in all. One patient needed a re-transplant and the same patient died one year later. Conclusion: hepatic transplantation due to iatrogenic bile duct injury is more common in those patients who were delayed to be referred to a referral center and who underwent multiple previous surgical procedures.

ANATOMIC VARIATIONS OF HEPATIC ARTERY: A STUDY IN 479 LIVER TRANSPLANTATIONS.

BACKGROUND:: The incidence of anatomic variations of hepatic artery ranges from 20-50% in different series. Variations are especially important in the context of liver orthotopic transplantation, since, besides being an ideal opportunity for surgical anatomical study, their precise identification is crucial to the success of the procedure. AIM:: To identify the anatomical variations in the hepatic arterial system in hepatic transplantation. METHODS:: 479 medical records of transplanted adult patients in the 13-year period were retrospectively analyzed, and collected data on hepatic arterial anatomy of the deceased donor. RESULTS:: It was identified normal hepatic arterial anatomy in 416 donors (86.84%). The other 63 patients (13.15%) showed some variation. According to the Michels classification, the most frequently observed abnormalities were: right hepatic artery branch of superior mesenteric artery (Type III, n=27, 5.63%); left hepatic artery branch of the left gastric artery (Type II, n=13, 2.71%); right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery associated with the left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery (Type IV, n=4, 0.83%). Similarly, in relation to Hiatt classification, the most prevalent changes were: right hepatic accessory artery or substitute of the superior mesenteric artery (Type III, n=28, 6.05%)), followed by liver ancillary left artery or replacement of gastric artery left (Type II, n=16, 3.34. Fourteen donors (2.92%) showed no anatomical abnormalities defined in classifications, the highest frequency being hepatomesenteric trunk identified in five (01.04%). CONCLUSION:: Detailed knowledge of the variations of hepatic arterial anatomy is of utmost importance to surgeons who perform approaches in this area, particularly in liver transplantation, since their identification and proper management are critical to the success of the procedure. RACIONAL:: A incidência das variações anatômicas da artéria hepática varia de 20-50% em diferentes casuísticas. Elas são especialmente importantes no contexto do transplante ortotópico hepático, visto que, além de representar oportunidade ideal para seu estudo anatômico cirúrgico, a sua precisa identificação é determinante para o sucesso do procedimento. OBJETIVO:: Identificar as variações anatômicas no sistema arterial hepático em transplantes hepáticos. MÉTODO:: Foram analisados retrospectivamente, no período de 13 anos, 479 prontuários de pacientes adultos transplantados, sendo coletados dados referentes à anatomia arterial hepática do doador falecido. RESULTADOS:: Identificou-se anatomia arterial hepática normal em 416 doadores (86,84%). Os outros 63 indivíduos (13,15%) apresentaram alguma variação. De acordo com a classificação de Michels, as anomalias mais frequentes foram: artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior (Tipo III, n=27, 5,63%); artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo II, n=13, 2,71%); artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior associada à artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo IV, n=4, 0,83%). Do mesmo modo, em relação à Classificação de Hiatt, as variações mais prevalentes foram: artéria hepática direita acessória ou substituta da artéria mesentérica superior (Tipo III, n=28, 6,05%), seguida da artéria hepática esquerda acessória ou substituta da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo II, n=16, 3,34%). Quatorze pessoas (2,92%) apresentaram alterações anatômicas sem classificação definida, sendo a de maior frequência o tronco hepatomesentérico, identificado em cinco (1,04%). CONCLUSÃO:: O conhecimento detalhado das variações da anatomia arterial hepática é de grande importância aos cirurgiões que realizam abordagens nessa região, em especial no transplante hepático, visto que sua identificação e correto manejo são fundamentais para o êxito do procedimento.

Anatomic variations of hepatic artery: a study in 479 liver transplantations / Variações da anatomia arterial hepática: estudo em 479 transplantes hepáticos

ABSTRACT Background: The incidence of anatomic variations of hepatic artery ranges from 20-50% in different series. Variations are especially important in the context of liver orthotopic transplantation, since, besides being an ideal opportunity for surgical anatomical study, their precise identification is crucial to the success of the procedure. Aim: To identify the anatomical variations in the hepatic arterial system in hepatic transplantation. Methods: 479 medical records of transplanted adult patients in the 13-year period were retrospectively analyzed, and collected data on hepatic arterial anatomy of the deceased donor. Results: It was identified normal hepatic arterial anatomy in 416 donors (86.84%). The other 63 patients (13.15%) showed some variation. According to the Michels classification, the most frequently observed abnormalities were: right hepatic artery branch of superior mesenteric artery (Type III, n=27, 5.63%); left hepatic artery branch of the left gastric artery (Type II, n=13, 2.71%); right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery associated with the left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery (Type IV, n=4, 0.83%). Similarly, in relation to Hiatt classification, the most prevalent changes were: right hepatic accessory artery or substitute of the superior mesenteric artery (Type III, n=28, 6.05%)), followed by liver ancillary left artery or replacement of gastric artery left (Type II, n=16, 3.34. Fourteen donors (2.92%) showed no anatomical abnormalities defined in classifications, the highest frequency being hepatomesenteric trunk identified in five (01.04%). Conclusion: Detailed knowledge of the variations of hepatic arterial anatomy is of utmost importance to surgeons who perform approaches in this area, particularly in liver transplantation, since their identification and proper management are critical to the success of the procedure.

RESUMO Racional: A incidência das variações anatômicas da artéria hepática varia de 20-50% em diferentes casuísticas. Elas são especialmente importantes no contexto do transplante ortotópico hepático, visto que, além de representar oportunidade ideal para seu estudo anatômico cirúrgico, a sua precisa identificação é determinante para o sucesso do procedimento. Objetivo: Identificar as variações anatômicas no sistema arterial hepático em transplantes hepáticos. Método: Foram analisados retrospectivamente, no período de 13 anos, 479 prontuários de pacientes adultos transplantados, sendo coletados dados referentes à anatomia arterial hepática do doador falecido. Resultados: Identificou-se anatomia arterial hepática normal em 416 doadores (86,84%). Os outros 63 indivíduos (13,15%) apresentaram alguma variação. De acordo com a classificação de Michels, as anomalias mais frequentes foram: artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior (Tipo III, n=27, 5,63%); artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo II, n=13, 2,71%); artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior associada à artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo IV, n=4, 0,83%). Do mesmo modo, em relação à Classificação de Hiatt, as variações mais prevalentes foram: artéria hepática direita acessória ou substituta da artéria mesentérica superior (Tipo III, n=28, 6,05%), seguida da artéria hepática esquerda acessória ou substituta da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo II, n=16, 3,34%). Quatorze pessoas (2,92%) apresentaram alterações anatômicas sem classificação definida, sendo a de maior frequência o tronco hepatomesentérico, identificado em cinco (1,04%). Conclusão: O conhecimento detalhado das variações da anatomia arterial hepática é de grande importância aos cirurgiões que realizam abordagens nessa região, em especial no transplante hepático, visto que sua identificação e correto manejo são fundamentais para o êxito do procedimento.

Cisto de colédoco associado à adenocarcinoma de vesícula biliar / Colognic cisto associated with biliary vesicle adenocarcinoma

Os cistos de colédoco são dilatações congênitas dos ductos biliares, que podem ser extra-hepáticos e/ou intra-hepáticos. Mais prevalentes no sexo feminino e na maioria dos casos diagnosticados até a primeira década de vida. É uma entidade pouco frequente que, quando diagnosticada na população adulta, cursa com uma grande frequência de complicações, devendo-se estar atento em especial ao seu alto risco de malignização. Os autores descrevem o caso de uma paciente de 35 anos, do sexo feminino, que iniciou um quadro de dor abdominal inespecífica, sendo identificado um cisto de colédoco associado ao adenocarcinoma de vesícula biliar.

Choledochal cysts are congenital dilatation of the bile ducts, which can be extrahepatic or intrahepatic. They are more prevalent in women, and in most cases diagnosed until the first decade of life. They are a less common entity that, when diagnosed in the adult population, attends with a high frequency of complications, what makes important to be specially attentive to its high risk of malignant transformation. The authors describe the case of a 35 year-old female patient, who started an unspecific abdominal pain, being identified a choledochal cyst associated to a gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Transplante de fígado em paciente com hepatocarcinoma fibrolamelar - relato de caso / Liver transplantation in patient with fibromellar hepatocarcinoma - case report

O hepatocarcinoma fibrolamelar (HCC-FL), variante do hepatocarcinoma (HCC), é uma neoplasia rara, responsável por 0,6-8,6% das neoplasias de origem no hepatócito. O diagnóstico é feito através de exames de imagem e confirmado pelo exame anatomopatológico. O transplante de fígado (TF) apresenta-se como tratamento curativo do HCC-FL. Neste relato, documentou-se um caso de hepatocarcinoma fibrolamelar irressecável tratado, de maneira curativa, com o transplante de fígado.

Fibrolamellar hepatocelullar carcinoma (FHCC), a variant of conventional hepatocelullar neoplasms originated in the carcinoma, is a rare neoplasm, responsible for 0.8-8.6% of all hepatocarcinomas. Diagnose is performed through image scans and confirmed through the anatomopatological examination. Liver ressection and liver transplantation are shown as a curative treatment for the FHCC. In this report, we documented a case of unresectable fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma curatively treated with liver transplantation.

ACUTE APENDICITIS IN LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common cause of emergency surgery that in the population undergoing organ transplantation presents a rare incidence due to late diagnosis and treatment. AIM: To report the occurrence of acute appendicitis in a cohort of liver transplant recipients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis in a period of 12 years among 925 liver transplants, in witch five cases of acute appendicitis were encountered. RESULTS: Appendicitis occurred between three and 46 months after liver transplantation. The age ranged between 15 and 58 years. There were three men and two women. The clinical presentations varied, but not discordant from those found in non-transplanted patients. Pain was a symptom found in all patients, in two cases well located in the right iliac fossa (40%). Two patients had symptoms characteristic of peritoneal irritation (40%) and one patient had abdominal distention (20%). All patients were submitted to laparotomies. In 20% there were no complications. In 80% was performed appendectomy complicated by suppuration (40%) or perforation (40%). Superficial infection of the surgical site occurred in two patients, requiring clinical management. The hospital stay ranged from 48 h to 45 days. CONCLUSION: Acute appendicitis after liver transplantation is a rare event being associated with a high rate of drilling, due to delays in diagnosis and therapy, and an increase in hospital stay.

Acute apendicitis in liver transplant recipients / Apendicite aguda em receptores de transplante de fígado

Background: Appendicitis is a common cause of emergency surgery that in the population undergoing organ transplantation presents a rare incidence due to late diagnosis and treatment. Aim: To report the occurrence of acute appendicitis in a cohort of liver transplant recipients. Methods: Retrospective analysis in a period of 12 years among 925 liver transplants, in witch five cases of acute appendicitis were encountered. Results: Appendicitis occurred between three and 46 months after liver transplantation. The age ranged between 15 and 58 years. There were three men and two women. The clinical presentations varied, but not discordant from those found in non-transplanted patients. Pain was a symptom found in all patients, in two cases well located in the right iliac fossa (40%). Two patients had symptoms characteristic of peritoneal irritation (40%) and one patient had abdominal distention (20%). All patients were submitted to laparotomies. In 20% there were no complications. In 80% was performed appendectomy complicated by suppuration (40%) or perforation (40%). Superficial infection of the surgical site occurred in two patients, requiring clinical management. The hospital stay ranged from 48 h to 45 days. Conclusion: Acute appendicitis after liver transplantation is a rare event being associated with a high rate of drilling, due to delays in diagnosis and therapy, and an increase in hospital stay.

Racional: Apendicite é causa comum de emergência cirúrgica, que na população de indivíduos submetidos ao transplante de órgãos possui incidência rara e atrasos no diagnóstico são frequentes. Objetivo: Relatar a ocorrência de apendicite aguda em uma coorte de pacientes receptores de transplante hepático. Método: Foram analisados retrospectivamente, no período de 12 anos casuística de 925 transplantes de fígado, onde cinco casos de apendicite aguda foram encontrados. Resultados: O aparecimento da apendicite ocorreu entre 3 e 46 meses após o transplante, a idade variou entre 15 e 58 anos; três eram homens (60%) e duas mulheres (40%). As apresentações clínicas foram variadas, mas não discordantes daquelas encontradas em pacientes não transplantados. Dor foi achado presente em todos os pacientes, sendo em dois bem localizada em fossa ilíaca direita (40%). Dois deles apresentaram sintomatologia característica de irritação peritoneal (40%) e um distensão abdominal (20%). Todos foram abordados por laparotomia. Em 20% não houve complicações e em 80% foram realizadas apendicectomias complicadas por supuração (40%) ou perfuração (40%). Infecção do sítio cirúrgico superficial ocorreu em dois pacientes tratados clinicamente. O tempo de alta hospitalar variou de 48 h a 45 dias. Conclusão: A apendicite aguda após transplante hepático é evento raro. Associa-se com alta taxa de perfuração decorrente aos atrasos no diagnóstico e tratamento. Cursa com mais longo internamento hospitalar.

Postoperative kidney injury does not decrease survival after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term survival after conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) without venovenous bypass (VVB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 153 patients with end-stage liver diseases transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the University of Pernambuco, from August, 1999 to December, 2009. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test were applied to explore the association between AKI and long-term patient survival, and multivariate analyses were applied to control the effect of other variables. RESULTS: Over the 12.8-year follow-up, 58.8% patients were alive with a median follow-up of 4.5-year. Patient 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival were 74.5%, 70.6%, 67.9% and 60.1%; respectively. Early postoperative mortality was poorer amongst patients who developed AKI (5.4% vs. 20%, p=0.010), but long-term 5-year survival did not significantly differed between groups (51.4% vs. 65.3%; p=0.077). After multivariate analyses, AKI was not significantly related to long-term survival and only the intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was significantly related to this outcome (non-adjusted Exp[b]=1.072; p=0.045). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury did not independently decrease patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation without venovenous bypass in this data from northeast Brazil.

Postoperative kidney injury does not decrease survival after liver transplantation / Insuficiência renal pós-operatória não diminui a sobrevivência após transplante hepático

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term survival after conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) without venovenous bypass (VVB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 153 patients with end-stage liver diseases transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the University of Pernambuco, from August, 1999 to December, 2009. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test were applied to explore the association between AKI and long-term patient survival, and multivariate analyses were applied to control the effect of other variables. RESULTS: Over the 12.8-year follow-up, 58.8% patients were alive with a median follow-up of 4.5-year. Patient 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival were 74.5%, 70.6%, 67.9% and 60.1%; respectively. Early postoperative mortality was poorer amongst patients who developed AKI (5.4% vs. 20%, p=0.010), but long-term 5-year survival did not significantly differed between groups (51.4% vs. 65.3%; p=0.077). After multivariate analyses, AKI was not significantly related to long-term survival and only the intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was significantly related to this outcome (non-adjusted Exp[b]=1.072; p=0.045). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury did not independently decrease patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation without venovenous bypass in this data from northeast Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Explorar o efeito da insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) na sobrevivência de longo prazo após o transplante hepático convencional ortotópico (THC) sem desvio venovenoso (DVV). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo envolvendo153 pacientes portadores de doença hepática terminal transplantados pelo Departamento de Cirurgia Geral e Transplante Hepático da Universidade de Pernambuco, no período de agosto de 1999 a dezembro de 2009. O método de Kaplan-Meier e o teste log-rank foram aplicados para explorar a associação entre o IRA com a sobrevivência de longo prazo dos pacientes, aplicando-se o modelo multivariado de riscos proporcionais de Cox para controlar o efeito de outras variáveis. RESULTADOS: A proservação atingiu 12,8 anos, durante a qual 58,8% dos pacientes permaneceram vivos com mediana de acompanhamento de 4,5 anos. As taxas de sobrevivência cumulativa de 1 -, 2 -, 3 - e 5 anos foram de 74,5%, 70,6%, 67,9% e 60,1%; respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade pós-operatória precoce foi maior entre os pacientes que desenvolveram IRA (5,4% vs. 20%, p = 0,010), mas a sobrevivência de longoprazoem5 anos não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos (51,4% vs. 65,3%, p = 0,077). Após análise multivariada, a IRA nãofoisignificativamenterelacionado à sobrevivência a longo prazo e apenas transfusão intra-operatório de hemácias foi significativamente relacionado com este desfecho (Exp [b] não-ajustado = 1,072, p = 0,045). CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda pós-operatória não diminuiu de forma independente a sobrevivência dos pacientes após transplante hepático convencional sem desvio venovenoso nesta casuística do nordeste do Brasileiro.