New therapeutic strategy with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory hepatopulmonary syndrome after liver transplant: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of published literature about treatment of refractory hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) after liver transplant (LT), this case adds information and experience on this issue along with a treatment with positive outcomes. HPS is a complication of end-stage liver disease, with a 10%-30% incidence in cirrhotic patients. LT can reverse the physiopathology of this process and restore normal oxygenation. However, in some cases, refractory hypoxemia persists, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used as a rescue therapy with good results. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old patient with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension was included in the LT waiting list for HPS. He had good liver function (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score 12, Child-Pugh class B7). He had pulmonary fibrosis and a mild restrictive respiratory pattern with a basal oxygen saturation of 82%. The macroaggregated albumin test result was > 30. Spirometry demon strated a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of 78%, forced vital capacity (FVC) of 74%, FEV1/FVC ratio of 81%, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of 42%, and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient of 57%. He required domiciliary oxygen at 2 L/min (16 h/d). The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and extubated in the first 24 h, needing high-flow therapy and non-invasive ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide afterwards. Reintubation was needed after 72 h. Due to the non-response to supportive therapies, installation of ECMO was decided with progressive recovery after 9 d. Extubation was possible on the tenth day, maintaining a high-flow nasal cannula and de-escalating to conventional oxygen therapy after 48 h. He was discharged from ICU on postoperative day (POD) 20 with a 90%-92% oxygen saturation. Steroid recycling was needed twice for acute rejection. The patient was discharged from hospital on POD 27 with no symptoms, with an 89%-90% oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION: Due to the favorable results observed, ECMO could become the central axis of treatment of HPS and refractory hypoxemia after LT.

Implementación del protocolo ERAS en ancianos sometidos a resección hepática / Implementation of an ERAS protocol on elderly patients in liver resection

Introducción: El aumento en la calidad de vida, la mejora en los cuidados perioperatorios, la aplicación del concepto de fragilidad y un mayor desarrollo de técnicas quirúrgicas permite a pacientes ancianos el acceso a la cirugía hepática. Sin embargo, la edad sigue siendo limitante para la implementación de protocolos ERAS en este grupo. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar la implementación del protocolo ERAS en pacientes ancianos (≥70años) sometidos a resecciones hepáticas. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluye pacientes intervenidos de resección hepática durante diciembre de 2017 a diciembre de 2019 sometidos a un programa ERAS, comparando los resultados de pacientes ≥70años (G≥70) frente a <70años (G<70). La fragilidad se midió con el score Physical Frailty Phenotype. Resultados: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes, de los que 32 (31,6%) correspondieron a G≥70. El 90% de ambos grupos verificaron realizar >70% del ERAS. Se encontraron diferencias a favor del G<70 en el inicio de tolerancia y la movilización activa el primer día postoperatorio. La estancia postoperatoria fue superponible (3,07días vs 2,7días). La morbimortalidad fue similar; ClavienI-II (G≥70: 41% vs G<70: 30,5%) y ≥III (G≥70: 6% vs G<70: 8,5%), al igual que los reingresos. La mortalidad global fue <1%. El cumplimiento del ERAS se asoció a un descenso en las complicaciones (ERAS <70%: 80% vs ERAS >90%: 20%; p=0,02) y de la gravedad de las mismas en la serie global y en ambos grupos a estudio. El 6% del G≥70 presentó fragilidad; el único paciente fallecido alcanzó un índice de fragilidad de 4. Conclusión: Los pacientes ancianos son candidatos a entrar en protocolo ERAS obteniendo una rápida recuperación, sin aumentar la morbimortalidad ni los reingresos. (AU)

Background: The increase of quality of life, the improvement in the perioperative care programs, the use of the frailty index, and the surgical innovation has allowed to access of complex abdominal surgery for elderly patients like liver resection. Despite of this, in patients aged 70 or older there is a limitation for the implementation ERAS protocols. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation ERAS protocol on elderly patients (≥70years) undergoing liver resection. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients who underwent liver resection from December 2017 to December 2019 with an ERAS program. We compare the outcomes in patients ≥70years (G≥70) versus <70years (G<70). The frailty was measured with the Physical Frailty Phenotype score. Results: A total of 101 patients were included; 32 of these (31.6%) were patients ≥70years. 90% of the both groups had performed >70% of the ERAS. Oral diet tolerance and mobilization on the first postoperative day were quicker in <70years group. The hospital stay was similar in both groups (3.07days/2.7days). Morbidity and mortality were similar; ClavienI-II (G≥70: 41% vs G<70: 30.5%) and Clavien ≥III (G≥70: 6% vs G<70: 8.5%), like hospital readmissions. Mortality was <1%. ERAS protocol compliance was associated with a decrease in complications (ERAS <70%: 80% vs ERAS >90%: 20%; p=0.02) and decrease in severity of complications in both study groups. Frailty was found in 6% of the elderly group; the only patient who died had a frailty index of 4. Conclusion: Implementation of ERAS protocol for elderly patients is possible, with major improvements in perioperative outcomes, without an increase in morbidity, mortality neither readmissions. (AU)

Implementation of an ERAS protocol on elderly patients in liver resection.

BACKGROUND: The increase of quality of life, the improvement in the perioperative care programs, the use of the frailty index, and the surgical innovation has allowed to access of complex abdominal surgery for elderly patients like liver resection. Despite of this, in patients aged 70 or older there is a limitation for the implementation ERAS protocolos. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation ERAS protocol on elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing liver resection. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients who underwent liver resection from December 2017 to December 2019 with an ERAS program. We compare the outcomes in patients ≥70 years (G ≥ 70) versus <70 years (G < 70). The frailty was measured with the Physical Frailty Phenotype score. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were included. 32 of these (31.6%) were patients ≥70 years. 90% of the both groups had performed >70% of the ERAS. Oral diet tolerance and mobilization on the first postoperative day were quicker in <70 years group. The hospital stay was similar in both groups (3.07days/2.7days). Morbidity and mortality were similar; Clavien I-II(G ≥ 70:41% vs G < 70:30,5%) and Clavien ≥ III (G ≥ 70:6% vs G < 70:8.5%), like hospital readmissions. Mortality was <1%. ERAS protocol compliance was associated with a decrease in complications (ERAS < 70%:80% vs ERAS > 90%:20%; p = 0.02) and decrease in severity of complications in both study groups. Frailty was found in 6% of the elderly group; the only patient who died had a frailty index of 4. CONCLUSION: Implementation of ERAS protocol for elderly patients is possible, with major improvements in perioperative outcomes, without an increase in morbidity, mortality neither readmissions.

Treatment of acute intraoperative Budd-Chiari syndrome by placement of silicone prosthesis.

Complete liver mobilization for major resections sometimes causes liver tilting due to the release of the suspensory elements of the liver. Rarely this may take to a liver abnormal position with acute obstruction to venous flow at the suprahepatic level (Budd-Chiari syndrome). To avoid this complication, techniques such as post-operative stent implantation have been described. The case of a patient who underwent a complete mobilization of the liver for resection of the inferior venous cava and a right renal tumor, was reported. After that, an acute Budd-Chiari Syndrome was observed caused of the liver malposition, which was solved with the placement of two silicone prostheses in the liver cell.

Does Normothermic Regional Perfusion Improve the Results of Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: The so-called grafts or donors with extended criteria are a risk factor for the development of liver transplant activity. One source comes from controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD). The hypothesis was to verify the improvement in results by comparing DCD liver transplants performed with postmortem normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) vs super-rapid recovery (SRR), the current standard for cDCD. A prospective study comparing both techniques was carried out. METHODS: A total of 42 transplants were performed with cDCD, 22 of which were with SRR and 23 with NRP from April 2014 to September 2019. RESULTS: Differences were found in early allograft dysfunction (68.1% in the SRR group vs 25% in the NRP group; P < .01) and biliary complications (22.7% vs 5%, respectively; P = .04). Differences were also found, although not statistically significant, in ischemic cholangiopathy (13.6% in the SRR group vs 5% in the NRP group; P = .09), and retransplant rate (9.1% vs 0%, respectively; P = .3). CONCLUSIONS: With the use of NRP machines, results are similar to the standard donation with donors in brain death in terms of rate of early allograft dysfunction and survival of the patient and graft attempted, reducing the rate of ischemic cholangiopathy compared with SRR.

Influence of Bile Duct Diameter on Biliary Complications After Liver Transplantation.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation have a high incidence of and a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The primary aim of this study was to assess the influence of bile duct diameter on biliary complications and to determine whether a critical diameter for such complications could be determined. The secondary aim was to identify additional factors associated with biliary complications. Two hundred and seventy-three recipients of liver transplantation with biliary anastomosis without a T-tube were analyzed from December 2013 to December 2018. Patients with a follow-up of less than 6 months were excluded, except for those with biliary complications (including death). Intraoperative measurements of bile duct diameter and other variables potentially related to complications were recorded prospectively, and their association with biliary complications was analyzed. Our results show that neither donor nor recipient bile duct diameters were risk factors for the development of biliary complications. However, bile duct size mismatch between recipient and donor was found to be a risk factor. Additional associated risk factors were arterial ischemia time, arterial complications, bench arterial reconstruction, and intraoperative blood transfusion.

Influence of Preoperative Muscle Mass Assessed by Computed Tomography on Prognosis After Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia (SP) and preoperative muscle mass are independent predictive factors for short- and long-term outcome of liver transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of muscle mass index (MMI) and preoperative SP on the prognosis of patients who underwent liver transplantation in our hospital. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients who underwent liver transplantation in the Regional University Hospital of Málaga from September 2013 to March 2016 were analyzed. SP was determined based on the MMI, as assessed by psoas muscle area at the L4 level measured by computed tomography (CT), with adjustment for patient sex. Two cohorts were differentiated: 54 patients without SP and 42 patients with SP. Postoperative complications, graft survival, and patient survival were assessed. A 3-year follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: Recipient characteristics were similar in both cohorts, except for MMI ± SD (group without SP: 94.03 ± 15.43 cm2/m2 vs group with SP: 56.99 ± 13.59 cm2/m2; P = .001). The incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien ≥ 3) in patients with and without SP was 39.5% and 24.1%, respectively (P = .08). SP was not associated with poorer long-term graft or patient survival. CONCLUSIONS: SP, determined by preoperative measurement of MMI, was identified as a predictive factor associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Since MMI can be easily determined by CT, it should be assessed in all candidates for liver transplantation.

Predictive Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) is a curative treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are not candidates for resection. Despite the generalized use of the Milan criteria and up-to-seven criteria, new markers have been proposed to predict recurrence after LT. Biomarkers such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and scores such as the Model of Recurrence After Liver transplantation (MORAL) are used as predictors of post-LT recurrence. OBJECTIVE: We aim to compare NLR, PLR, and MORAL score with Milan criteria and up-to-seven criteria. METHODS: A descriptive study of 99 patients who underwent LT for hepatocellular carcinoma in our hospital between April 2010 and April 2016. The 5 prognostic models were applied to the patients to stratify them into risk groups. We used a Kaplan-Meier survival plot to measure recurrence-free survival in each model. Receiver operative curves were used to compare the models. RESULTS: Three-year recurrence-free survival in MORAL was 91.1% for the low-risk group, 89.8% for the moderate-risk group, 60% for the high-risk group, and 75% for the very high-risk group (P = .003). The combined MORAL score was superior in predicting 1- and 3-year recurrence with the area under the curve 0.684 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-0.85) compared with Milan (0.536 [95% CI: 0.37-0.70]), up-to-seven (0.601 [95% CI: 0.43-0.77]), PLR (0.452 [95% CI: 0.30-0.61]), and NLR (0.542 [95% CI: 0.37-0.71]). CONCLUSIONS: A model based only on pre-LT radiological signs leads to underdiagnosis of tumor load; therefore, the risk of recurrence must be recalculated after LT. The combined MORAL score was the best prognostic model of 1- and 3-year recurrence after LT in our study.

Immediate post-operative complications (I): Post-operative bleeding; vascular origin: Thrombosis pancreatitis.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for insulin-dependent diabetes that associates end-stage diabetic nephropathy, since it achieves not only a clear improvement in the quality of life, but also provides a long-term survival advantage over isolated kidney transplant. However, pancreas transplantation still has the highest rate of surgical complications among organ transplants. More than 70% of early graft losses are attributed to technical failures, that is, to a non-immunological cause. The so-called technical failures include graft thrombosis, bleeding, infection, pancreatitis, anastomotic leak and pancreatic fistula. Pancreatic graft thrombosis leads these technical complications as the most frequent cause of early graft loss. Currently most recipients receive postoperative anticoagulation with the aim of reducing the rate of thrombosis. Hemoperitoneum in the early postoperative period is a frequent cause of relaparotomy, but it is not usually associated with graft loss. The incidence of hemoperitoneum is clearly related to the use of anticoagulation in the postoperative period. Post-transplant pancreatitis is another cause of early postoperative complications, less frequent than the previous. In this review, we analyze the most common surgical complications that determine pancreatic graft losses.

Estudio cooperativo del Grupo Español de Trasplante de Páncreas (GETP): complicaciones quirúrgicas / Cooperative study of the Spanish Pancreas Transplant Group (GETP): Surgical complications

El fracaso técnico en el trasplante de páncreas ha sido el principal responsable de la pérdida de los injertos. Desde hace unos años, el número de complicaciones se han reducido, y por tanto, la proporción de este problema. Objetivos El Grupo Español del Trasplante de Páncreas se plantea como objetivo de este estudio analizar la situación actual con relación a las complicaciones quirúrgicas y su gravedad. Material y métodos Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico con 10 centros participantes, con un total de 410 pacientes trasplantados de páncreas entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2013. Resultados Un total de 316 trasplantes fueron simultáneos con riñón, 66 después de riñón, 10 solo de páncreas, 7 multiviscerales y 11 retrasplantes. El porcentaje de complicaciones quirúrgicas fue del 39% (161 pacientes). Un 7% de trombosis vasculares, 13% de hemorragias, 6% de pancreatitis del injerto, 12% de infecciones quirúrgicas y otras en menor proporción. Las reintervenciones alcanzaron el 25%. La gravedad de las complicaciones fueron del tipo iiib (13%), del tipo ii (12%) y del tipo iva (8,5%). La pérdida del injerto fue del 8%. La mortalidad precoz del 0,5%. Las operaciones por complicaciones tardías fueron el 17%. Conclusiones El número de complicaciones quirúrgicas tras el trasplante no es desdeñable: afectan a uno de cada 3 pacientes, son graves en uno de cada 5 y con pérdida del injerto en uno de cada 10 pacientes. Por tanto, sigue existiendo un porcentaje significativo de complicaciones quirúrgicas en este tipo de actividad, como se demuestra en nuestro país

Technical failure in pancreas transplant has been the main cause of the loss of grafts. In the last few years, the number of complications has reduced, and therefore the proportion of this problem. Objetives The Spanish Pancreas Transplant Group wanted to analyze the current situation with regard to surgical complications and their severity. Material and methods A retrospective and multicenter study was performed. 10 centers participated, with a total of 410 pancreas transplant recipients between January and December 2013. Results A total of 316 transplants were simultaneous with kidney, 66 after kidney, pancreas-only 10, 7 multivisceral and 11 retrasplants. Surgical complication rates were 39% (n = 161). A total of 7% vascular thrombosis, 13% bleeding, 6% the graft pancreatitis, 12% surgical infections and others to a lesser extent. Relaparotomy rate was 25%. The severity of complications were of type IIIB (13%), type II (12%) and type IVA (8.5%). Graft loss was 8%. Early mortality was 0.5%. The percentage of operations for late complications was 17%. Conclusions The number of surgical complications after transplantation is not negligible, affecting one in 3 patients. They are severe in one out of 5 and, in one of every 10 patients graft loss occurs. Therefore, there is still a significant percentage of surgical complications in this type of activity, as shown in our country

Cooperative Study of the Spanish Pancreas Transplant Group (GETP): Surgical Complications.

UNLABELLED: Technical failure in pancreas transplant has been the main cause of the loss of grafts. In the last few years, the number of complications has reduced, and therefore the proportion of this problem. OBJECTIVES: The Spanish Pancreas Transplant Group wanted to analyze the current situation with regard to surgical complications and their severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective and multicenter study was performed. 10 centers participated, with a total of 410 pancreas transplant recipients between January and December 2013. RESULTS: A total of 316 transplants were simultaneous with kidney, 66 after kidney, pancreas-only 10, 7 multivisceral and 11 retrasplants. Surgical complication rates were 39% (n=161). A total of 7% vascular thrombosis, 13% bleeding, 6% the graft pancreatitis, 12% surgical infections and others to a lesser extent. Relaparotomy rate was 25%. The severity of complications were of type IIIb (13%), type II (12%) and type IVa (8.5%). Graft loss was 8%. Early mortality was 0.5%. The percentage of operations for late complications was 17%. CONCLUSIONS: The number of surgical complications after transplantation is not negligible, affecting one in 3 patients. They are severe in one out of 5 and, in one of every 10 patients graft loss occurs. Therefore, there is still a significant percentage of surgical complications in this type of activity, as shown in our country.

Risk factors and classifications of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin tumor represents more than 50% of all biliary tract cholangiocarcinomas. A wide range of risk factors have been identified among patients with Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma including advanced age, male gender, primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal cysts, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, parasitic infection (Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis), inflammatory bowel disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, nonalcoholic cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis and metabolic syndrome. Various classifications have been used to describe the pathologic and radiologic appearance of cholangiocarcinoma. The three systems most commonly used to evaluate Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are the Bismuth-Corlette (BC) system, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the TNM classification. The BC classification provides preoperative assessment of local spread. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center proposes a staging system according to three factors related to local tumor extent: the location and extent of bile duct involvement, the presence or absence of portal venous invasion, and the presence or absence of hepatic lobar atrophy. The TNM classification, besides the usual descriptors, tumor, node and metastases, provides additional information concerning the possibility for the residual tumor (R) and the histological grade (G). Recently, in 2011, a new consensus classification for the Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma had been published. The consensus was organised by the European Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association which identified the need for a new staging system for this type of tumors. The classification includes information concerning biliary or vascular (portal or arterial) involvement, lymph node status or metastases, but also other essential aspects related to the surgical risk, such as remnant hepatic volume or the possibility of underlying disease.

Pronostico del injerto pancreático tras perdida del injerto renal por causas técnicas en el trasplante simultáneo de páncreas-riñón / Renal-pancreas transplant: prognosis of the pancreas after technical failure of the kidney

No disponible

Fast-track program in laparoscopic liver surgery: Theory or fact?

AIM: To analyze our results after the introduction of a fast-track (FT) program after laparoscopic liver surgery in our Hepatobiliarypancreatic Unit. METHODS: All patients (43) undergoing laparoscopic liver surgery between March 2004 and March 2010 were included and divided into two consecutive groups: Control group (CG) from March 2004 until December 2006 with traditional perioperative cares (17 patients) and fast-track group (FTG) from January 2007 until March 2010 with FT program cares (26 patients). Primary endpoint was the influence of the program on the postoperative stay, the amount of re-admissions, morbidity and mortality. Secondarily we considered duration of surgery, use of drains, conversion to open surgery, intensive cares needs and transfusion. RESULTS: Both groups were homogeneous in age and sex. No differences in technique, time of surgery or conversion to open surgery were found, but more malignant diseases were operated in the FTG, and then transfusions were higher in FTG. Readmissions and morbidity were similar in both groups, without mortality. Postoperative stay was similar, with a median of 3 for CG vs 2.5 for FTG. However, the 80.8% of patients from FTG left the hospital within the first 3 d after surgery (58.8% for CG). CONCLUSION: The introduction of a FT program after laparoscopic liver surgery improves the recovery of patients without increasing complications or re-admissions, which leads to a reduction of the stay and costs.

[Solid organ transection. Open and laparoscopic surgery]. / Transección de órganos sólidos. Cirugía abierta y laparoscópica.

Recent advances in liver surgery have reduced post-hepatectomy mortality to less than 5% in most units specialized in hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery. Possibly, the single most important factor contributing to these improved results has been the reduction in intraoperative bleeding during liver parenchymal transection. Liver transection is the most risky part of the intervention due to the risk of massive hemorrhage. Some technological advances and refinements to the surgical technique have contributed to making this critical phase of liver surgery safer. Among these advances, the most notable are detailed knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the liver, vascular control techniques and methods of liver parenchymal transection. The present review describes current transection techniques, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Until there is solid evidence on the best method, the choice of technique and instrument for liver transection depends mainly on the surgeon's personal preference. Nevertheless, some factors can influence the choice of method, such as the surgeon's experience, anesthetic management, type of hepatectomy (central, peripheral), type of approach (open, laparoscopic), quality of the liver (normal, cirrhotic, steatotic) and the availability of the instruments in the center.

Transección de órganos sólidos. Cirugía abierta y laparoscópica / Solid organ transection. Open and laparoscopic surgery

Los avances recientes en la cirugía hepática han contribuido a que la mortalidad tras las hepatectomías sea inferior al 5% en la mayoría de las unidades especializadas en cirugía HPB. Posiblemente, el factor aislado más importante que ha contribuido a esta mejoría de resultados ha sido la reducción de la hemorragia intraoperatoria durante la transección del parénquima hepático. La transección hepática es la parte de la operación más comprometida debido al riesgo de que se pueda producir una hemorragia masiva. Algunos avances tecnológicos y refinamientos de la técnica quirúrgica han contribuido a hacer más segura esta fase crítica de la cirugía hepática. De estos avances, los más notables son el conocimiento detallado de la anatomía quirúrgica del hígado, las técnicas de control vascular y los métodos de transección del parénquima hepático. En esta revisión se describen cuáles son las técnicas actuales de transección, así como sus ventajas e inconvenientes. Hasta que no exista una evidencia muy sólida sobre el mejor método, la elección de una técnica y un instrumento para la transección hepática depende fundamentalmente de la preferencia persona ldel cirujano. No obstante, algunos factores pueden influir en la selección de un método u otro, tales como la experiencia del cirujano, el manejo anestésico, el tipo de hepatectomía (central, periférica), el tipo de abordaje (abierto, laparoscópico), la calidad del hígado (normal, cirrótico, esteatósico) y la propia disponibilidad de los instrumentos en el centro (AU)

Recent advances in liver surgery have reduced post-hepatectomy mortality to less than5% in most units specialized in hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery. Possibly, the single most important factor contributing to these improved results has been the reduction inintraoperative bleeding during liver parenchymal transection. Liver transection is the most risky part of the intervention due to the risk of massive hemorrhage. Some technological advances and refinements to the surgical technique have contributed to making this critical phase of liver surgery safer. Among these advances, the most notable are detailed knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the liver, vascular control techniques and methods of liver parenchymal transection. The present review describes current transection techniques, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Until there is solid evidence on the best method, the choice of technique and instrument for liver transection depends mainly on the surgeon’s personal preference. Nevertheless, some factors can influence the choice of method, such as the surgeon’s experience, anesthetic management, type of hepatectomy (central, peripheral), type of approach (open, laparoscopic), quality of the liver (normal, cirrhotic, steatotic) and the availability of the instruments in the center (AU)

[Detection of neoplastic lesions in cirrhotic patients waiting for liver transplantation]. / Detección de lesiones neoplásicas en pacientes cirróticos candidatos a trasplante hepático.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a frequent complication of cirrhosis. Liver transplantation is a valid therapeutic option for this disease providing that certain morphologic selection criteria (Milan criteria) are fulfilled. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of pretransplantation imaging examinations in the detection and characterization of neoplastic lesions in cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective study of 250 cirrhotic patients who underwent liver transplantation. The preoperative radiological diagnosis was compared with the definitive pathological diagnosis, allowing the diagnostic sensitivity of the different techniques, as well as the degree of agreement between pre- and postoperative tumoral staging, to be identified. RESULTS: Analysis of 250 specimens from total hepatectomy identified 58 patients with hepatic tumors, with a total of 136 nodules. Fifty-three patients had hepatocarcinoma, nine of which were found incidentally. There were six radiological false positive diagnoses. Sixty-two percent of patients with hepatocarcinoma had multiple lesions. The most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of tumors smaller than 1 cm was magnetic resonance imaging. Agreement between pre- and postoperative staging was found in only 63.6% of cases; consequently, 43% of the patients who exceeded the Milan criteria (20% stage T3 and 23% stage T4a) underwent transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Currently used imaging techniques lead to a substantial proportion of incorrect stagings in terms of the size and number of lesions in cirrhotic patients.