Predictive value of early postoperative lactate (<6†h) during normothermic machine perfusion and outcome after liver transplantation: results from a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers with strong predictive capacity towards transplantation outcome for livers undergoing normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) are needed. We investigated lactate clearing capacity as a basic function of liver viability during the first 6 h of NMP. METHODS: A trial conducted in 6 high-volume transplant centres in Europe. All centres applied a back-to-base NMP approach with the OrganOx metra system. Perfusate lactate levels at start, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h of NMP were assessed individually and as area under the curve (AUC) and correlated with EAD (early allograft dysfunction), MEAF (model for early allograft function) and modified L-GrAFT (liver graft assessment following transplantation) scores. RESULTS: A total of 509 livers underwent ≥6 h of NMP before transplantation in 6 centres in the UK, Germany and Austria. The donor age was 53 (40-63) years (median, i.q.r.).The total NMP time was 10.8 (7.9-15.7) h. EAD occurred in 26%, MEAF was 4.72 (3.54-6.05) and L-GrAFT10 -0.96 (-1.52--0.32). Lactate at 1, 2 and 6 h correlated with increasing robustness with MEAF. Rather than a binary assessment with a cut-off value at 2 h, the actual 2 h lactate level correlated with the MEAF (P = 0.0306 versus P = 0.0002, Pearson r = 0.01087 versus r = 0.1734). The absolute lactate concentration at 6 h, the AUC of 0-6 h and 1-6 h (P < 0.0001, r = 0.3176) were the strongest predictors of MEAF. CONCLUSION: Lactate measured 1-6 h and lactate levels at 6 h correlate strongly with risk of liver allograft dysfunction upon transplantation. The robustness of predicting MEAF by lactate increases with perfusion duration. Monitoring lactate levels should be extended to at least 6 h of NMP routinely to improve clinical outcome.

Imaging-based diagnosis of sarcopenia for transplant-free survival in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Imaging-based assessment of sarcopenia is a well-validated prognostic tool for patients with chronic liver disease. However, little is known about its value in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the cross-sectional imaging-based skeletal muscle index (SMI) for transplant-free survival (TFS) in patients with PSC. METHODS: A total of 95 patients with PSC who underwent abdominal cross-sectional imaging between 2008 and 2022 were included in this retrospective study. SMI was measured at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3-SMI). The cut-off values to define sarcopenia were < 50 cm²/m² in male patients and < 39 cm²/m² in female patients. The primary outcome of this study was TFS, which was defined as survival without liver transplantation or death from any cause. RESULTS: Our study indicates that L3-SMI sarcopenia impairs TFS in patients with PSC (5-year TFS: 33.9% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.001, log-rank test). L3-SMI sarcopenia was independently associated with reduced TFS via multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR = 2.749; p = 0.028). Body mass index reduction > 10% at 12 months, which is used as MELD standard exception (SE) criterion in Eurotransplant (in Germany only until September 2023), was not significantly associated with TFS in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR = 1.417; p = 0.330). Substitution of BMI reduction with L3-SMI in the German SE criteria improved the predictive accuracy of TFS compared to the established SE criteria (multivariable Cox regression analysis: HR = 4.007, p < 0.001 vs. HR = 1.691, p = 0.141). CONCLUSION: Imaging-based diagnosis of sarcopenia via L3-SMI is associated with a low TFS in patients with PSC and may provide additional benefits as a prognostic factor in patient selection for liver transplantation.

Effect of Donor Cigarette Smoking in Kidney Transplantation: Re-Evaluation of Long-Term Outcomes.

Cigarette smoking is a common risk factor associated with negative long-term outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. However, whether donor smoking decreases graft longevity or negatively impacts recipient survival after kidney transplantation remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the long-term outcome in patients who received a kidney graft from a deceased smoking or non-smoking donor. A total of 580 patients were divided into two groups: patients who received a graft from a smoking donor (n = 276) and those who received a graft from a non-smoking donor (n = 304). Analysis of demographic factors showed that the non-smoking cohort was older, had more extended criteria donors and longer warm ischemia times. The primary composite endpoint of patient and graft survival was better in the smoking donor cohort when analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method but not when controlled for covariates in multivariate analyses. These findings do not support a previously reported negative impact of deceased donor smoking on kidney transplant recipients. Thus, the underlying results should not be interpreted in favor of a positive donor smoking history, but rather remind the transplant community that donor smoking should not be considered as a deciding factor in refusing an otherwise acceptable kidney graft.

The role of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for the treatment of primary and secondary peritoneal malignancies-experience from a tertiary care center in Germany.

PURPOSE: Peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) are commonly known to have a dismal prognosis. Over the past decades, novel techniques such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS), hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) have been introduced for the treatment of PSM which could improve the overall survival and quality of life of patients with PSM. The decision to proceed with CRS and HIPEC is often challenging due the complexity of the disease, the extent of the procedure, associated side effects, and potential risks. Here, we present our experience with CRS and HIPEC to add to the ongoing discussion about eligibility criteria, technical approach, and expected outcomes and contribute to the evolution of this powerful and promising tool in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with primary and secondary PSM. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted and included a total of 40 patients treated with CRS and HIPEC from April 2020 to September 2022 at the University Hospital Münster Department of Surgery. All patients had histologically confirmed primary or secondary peritoneal malignancies of various primary origins. RESULTS: Our study included 22 patients with peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer (55%), 8 with pseudomyxoma peritonei (20%), 4 with mesothelioma of the peritoneum (10%), and 6 patients with PSM originating from other primary tumor locations. Median PCI at time of cytoreduction was 4 (0-25). Completeness of cytoreduction score was 0 in 37 patients (92.5%), 1 in two patients (5%), and 2 in one patient (2.5%). Median overall survival across all patients was 3.69 years. CONCLUSION: Complete cytoreduction during CRS and HIPEC can be achieved for patients with low PCI, for patients with high PCI in low-grade malignancies, and even for patients with initially high PCI in high-grade malignancies following a significant reduction of cancer burden due to extensive preoperative treatment with PIPAC and systemic chemotherapy.

Multi-organ Radiomics-Based Prediction of Future Remnant Liver Hypertrophy Following Portal Vein Embolization.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used to induce remnant liver hypertrophy prior to major hepatectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of baseline computed tomography (CT) data for future remnant liver (FRL) hypertrophy after PVE. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all consecutive patients undergoing right-sided PVE with or without hepatic vein embolization between 2018 and 2021 were included. CT volumetry was performed before and after PVE to assess standardized FRL volume (sFRLV). Radiomic features were extracted from baseline CT after segmenting liver (without tumor), spleen and bone marrow. For selecting features that allow classification of response (hypertrophy ≥ 1.33), a stepwise dimension reduction was performed. Logistic regression models were fitted and selected features were tested for their predictive value. Decision curve analysis was performed on the test dataset. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients with liver tumor were included in this study. sFRLV increased significantly after PVE, with a mean hypertrophy of FRL of 1.5 ± 0.3-fold. sFRLV hypertrophy ≥ 1.33 was reached in 35 (66%) patients. Three independent radiomic features, i.e. liver-, spleen- and bone marrow-associated, differentiated well between responders and non-responders. A logistic regression model revealed the highest accuracy (area under the curve 0.875) for the prediction of response, with sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.5. Decision curve analysis revealed a positive net benefit when applying the model. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study provides first evidence of a potential predictive value of baseline multi-organ radiomics CT data for FRL hypertrophy after PVE.

Impact of dose escalation on colostomy-free survival and treatment outcome in squamous cell anal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Primary radiochemotherapy (RCT) constitutes the standard of care for early- and advanced-stage anal carcinoma. This retrospective study investigates the impact of dose escalation on colostomy-free survival (CFS), overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS), and acute and late toxicities in patients with squamous cell anal cancer. METHODS: Considered were the outcomes of 87 patients with anal cancer treated with radiation/RCT between May 2004 and January 2020 at our institution. Toxicities were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE version 5.0). RESULTS: The 87 patients received treatment with a median boost of 63 Gy to the primary tumor. With a median follow-up of 32 months, the 3­year CFS, OS, LRC, and PFS were 79.5%, 71.4%, 83.9%, and 78.5%, respectively. Tumor relapse occurred in 13 patients (14.9%). Dose escalation to > 63 Gy (maximum 66.6 Gy) to the primary tumor in 38/87 patients revealed a nonsignificant trend for improved 3­year CFS (82.4% vs. 97%, P = 0.092), a significantly improved CFS for T2/T3 tumors (72.6% vs. 100%, P = 0.008), and a significantly improved 3­year PFS for T1/T2 tumors (76.7% vs. 100%, P = 0.035). While acute toxicities did not differ, dose escalation > 63 Gy led to a higher rate of chronic skin toxicities (43.8% vs. 69%, P = 0.042). Treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) showed a significant improvement in 3­year OS (75.4% vs. 53.8%, P = 0.048). In multivariate analysis, significant improvements for T1/T2 tumors (CFS, OS, LRC, PFS), G1/2 tumors (PFS), and IMRT (OS) were shown. The nonsignificant trend for CFS improvement with dose escalation > 63 Gy was also apparent in multivariate analysis (P = 0.067). CONCLUSION: Dose escalation > 63 Gy (maximum 66.6 Gy) may improve CFS and PFS for certain subgroups, with a concomitant increase in chronic skin toxicities. Modern IMRT seems to be associated with an improvement in OS.

Excellent efficacy and beneficial safety during observational 5-year follow-up of rapid steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation (Harmony FU study).

BACKGROUND: We previously reported excellent efficacy and improved safety aspects of rapid steroid withdrawal (RSWD) in the randomized controlled 1-year "Harmony" trial with 587 predominantly deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients randomized either to basiliximab or rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction therapy and compared with standard immunosuppressive therapy consisting of basiliximab, low tacrolimus once daily, mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. METHODS: The 5-year post-trial follow-up (FU) data were obtained in an observational manner at a 3- and a 5-year visit only for those Harmony patients who consented to participate and covered clinical events that occurred from the second year onwards. RESULTS: Biopsy-proven acute rejection and death-censored graft loss rates remained low and independent of RSWD. Rapid steroid withdrawal was an independent positive factor for patient survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.554, 95% confidence interval 0.314-0.976; P = .041).The reduced incidence of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus in RSWD patients during the original 1-year study period was not compensated by later incidences during FU. Incidences of other important outcome parameters such as opportunistic infections, malignancies, cardiovascular morbidity/risk factors, donor-specific antibody formation or kidney function did not differ during FU period. CONCLUSIONS: With all the limitations of a post-trial FU study, the Harmony FU data confirm excellent efficacy and beneficial safety aspects of RSWD under modern immunosuppressive therapy over the course of 5 years after kidney transplantation in an immunologically low-risk, elderly population of Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: Investigator Initiated Trial (NCT00724022, FU study DRKS00005786).

Donor Proteinuria and Allograft Function in Kidney Transplantation: Short- and Long-Term Results From a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Donor proteinuria (DP) is a common but rarely evaluated aspect of today's kidney transplant allocation process. While proteinuria after kidney transplantation is a risk factor for impaired graft function and survival, the long-term effects of DP in kidney transplantation have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of DP on the long-term outcome after kidney transplantation. A total of 587 patients were found to be eligible and were stratified into two groups: (1) those receiving a graft from a donor without proteinuria (DP-) and (2) those receiving a graft from a donor with proteinuria (DP+). At 36 months, there was no difference in the primary composite endpoint including graft loss and patient survival (log-rank test, p = 0.377). However, the analysis of DP+ subgroups showed a significant decrease in overall patient survival in the group with high DP (p = 0.017). DP did not adversely affect patient or graft survival over 36 months. Nevertheless, this work revealed a trend towards decreased overall survival of patients with severe proteinuria in the subgroup analysis. Therefore, the underlying results suggest caution in allocating kidneys from donors with high levels of proteinuria.

Clinical impact of a celiac axis stenosis in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.

BACKGROUND: Celiac axis stenosis (CAS) often is an incidental finding in terms of diagnostic for hepatobiliary surgery since most cases remain asymptomatic. It remains unclear whether CAS is a risk factor for postoperative complications after hepatobiliary surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an asymptomatic CAS on the postoperative morbidity and survival of patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed CT scans and clinicopathological data of 250 consecutive patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery between 2011 and 2018 in our tertiary center. We compared the postoperative course between patients with and without an incidental CAS as well as their overall survival. RESULTS: CAS was caused by atherosclerotic stenosis in 16 (64%) patients, by ligamentous stenosis in 4 (16%) and by combined conditions in 5 cases (20%). Mean age of patients in the CAS group was significantly higher in comparison to patients of the non-CAS group (71.0 vs. 59.1 years, p < 0.001). Major hepatectomy was conducted in 40% of the CAS patients and 19.6% of non-CAS patients, respectively (p = 0.036). Interestingly, no statistically significant differences in postoperative morbidity (40 vs. 46.2%, p = 0.673) or in overall survival between the groups (41.3 vs. 51.9 months, p = 0.611) were observed. CONCLUSION: Our analysis found no correlation between an asymptomatic celiac axis stenosis and postoperative complications or overall survival after hepatobiliary surgery. Which impact the incidental CAS may have in highly complex cases remains unclear. Further studies are needed to identify patients who benefit from CAS treatment before hepatobiliary surgery.

Struggle in the bubble - a prospective study on the effect of remote learning and distance education on confidence in practical surgical skills acquired during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has significantly changed healthcare systems and medical education. Universities were required to develop innovative curricula based on remote and distance education to continue medical education. This prospective questionnaire-based study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19-associated remote learning on the surgical training of medical students. METHODS: A 16-item questionnaire-based survey was distributed to medical students at the University Hospital of Münster before and after a surgical skills laboratory (SSL). Two cohorts were included: summer semester 2021 (COV-19), with rigorous social-distancing restrictions requiered SSL to be remotely, and winter semester 2021 (postCOV-19), in which the SSL was provided as a face-to-face, hands-on course. RESULTS: Both, cohorts showed a significant improvement in self-assessment of pre- and post-course confidence. While no significant difference in the average gain in self-confidence for sterile working was observed between the two cohorts, improvement in self-confidence was significantly higher in the COV-19 cohort regarding skin suturing and knot tying (p < 0.0001). However the average improvement regarding history and physical was significantly higher in the postCOV-19 cohort (p < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, gender-associated differences varied in the two cohorts and were not related to specific subtasks, while age-stratified analysis revealed superior results for younger students. CONCLUSION: The results of our study underline the usability, feasibility, and adequacy of remote learning for the surgical training of medical students. The on-site distance education version, presented in the study, allows the continuing of hands-on experience in a safe environment in compliance with governmental social-distancing restrictions.

Complete Metabolic Response to Combined Immune Checkpoint Inhibition after Progression of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer on Pembrolizumab: A Case Report.

DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instable (MSI) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) can be successfully treated with FDA- and EMA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) pembrolizumab and nivolumab (as single agents targeting the anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)) or combinations of a PD-1 inhibitor with ipilimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4)-targeting antibody. The best treatment strategy beyond progression on single-agent ICI therapy remains unclear. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old male with Lynch-syndrome-associated, microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) mCRC who achieved a rapid normalization of his tumor markers and a complete metabolic remission (CMR), currently lasting for ten months, on sequential ICI treatment with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab followed by nivolumab maintenance therapy after progression on single-agent anti-PD-1 ICI therapy. The therapy was well-tolerated, and no immune-related adverse events occurred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a sustained metabolic complete remission in an MSI-H mCRC patient initially progressing on single-agent anti-PD-1 therapy. Thus, dMMR mCRC patients might benefit from sequential immune checkpoint regimens even with long-term responses. However, further sophistication of clinical algorithms for treatment beyond progression on single-agent ICI therapy in MSI-mCRC is urgently needed.

Early Everolimus-Facilitated Reduced Tacrolimus in Liver Transplantation: Results From the Randomized HEPHAISTOS Trial.

Everolimus-facilitated reduced-exposure tacrolimus (EVR + rTAC) at 30 days after liver transplantation (LT) has shown advantages in renal preservation. This study evaluated the effects of early initiation of EVR + rTAC in de novo LT recipients (LTRs). In HEPHAISTOS (NCT01551212, EudraCT 2011-003118-17), a 12-month, multicenter, controlled study, LTRs were randomly assigned at 7 to 21 days after LT to receive EVR + rTAC or standard-exposure tacrolimus (sTAC) with steroids. The primary objective was to demonstrate superior renal function (assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC at month 12 in the full analysis set (FAS). Other assessments at month 12 included the evaluation of renal function in compliance set and on-treatment (OT) patients, efficacy (composite endpoint of graft loss, death, or treated biopsy-proven acute rejection [tBPAR] and individual components) in FAS, and safety. In total, 333 patients (EVR + rTAC, 169; sTAC, 164) were included in the FAS. A high proportion of patients was nonadherent in maintaining tacrolimus trough levels (EVR + rTAC, 36.1%; sTAC, 34.7%). At month 12, the adjusted least square mean eGFR was numerically higher with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC (76.2 versus 72.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 , difference: 4.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 ; P = 0.097). A significant difference of 8.3 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (P = 0.03) favoring EVR + rTAC was noted in the compliance set. Incidence of composite efficacy endpoint (7.7% versus 7.9%) and tBPAR (7.1% versus 5.5%) at month 12 as well as incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were comparable between groups. A lower proportion of patients discontinued EVR + rTAC than sTAC treatment (27.2% versus 34.1%). Early use of everolimus in combination with rTAC showed comparable efficacy, safety, and well-preserved renal function versus sTAC therapy at month 12. Of note, renal function was significantly enhanced in the compliance set.

Robotic-Assisted Esophagectomy Leads to Significant Reduction in Postoperative Acute Pain: A Retrospective Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) shows promising results regarding postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer. To date, no data are available regarding postoperative analgesic consumption. The aim of this work is to evaluate analgesic consumption after esophagectomy. METHODS: A total of 274 Ivor Lewis esophageal resections performed sequentially from January 2012 to December 2020 were evaluated. RAMIE cases (n = 51) were compared with the hybrid technique (laparoscopic abdominal phase followed by open thoracotomy, n = 59) and open abdominothoracic esophagectomy (OTE) (n = 164). Data were collected retrospectively. The primary endpoint was the overall postoperative morphine consumption, which represents a reliable indirect measurement of pain. Pain levels recorded on the first, third, and fifth postoperative days were assessed as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients were included. The postoperative opioid consumption rate for patients who underwent RAMIE (quartiles: 0.14, 0.23, 0.36 mg morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/kg body weight (bw)/day) was significantly lower than in the open group (0.19, 0.33, 0.58 mg MME/kg bw/day, p = 0.016). The overall postoperative opioid consumption for patients who underwent RAMIE was significantly lower (2.45, 3.63, 7.20 mg MME/kg bw/day; morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram body weight) compared with the open (4.85, 8.59, 14.63 MME/kg bw/day, p < 0.0001) and hybrid (4.13, 6.84, 11.36 MME/kg bw/day, p = 0.008) groups. Patients who underwent RAMIE reported lower pain scores compared with the open group on the fifth postoperative day, both at rest (p = 0.004) and while performing activities (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that patients who underwent RAMIE experienced similar postoperative pain while requiring significantly lower amounts of opioids compared with patients who underwent open and hybrid surgery. Further studies are required to verify the results.

Hyperspectral imaging for quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in human liver allografts.

INTRODUCTION: In liver transplantation (LT), steatosis is commonly judged to be a risk factor for graft dysfunction, and quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis remains crucial. Liver biopsy as the gold standard for evaluation of hepatic steatosis has certain drawbacks, that is, invasiveness, and intra- and inter-observer variability. A non-invasive, quantitative modality could replace liver biopsy and eliminate these disadvantages, but has not yet been evaluated in human LT. METHODS: We performed a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the assessment of hepatic steatosis of human liver allografts for transplantation. Thirteen deceased donor liver allografts were included in the study. The degree of steatosis was assessed by means of conventional liver biopsy as well as HSI, performed at the end of back-table preparation, during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), and after reperfusion in the recipient. RESULTS: Organ donors were 51 [30-83] years old, and 61.5% were male. Donor body mass index was 24.2 [16.5-38.0] kg/m2 . The tissue lipid index (TLI) generated by HSI at the end of back-table preparation correlated significantly with the histopathologically assessed degree of overall hepatic steatosis (R2 = .9085, P < .0001); this was based on a correlation of TLI and microvesicular steatosis (R2 = .8120; P < .0001). There is also a linear relationship between the histopathologically assessed degree of overall steatosis and TLI during NMP (R2 = .5646; P = .0031) as well as TLI after reperfusion (R2 = .6562; P = .0008). CONCLUSION: HSI may safely be applied for accurate assessment of hepatic steatosis in human liver grafts. Certainly, TLI needs further assessment and validation in larger sample sizes.

LigaSure Impact™ reduces complications after abdominoplasty in weight loss patients.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery is on the rise worldwide. With the desired weight loss after bariatric surgery, patients frequently develop massive skin flaps resulting in the need of abdominoplasty. In these patients, this surgical technique is frequently associated with perioperative complications. Strategies to minimize complications are sought after. The objective of our study was to compare two different dissection techniques and their impact on postoperative outcome. METHODS: We included 66 patients in our study who underwent abdominoplasty after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery. In group 1, abdominoplasty was performed using the conventional technique of diathermia (n = 20). In group 2, abdominoplasty was performed using LigaSure Impact™ (n = 46). The duration of the surgical procedure and perioperative complications were recorded as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay and assessment of additional risk factors. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in group 2. Postoperative complications were significantly less frequent in group 2 (p = 0.0035). Additional risk factors, e.g., smoking and diabetes mellitus, were not associated with increased rates of perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of technical device for dissection in abdominoplasty alone will not guarantee minimized complication rates. Yet, the utilization of LigaSure Impact™ in refined surgical techniques may facilitate reduced rates of complications, especially wound infections, and a shortened duration of surgery.

Ex situ arterial reconstruction prior normothermic machine perfusion of liver grafts.

PURPOSE: Atypical variants of the hepatic artery are common and pose a technical challenge for normothermic machine perfusion (NMP). The transplant surgeon has three options when confronted with hepatic arterial variation in a liver graft to be subjected to NMP: to perform arterial reconstruction (i) prior, (ii) during, or (iii) following NMP. METHODS: Herein, we report our experience and technical considerations with pre-NMP reconstruction. Out of 52 livers, 9 had an atypical hepatic artery (HA): 3 replaced right HA, 3 replaced left HA, 1 accessory left HA, 1 accessory left and right HA, and 1 replaced left and right HA. RESULTS: Reconstruction was conducted during back-table preparation. A single vascular conduit was created in all grafts to allow single arterial cannulation for NMP, necessitating only one arterial anastomosis within the recipient. All grafts were subjected to NMP and subsequently successfully transplanted. CONCLUSION: Our approach is being advocated for as it preserves the ability to alter the reconstruction in case of problems resulting from the reconstruction itself, thereby allowing functional evaluation of the reconstruction prior transplantation, permitting simultaneous reperfusion in the recipient, and providing the shortest possible duration for vascular reconstruction once the graft is rewarming non-perfused within the recipient. In addition, in light of the frequency of technically demanding reconstructions with very small vessels, we consider our technique beneficial as the procedure can be performed under ideal conditions at the back-table.

Impact of the Crohn's disease digestive damage score (Lémann Index) on the perioperative course in patients with Crohn's disease and ileocolic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors influencing the high postoperative morbidity in Crohn`s disease are controversially discussed but the role of cumulative structural bowel damage, as assessed by the Crohn's disease digestive damage score (Lémann Index), has been neglected so far. Our aim was evaluating the influence of the Lémann Index on postoperative complications and investigating its suitability for surgical decision making. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted including Crohn`s disease patients who underwent ileocolic anastomosis. Lémann Indices were calculated and, additionally, categorized into three groups [0-3; 3-10; >10] due to the strong influence of previous bowel resections on high indices. A multivariate regression model was used to analyze the index`s influence on postoperative complications. RESULTS: Patients with higher Lémann Index were more likely to need open surgery (p < .001) or stoma creation (p = .03). Overall, of the 103 patients enrolled, 18 (17.5%) showed postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo > 2. The Lémann Index was higher in patients with complications compared to those without (median 6.15 [IQR 4.16-11.98] vs. 3.88 [1.63-12.63]), but not linearly associated with postoperative complications. After categorization, patients with Lémann Index 3-10 had an 8.42 (95% CI 1.8-54.55) times higher chance to develop a complication compared to patients with Lémann Index 0-3 (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The Lémann Index might affect surgical decision making but is not linearly associated with postoperative morbidity. However, medium indices (3-10) - mainly accounted for by high amounts of intraabdominal active Crohn`s lesions - showed significantly higher rates of complications, potentially defining a group at risk.

Efficacy of 90Y-Radioembolization in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Depending on the Primary Tumor Side.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is associated with different molecular biology, clinical characteristics, and outcome depending on the primary tumor localization. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 90Y-radioembolization (RE) for therapy of colorectal liver metastases depending on the primary tumor side. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of n = 73 patients with mCRC and RE in our university liver center between 2009 and 2018. Patients were stratified according to the primary tumor side (left vs. right hemicolon), treatment response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) at follow-up after 3 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze survival followed by Cox regression to determine independent prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: Prior to RE, all patients had received systemic therapy, with either stable or progressive disease, but no partial or complete response. In n = 22/73 (30.1%) patients, the primary tumor side was in the right colon; in n = 51/73 (69.9%) patients, in the left colon. Hepatic tumor burden was ≤25% in n = 36/73 (49.3%) patients and >25% in n = 37/73 (50.7%) patients. At 3 months, n = 21 (33.8%) patients showed treatment response (n = 2 [3.2%]; complete response, n = 19 [30.6%]; partial response), n = 13 (21.0%) stable disease, and n = 28 (45.2%) progressive disease after RE. The median survival in case of primary tumor side in the left colon was significantly higher than for primary tumors in the right colon (8.7 vs. 6.0 months, p = 0.033). The median survival for a hepatic tumor burden ≤25% was significantly higher than that of >25% (13.9 vs. 4.3 months, p < 0.001). The median overall survival was 6.1 months. CONCLUSION: The median survival after RE in hepatic-mCRC depends on the primary tumor side and the preprocedural hepatic tumor burden.

Totally implantable venous access port insertion via open Seldinger approach of the internal jugular vein-a retrospective risk stratification of 500 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: Modern oncological treatment algorithms require a central venous device in form of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP). While most commonly used techniques are surgical cutdown of the cephalic vein or percutaneous puncture of the subclavian vein, there are a relevant number of patients in which an additional strategy is needed. The aim of the current study is to present a surgical technique for TIVAP implantation via an open Seldinger approach of the internal jugular vein and to characterize risk factors, associated with primary failure as well as short- (< 30 days) and long-term (> 30 days) complications. METHODS: A total of 500 patients were included and followed up for 12 months. Demographic and intraoperative data and short- as well as long-term complications were extracted. Primary endpoint was TIVAP removal due to complication. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze associated risk factors. RESULTS: Surgery was primarily successful in all cases, while success was defined as functional (positive aspiration and infusion test) TIVAP which was implanted via open Seldinger approach of the jugular vein at the intended site. TIVAP removal due to complications during the 1st year occurred in 28 cases (5.6%) while a total of 4 (0.8%) intraoperative complications were noted. Rates for short- and long-term complications were 0.8% and 6.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: While the presented technique requires relatively long procedure times, it is a safe and reliable method for TIVAP implantation. Our results might help to further introduce the presented technique as a secondary approach in modern TIVAP surgery.

Management of Nonmalignant Tracheo- and Bronchoesophageal Fistula after Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Tracheo- or bronchoesophageal fistula (TBF) occurring after esophagectomy represent a rare but devastating complication. Management remains challenging and controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of different treatment approaches and to propose recommendations for the management of TBF. METHODS: From 2008 to 2018, 15 patients were treated because of TBF and were analyzed with respect to fistula appearance, treatment strategy (stenting, endoscopic vacuum therapy and/or surgical reintervention) and outcome. RESULTS: In each case, the fistula was small, located close to the tracheal bifurcation and associated simultaneously (n = 6, 40%) or metachronously (n = 9, 60%) with an anastomotic leakage. Latter was covered by esophageal stents in six patients which in turn resulted in occurrence of TBF at a later time in five patients. Management of TBF included conservative therapy (n = 3), stenting (n = 6), or suturing (n = 6). Ten patients underwent rethoracotomy. Treatment failure was observed in eight patients (53%). In all patients, treatment was accompanied by progressive sepsis. On the contrary, all seven patients with successful defect closure remained in good general condition. CONCLUSION: Fistula appearance was similar in all patients. Implementation of esophageal stents cannot be recommended because of possibility of TBF at a later time point. Surgery is usually required and should preferably be performed when the patient's condition has been optimized at a single-stage repair. Esophageal diversion can only be recommended in patients with persisting mediastinitis. The key element for successful treatment of TBF, however, is control over sepsis; otherwise, outcome of TBF is devastating.