Single-Center Experience on Liver Transplantation for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score 40 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Organ shortage and waiting list mortality have led to changes in the allocation policy in Eurotransplant. AIM: To identify factors influencing the survival of liver transplanted patients with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 40. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of listed adult patients who reached a MELD score 40 in the period 12/2006-06/2010 were reviewed. Donor/graft and recipient characteristics, and operative details were analyzed. Statistical analysis encompassed Kaplan-Meier analysis/log-rank test as well as univariate and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients achieved a MELD score 40. Thirty patients were transplanted, whereas 18 patients were not. Three-month, 1-year, and 5-year patient and graft survival for transplanted patients was 53, 50, and 47 %, respectively. Three-month and 1-year survival after listing was 11 and 6 % for not transplanted patients, respectively (p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed pre-operative dialysis (p = 0.0246) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (p = 0.0231) to be independent prognostic factors for post-transplant patient survival. A point scoring system was created, which reached statistical significance (p = 0.0007). One-year and 5-year survival for scores 0, 1, and 2 were 72 and 64, 42 and 42 and 0 %, respectively. There was no statistical difference in transplantation costs between patients who survived or died (p = 0.1578). CONCLUSIONS: At our center, coexistence of pre-operative dialysis and PVT represents a clear contraindication for LT regarding MELD score 40 patients.

The effect of Guidelines in surgical decision making: The paradigm of hepatocellular carcinoma.

It is not inconceivable to envision surgeons, offering extended liver resection in patients beyond the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system criteria with intermediate/advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), to be found negligent since extensive liver resection is correlated with increased morbidity compared to conservative or palliative treatment. Given that no other classification system than BCLC has been adopted widely for HCC staging and treatment, a revision of the BCLC algorithm and clinical guidelines should be tailored using new molecular and clinical treatment algorithms, as well as including patient's preferences.

Multiple bilateral oncocytomas of the native kidneys following renal transplantation: report of a rare case and review of the literature.

Renal oncocytomas are benign tumors of the kidneys, which are usually diagnosed postoperatively, due to differential diagnostic problems, from a sample of a renal cell carcinoma. The development of a renal oncocytoma in the native kidneys following renal transplantation is a very rare condition and only a few cases have been published in the world literature. In this case report we present a unique case of bilateral multifocal renal oncocytomas of the native kidneys in a female transplant recipient 6 years after renal transplantation. The patient's postoperative clinical course was uneventful and no local recurrence or distant metastasis has been found so far. The pathology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of renal oncocytomas are also reviewed.

The Paradox of Increasing Waiting List Mortality and Declining Utilization of Deceased Donor Grafts in Kidney Transplant.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are a rare type of tumor with malignant potential, characterized by slowgrowth, frequent hepatic metastatic lesions that usually stay contained within the liver. In patients with unresectable liver metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, liver transplant is the only treatment available. Insulinomas are the most common pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and 5% to 10% of insulinomas are malignant. We herein report a case of a living-donor liver transplant with distal pancreatectomy for a patient with hepatic metastatic pancreatic insulinoma with a 13-year postoperative survival.

Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Caudate Lobectomy: A Systematic Review.

Resection of the caudate lobe of the liver is considered a highly challenging type of liver resection due to the region's intimacy with critical vascular structures and deep anatomic location inside the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopic resection of the caudate lobe is considered one of the most challenging laparoscopic liver procedures. The objective of our systematic review was to evaluate the safety, technical feasibility and main outcomes of laparoscopic caudate lobectomy LCL. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken for studies published until September 2021. A total of 20 studies comprising 221 patients were included. Of these subjects, 36% were women, whereas the vast majority of resections (66%) were performed for malignant tumors. Tumor size varied significantly between 2 and 160 mm in the largest diameter. The mean operative time was 210 min (range 60-740 min), and estimated blood loss was 173.6 mL (range 50-3600 mL). The median hospital length of stay LOS was 6.5 days (range 2-15 days). Seven cases of conversion to open were reported. The vast majority of patients (93.7%) underwent complete resection (R0) of their tumors. Thirty-six out of 221 patients developed postoperative complications, with 5.8% of all patients developing a major complication (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ III).No perioperative deaths were reported by the included studies. LCL seems to be a safe and feasible alternative to open caudate lobectomy OCL in selected patients when undertaken in high-volume centers by experienced surgeons.

The Evolution of Living Donor Nephrectomy Program at A Hellenic Transplant Center. Laparoscopic vs. Open Donor Nephrectomy: Single-Center Experience.

Since its introduction in 1995, laparoscopic nephrectomy has emerged as the preferred surgical approach for living donor nephrectomy. Given the ubiquity of the surgical procedure and the need for favorable outcomes, as it is an elective operation on otherwise healthy individuals, it is imperative to ensure appropriate preoperative risk stratification and anticipate intraoperative challenges. The aim of the present study was to compare peri-and postoperative outcomes of living kidney donors (LD), who had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy (LDN), with a control group of those who had undergone open nephrectomy (ODN). Health-related quality of life (QoL) was also assessed using the validated SF-36 questionnaire. Data from 252 LD from a single transplant center from March 2015 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. In total, 117 donors in the LDN and 135 in the ODN groups were assessed. Demographics, type of transplantation, BMI, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, peri- and postoperative complications, renal function at discharge and QoL were recorded and compared between the two groups using Stata 13.0 software. There was no difference in baseline characteristics, nor in the prevalence of peri-and postoperative complications, with a total complication rate of 16% (mostly minor, Clavien-Dindo grade II) in both groups, while a different pattern of surgical complications was noticed between them. Duration of surgery was significantly longer in the ODN group (median 240 min vs. 160 min in LDN, p < 0.01), warm ischemia time was longer in the LDN group (median 6 min vs.2 min in ODN, p < 0.01) and length of hospital stay shorter in the LDN group (median 3 days vs. 7 days in ODN). Conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery was 2.5%. There was a drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at discharge of 36 mL/min in the LDN and 32 mL/min in the ODN groups, respectively (p = 0.03). No death, readmission or reoperation were recorded. There was a significant difference in favor of LDN group for each one of the eight items of the questionnaire (SF1-SF8). As for the two summary scores, while the total physical component summary (PCS) score was comparable between the two groups (57.87 in the LDN group and 57.07 in the ODN group), the mental component summary (MCS) score was significantly higher (62.14 vs. 45.22, p < 0.001) in the LDN group. This study provides evidence that minimally invasive surgery can be performed safely, with very good short-term outcomes, providing several benefits for the living kidney donor, thereby contributing to expanding the living donor pool, which is essential, especially in countries with deceased-donor organ shortage.

Primary thoracic chondrosarcoma with intra-abdominal extension in a renal transplant recipient: A case report.

Primary thoracic bone tumors are relatively rare. The most common type is chondrosarcoma, accounting for up to 48% of all cases. Patients with primary thoracic bone tumors commonly present with atypical thoracic pain or a solitary palpable chest mass, which gradually develops over months to years. The bones most often affected are the ribs, scapula, costochondral junctions and the sternum. The present study presents a case of a 79 year old previous transplant recipient with a large intra-abdominally expanding chondrosarcoma originating from the left lower thoracic cage and associated vague abdomdinal symptoms. Early recognition and awareness of atypical presentations of this disease are important in to appropriately guide diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic procedures.

Renal autotransplantation: A final option to preserve the kidney after an iatrogenic ureteral injury.

BACKGROUND: Ureteral injuries are not very common and can occur after many surgical procedures. Kidney salvage is desirable. Renal autotransplantation is a final option for some cases. In this case, we report an autotransplantation of the kidney after an iatrogenic injury of the ureter with totally extraperitoneal approach. CASE REPORT: A 41 years old female underwent left endoscopic ureterolithotomy with holmium laser for ureteral calculi. An iatrogenic ureteral injury, probably ureteral avulsion, occurred. After multiple interventions, she referred to us with a nephrostomy tube. Imaging was performed and left renal autotransplantation was chosen as surgical management. The approach was totally extraperitoneal. No alteration of renal function or of urine outflow was observed during the follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The report supports the safety and efficacy of renal autotransplantation.

The effect of U-74389G on liver recovery after acute liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: The potential of U-74389G in attenuating liver damage after ischemia and reperfusion of the liver was studied in a swine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen pigs, weighting 28-35 kg, were used in the study. The animals were divided into the following three experimental groups: Group A (control group): Ischemia time 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min (with tissue and blood sampling at both 60 min (A-60) and 120 min (A-120)); Group B: Ischemia time 30 min, U-74389G intraportal injection, and reperfusion for 60 min; and Group C: Ischemia time 30 min, U-74389G intraportal injection, and reperfusion for 120 min. The dose of U-74389G administered was 10 mg/kg animal body weight. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, pancuronium, and fentanyl. Surgery was performed through a midline laparotomy. The portal vein and the common hepatic artery were isolated and prepared for occlusion. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation revealed a statistically significant difference in portal infiltration in the liver tissue between control group A-60 and group B (P = 0.01), and between control group A-120 and group C (P = 0.002). Hemodynamic and metabolic data in the control and therapy groups at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min were not statistically significantly different. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were statistically significantly different. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha values were statistically significantly different between groups A-60 and B but not between groups A-120 and C. CONCLUSION: Based on the histological data and the reduction of the malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, administration of U-74389G in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the liver in a swine model has potential in attenuating liver damage.

Tailoring the 'Perfect Fit' for Renal Transplant Recipients with End-stage Polycystic Kidney Disease: Indications and Timing of Native Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The ideal timing of native nephrectomy in relation to kidney transplantation in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can be a very puzzling decision for transplant surgeons and remains a matter of debate. This review article aims to present current literature regarding this highly controversial issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed database was searched using "polycystic kidney disease", "renal/kidney transplantation" and "native nephrectomy" as key words. Our search was focused on the optimal timing of and indications for native nephrectomy in renal transplant recipients with ADPKD. RESULTS: In symptomatic cases, pre-transplant unilateral or bilateral native nephrectomy seems appropriate, in order to alleviate symptoms. In cases that are provided with the option of living-donor transplantation, the performance of the simultaneous procedure could be of benefit. When the principal indication of native nephrectomy is the creation of space for the renal allograft, various studies highlight the safety of the simultaneous approach of either unilateral or bilateral nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: No consensus exists on the appropriate timing for native nephrectomy in patients with ADPKD. Several issues to be addressed in the decision-making process are the importance of residual diuresis, the longer operative time along with the associated prolonged ischemia time and higher complication rate of the combined procedure.

Updates and Critical Evaluation on Novel Biomarkers for the Malignant Progression of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are presumed to evolve from low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Resection of lesions before the development of pancreatic cancer may prevent the development of an incurable process as, once IPMNs progress to invasive cancer, the prognosis may be as poor as resected conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Resection of IPMNs, particularly in the setting of high-grade dysplasia, is presumed to provide a survival benefit. IPMNs also present many challenges as the identification of high-grade dysplasia and early invasive carcinoma and the timing and frequency of malignant progression are not yet established. The limited predictive accuracy presents a challenge as pancreatic resection is associated with a risk of substantial morbidity and mortality; 20-30% and 2-4%, respectively. Diagnostic armamentarium contains pancreas-protocol computed tomography (CT) scan, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The most promising method is endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) as this technique allows analysis of cyst fluid using biomarkers. Until now, in clinical practice, we utilize two biomarkers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9); however, DNA analysis of pancreatic cystic fluid and genomic analysis could offer new tools to the diagnosis and administration of IPMNs. Novel genomic and serum biomarkers could play an important future role to identify those individuals who will benefit from an early operation and those who will benefit from watchful waiting approach. More prospective studies are needed.

Incisional Infections after Renal Transplant: Outcome Data From 238 Consecutive Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical incision infections, along with urinary tract infections, are among the most common infective complications after kidney transplant. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the incidence and predisposing factors of surgical incision infection development in renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2015, there were 238 consecutive kidney transplant procedures performed in our unit. Of these, 146 patients received deceased donor kidney allografts and 92 had transplants from living related donors. Deceased donor data, data about surgical procedures, and recipient data were collected. RESULTS: This study demonstrated a surgical incision infection rate of 7.56%. Predisposing factors were found to be kidneys from deceased donors, antithymocyte globulin as antirejection therapy, body mass index > 30 kg/m2, cold ischemia time > 16.3 hours, delayed graft function, postoperative serum glucose > 280 mg/dL, second kidney transplant, and BK virus infection. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical incision infection is a common postoperative infection after kidney transplant. The findings of this study elucidated the potential role of specific risk factors in surgical incision infection development (increased cold ischemia time, delayed graft function, antithymocyte globulin administration). Further evaluation of these findings in a prospective study is needed to avoid potential bias.

De Novo Renal Cell Carcinoma of Native Kidneys in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single-center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development in renal transplant recipients is 15-100 times higher than in the general population. The majority of RCCs found in renal transplant recipients develop in the recipient's native kidneys, only 9% of tumors develop in the allograft itself. The mechanisms of development of RCC in native kidneys and renal allografts are not completely understood. We present our experience in renal transplant recipients with RCC of native kidneys providing valuable and clinically applicable treatment and follow-up data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 2,173 patients who underwent renal transplantation in our Department between March 1983 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Using these data, we analyzed the incidence and types of post-transplant RCCs, as well as their clinical courses, focusing on native malignancies. RESULTS: We found 11 RCCs (0.5%) during the observation period in native kidneys. The mean (±SD) follow-up period was 50.54±32.80 months. Four patients died during this period (36.4%). CONCLUSION: Most RCCs in renal transplant recipients are low-stage, low-grade tumors with a favorable prognosis. Their diagnosis is usually incidental. RCC development in the native kidney of renal transplant recipients is an early event, frequently observed within 4 to 5 years after transplantation. The different natural history of these tumors is still undefined. Further research is needed to determine whether these differences are due to particular molecular pathways or to biases in relation to the mode of diagnosis.

Mechanistic insights of rapid liver regeneration after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for stage hepatectomy.

AIM: To highlight the potential mechanisms of regeneration in the Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy models (clinical and experimental) that could unlock the myth behind the extraordinary capability of the liver for regeneration, which would help in designing new therapeutic options for the regenerative drive in difficult setup, such as chronic liver diseases. Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy has been recently advocated to induce rapid future liver remnant hypertrophy that significantly shortens the time for the second stage hepatectomy. The introduction of Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy in the surgical armamentarium of therapeutic tools for liver surgeons represented a real breakthrough in the history of liver surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy and its utility in liver regeneration is performed. RESULTS: Liver regeneration after Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy is a combination of portal flow changes and parenchymal transection that generate a systematic response inducing hepatocyte proliferation and remodeling. CONCLUSION: Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy represents a real breakthrough in the history of liver surgery because it offers rapid liver regeneration potential that facilitate resection of liver tumors that were previously though unresectable. The jury is still out though in terms of safety, efficacy and oncological outcomes. As far as Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy -induced liver regeneration is concerned, further research on the field should focus on the role of non-parenchymal cells in liver regeneration as well as on the effect of Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy in liver regeneration in the setup of parenchymal liver disease.