携带IL-13基因肝干细胞对冷缺血大鼠移植肝脏保护作用的研究

目的以基因工程干细胞治疗的方式来改善缺血-再灌注状况,使移植肝脏更好地耐受缺血-再灌注,以减少移植术后的并发症,延长移植器官存活期。方法利用已建立的Wistar大鼠冷缺血原位肝移植(OLT)模型,术中经受体大鼠门静脉输入IL-13基因修饰的或未修饰的肝卵圆细胞(HOC)即转染组和未转染组,分别于术后1、3、7及14d检测受体大鼠肝脏功能变化、组织学变化、胆管上皮细胞(BEC)的增殖情况、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达、肝组织中HO-1 mRNA的表达,并观察移植大鼠术后的存活情况。结果转入IL-13基因的HOC对冷保存损伤的肝脏有一定的保护作用;术后7d,肝移植组和未转染组的α-SMA表达较转染组明显(P0.05);术后3d,未转染组和转染组的BEC增殖指数明显低于肝移植组(P0.05)。转染组术后各时相点的HO-1 mRNA表达水平均明显高于相应时相点的其他各组的水平(P0.05);移植术中经门静脉输入HOC对缺血性胆管损伤所诱导的BEC增殖有一定的抑制作用,对BEC具有一定的保护作用;肝移植组生存率明显低于假手术组和转染组(P0.05)。结论IL-13的持续表达能促进术后移植肝内HO-1 mRNA的表达,这有利于对供肝的保护,有利于受体大鼠术后肝功能的恢复。促进HO-1 mRNA的表达是IL-13对BEC的具有保护作用的机理之一。     

Sequential and simultaneous revascularization in adult orthotopic piggyback liver transplantation.

The aim of the study was to assess whether there is a difference in outcome after sequential or simultaneous revascularization during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in terms of patient and graft survival, mortality, morbidity, and liver function. The study population consisted of 102 adult patients with primary full-size piggyback OLT transplanted between January 1998 and December 2001. In 71 patients (70%) the grafts were sequentially reperfused after completion of the portal vein anastomosis and subsequent arterial reconstruction was performed (sequential reperfusion [SeqR] group). In 31 patients (30%) the graft was reperfused simultaneously via the portal vein and hepatic artery (simultaneous reperfusion [SimR] group). Patient and graft survival at 1, 3, and 6 months and at 1 year did not differ between the SeqR group and the SimR group. The red blood cell (RBC) requirements were significantly higher in the SimR group (5.5 units; range 0-20) in comparison to the SeqR group (2 units; range 0-19) (P = 0.02). Apart from a higher number of biliary anastomotic complications and abdominal bleeding complications in the SimR group in comparison to the SeqR group (13% vs. 2% and 19% vs. 6%, respectively; P = 0.06), morbidity was not different between the groups. No differences between the groups were observed regarding the incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF), intensive care unit stay, and acute rejection. This was also true for the severity of rejections. Postoperative recuperation of liver function was not different between the groups. In conclusion, no advantage of either of the 2 reperfusion protocols could be observed in this analysis, especially with respect to the incidence of ischemic type biliary lesions (ITBL).     

The Importance of Portal Venous Blood Flow in Ischemic‐Type Biliary Lesions after Liver Transplantation

Ischemic‐type biliary lesions (ITBL) are the most frequent cause of nonanastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation. This complication develops in up to 25% of patients, with a 50% retransplantation rate in affected patients. Traditionally, ischemia‐reperfusion injury to the biliary system is considered to be the major risk factor for ITBL. Several other risk factors for ITBL have been identified, including the use of liver grafts donated after cardiac death, prolonged cold and warm ischemic times and use of University of Wisconsin preservation solution. In recent years however, impaired microcirculation of the peribiliary plexus (PBP) has been implicated as a possible risk factor. It is widely accepted that the PBP is exclusively provided by blood from the hepatic artery, and therefore, the role of the portal venous blood supply has not been considered as a possible cause for the development of ITBL. In this short report, we present three patients with segmental portal vein thrombosis and subsequent development of ITBL in the affected segments in the presence of normal arterial blood flow. This suggests that portal blood flow may have an important contribution to the biliary microcirculation and that a compromised portal venous blood supply can predispose to the development of ITBL.     

Ischemic-type biliary lesions after ortothopic liver transplantation: diagnosis with magnetic resonance cholangiography

Purpose

To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography for detection of ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) following orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT).

Materials and methods

MR cholangiography was performed in 16 patients with established diagnosis of ITBL following OLT. Two blinded observers reviewed all images in consensus and recorded diagnostic features including presence of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary strictures, dilatations, beading, pruning, and filling defects. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of MR cholangiography were calculated. Final diagnosis was established at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.

Results

MR cholangiography proved to be a valuable tool for the detection of stenoses and dilatations in patients with ITBL following OLT. Sensitivity of the different diagnostic features ranged between 71% and 100%, specificity between 50% and 100%, accuracy between 81% and 100%, and positive predictive value between 87% and 100%.

Conclusion

MR cholangiography proved to be an accurate imaging technique to noninvasively detect biliary complications in patients with ITBL after OLT.     

大鼠肝移植重建肝动脉对胆管超微结构和并发症的影响

目的 观察大鼠原位肝移植重建肝动脉对肝内胆管上皮细胞缺血再灌注损伤后超微结构及术后胆道并发症的影响.方法 228只SD大鼠分为假手术组(8只)、肝移植重建肝动脉组(55对)和未重建肝动脉组(55对).重建肝动脉组和未重建肝动脉组分别于肝脏复流后0.5、3、6、12、24、36、48 h取材,用透射电镜观察肝内胆管上皮细胞的超微结构,通过计算机图像分析系统对线粒体形态计量分析;观察术后胆道并发症.结果 两组肝内胆管上皮细胞损伤均有加重,表现为线粒体肿胀、嵴模糊或消失、微绒毛减少等超微结构改变,至24 h达高峰,以后逐渐恢复.术后两组线粒体平均面积和周径随时间的延长逐渐增大,线粒体数密度随时问延长而减少.在24 h,两组缺血再灌注损伤最显著,之后均开始缓解.在24、36、48 h,两组线粒体平均面积、平均周径比较,差异均有统计学意义(t=-3.566,-7.780,-4.730,-4.610,-2.599,-5.370,P＜0.05);在36、48 h,两组线粒体平均数密度比较,差异有统计学意义(t=-4.619,4.000,P＜0.05).重建肝动脉组的胆道并发症发生率低于未重建肝动脉组(x2=4.286,P＜0.05).结论 大鼠肝移植重建肝动脉对肝内胆管上皮细胞缺血再灌注损伤后的超微结构具有保护作用,有利于术后恢复和减少胆道并发症的发生.     

Biliary Complications After Liver Transplantation Using Side-to-Side Choledochocholedochostomy Reconstruction With or Without T-Tube

Background

Biliary complications are a frequent cause of morbidity, graft loss, and death after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The choledochocholedochostomy anastomosis without a T-tube is controversial, as it has been related to more biliary complications.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and to identify the risk factors of post-OLT biliary complications after reconstruction with or without a T-tube.

Materials and Methods

Ninety-five consecutive adult patients with deceased donor liver transplantations (overall survival rate, 86.3%; mean follow-up, 22.2 months) were analyzed to determine the incidence and type of biliary complications in 2 groups: choledochocholedochostomy with (45 patients, Group I) or without a T-tube (50 patients, Group II). The incidence of biliary complications in Groups I and II was 40% (18/45) and 30% (15/50), respectively (P > .05). In Group I, 49% of the complications were directly related to the T-tube. Biliary anastomosis stricture was more frequent in Group II (28% vs 8.9% in Group I; P = .018). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was the most common therapeutic procedure for the resolution of biliary complications in both groups (Group I, 66.5%; Group II, 58.2%). Arterial thrombosis, high pretransplantation Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and donor obesity were identified as risk factors for biliary complications after OLT.

Conclusion

OLT biliary reconstruction without a T-tube is not related to an increased risk of biliary complications, although stricutre of the anastomosis is more frequent in this group of patients. Donor obesity, arterial thrombosis, and high pretransplantation MELD score are associated with a higher incidence of biliary complications after OLT.     

Causes and consequences of ischemic-type biliary lesions after liver transplantation

Biliary complications are a major source of morbidity, graft loss, and even mortality after liver transplantation. The most troublesome are the so-called ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL), with an incidence varying between 5% and 15%. ITBL is a radiological diagnosis, characterized by intrahepatic strictures and dilatations on a cholangiogram, in the absence of hepatic artery thrombosis. Several risk factors for ITBL have been identified, strongly suggesting a multifactorial origin. The main categories of risk factors for ITBL include ischemia-related injury; immunologically induced injury; and cytotoxic injury, induced by bile salts. However, in many cases no specific risk factor can be identified. Ischemia-related injury comprises prolonged ischemic times and disturbance in blood flow through the peribiliary vascular plexus. Immunological injury is assumed to be a risk factor based on the relationship of ITBL with ABO incompatibility, polymorphism in genes coding for chemokines, and pre-existing immunologically mediated diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis. The clinical presentation of patients with ITBL is often not specific; symptoms may include fever, abdominal complaints, and increased cholestasis on liver function tests. Diagnosis is made by imaging studies of the bile ducts. Treatment starts with relieving the symptoms of cholestasis and dilatation by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD), followed by stenting if possible. Eventually up to 50% of the patients with ITBL will require a retransplantation or may die. In selected patients, a retransplantation can be avoided or delayed by resection of the extra-hepatic bile ducts and construction of a hepaticojejunostomy. More research on the pathogenesis of ITBL is needed before more specific preventive or therapeutic strategies can be developed.     

Liver Transplantation Using University of Wisconsin or Celsior Preserving Solutions in the Portal Vein and Euro-Collins in the Aorta

Introduction

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is today the gold standard treatment of the end-stage liver disease. Different solutions are used for graft preservation. Our objective was to compare the results of cadaveric donor OLT, preserved with the University of Wisconsin (UW) or Celsior solutions in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta.

Methods

We evaluated retrospectively 72 OLT recipients, including 36 with UW solution (group UW) and 36 with Celsior (group CS). Donors were perfused in situ with 1000 mL UW or Celsior in the portal vein of and 3000 mL of Euro-Collins in the aortia and on the back table managed with 500 mL UW or Celsior in the portal vein, 250 mL in the hepatic artery, and 250 mL in the biliary duct. We evaluated the following variables: donor characteristics, recipient features, intraoperative details, reperfusion injury, and steatosis via a biopsy after reperfusion. We noted grafts with primary nonfunction (PNF), initial poor function (IPF), rejection episodes, biliary duct complications, hepatic artery complications, re-OLT, and recipient death in the first year after OLT.

Results

The average age was 33.6 years in the UW group versus 41 years in the CS group (P = .048). There was a longer duration of surgery in the UW group (P = .001). The other recipient characteristics, ischemia-reperfusion injury, steatosis, PNF, IPF, rejection, re-OLT, and recipient survival were not different. Stenosis of the biliary duct occured in 3 (8.3%) cases in the UW group and 8 (22.2%) in the CS (P = .19) with hepatic artery thrombosis in 4 (11.1%) CS versus none in the UW group (P = .11).

Conclusion

Cadaveric donor OLT showed similar results with organs preserved with UW or Celsior in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta.     

Dual aortic and portal perfusion at procurement prevents ischaemic‐type biliary lesions in liver transplantation when using octogenarian donors: a retrospective cohort study

Several risk factors for ischaemic‐type biliary lesions (ITBL) after liver transplantation (LT) have been identified, but the role of portal vein perfusion at graft procurement is still unclear. This was a prospective study on double aortic and portal perfusion (DP) of liver grafts stratified by donor's decade (<60 yo; 60–69 yo; 70–79 yo and ≥80 yo) versus similar historical cohorts of primary, adult grafts procured with single aortic perfusion (SP) only. The primary study aim was to assess the role of DP on the incidence of ITBL. There was no difference in the incidence of overall biliary complications according to procurement technique for recipients of grafts <80 years. A higher incidence of ITBL was observed for patients receiving grafts ≥80 years and perfused through the aorta only (1.9 vs. 13.4%; P = 0.008). When analysing octogenarian grafts, donor male gender (HR = 6.4; P = 0.001), haemodynamic instability (HR = 4.9; P = 0.008), and type‐2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) (HR = 3.0; P = 0.03) were all independent risk factors for ITBL, while double perfusion at procurement (HR = 0.1; P = 0.04) and longer donor intensive care unit (ICU) stay (HR = 0.7; P = 0.04) were protective factors. Dual aortic and portal perfusion has the potential to reduce post‐transplant ITBL incidence for recipients of octogenarian donor grafts. Larger series are needed to confirm this preliminary experience.     

原位肝移植中下腔静脉逆灌注法对胆道并发症的影响

目的探讨原位肝移植中下腔静脉逆灌注法对肝移植术后胆道并发症的影响。方法对我院1999年10月至2007年10月间肝移植生存1年以上的86例病例进行回顾性分析。其中经典原位肝Σ植组36例、下腔静脉逆灌注原位肝移植组50例,观察各组胆道并发症的发生情况,分别对两组早期及晚期胆道并发症发生率进行统计分析。结果所有患者随访时间1个月～8年,总共有12例发生胆道并发症,发生率为13.95%。①原位肝移植组36例,5例发生胆道并发症,发生率为13.89%。其中2例为早期并发症 另3例为晚期并发症,5例患者经保守治疗后有好转。②下腔静脉逆灌注法原位肝移植组50例,7例发生胆道并发症,发生率为14%。其中3例为早期并发症,1例死于合并腹腔感染,2例经保守治疗后好转。另4例为晚期并发症,经保守治疗后好转。分别对两组早期及晚期胆道并发症发生率进行统计分析,无显著差异。结论下腔静脉逆灌注法并没有增加肝移植术后胆道并发症发生率。     

顺行与逆行内翻抽剥治疗大隐静脉曲张的临床效果比较

目的:比较顺行与逆行内翻抽剥治疗大隐静脉曲张的临床效果。方法:回顾分析511例行内翻抽剥加点式抽剥治疗静脉曲张患者的临床资料,其中234例行从内踝附近开始至隐股交界处方向的顺行抽剥(顺行组),277例行从隐股交界处开始至内踝附近方向的逆行抽剥(逆行组),比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果:两组患者术前资料具有可比性。两组的手术时间、术中出血量、切口个数、术后住院时间、总并发症发生率、术后下肢酸胀情况及术后溃疡愈合时间方面,差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05),但顺行组隐神经损伤率及术后静脉曲张复发率明显低于逆行组(P0.05)。结论:顺行抽剥治疗大隐静脉曲张在减少隐神经损伤和远期疗效方面优于逆行抽剥。     

Biliary reconstruction with or without an internal biliary stent in orthotopic liver transplantation: a prospective randomised trial

Abstract Choledochocholedochostomy (CCD) with a 7 fr/8 fr Cotton Leung internal biliary stent removed at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) 3 months following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was the technique used on our unit for biliary reconstruction. From June 1995 to July 1996, we randomised 37 OLT patients with CCDs to receive either an internal stent (group I, n d = 18) or no stent (group II, n = 19). Patients in group I had an ERC at 3 months for stent removal whereas patients in group II had an ERC if indicated. The mean follow up was 19 (13–26) months. Biliary complications occurred in 9 out of 18 patients in group I compared to 1 out of 19 patients in group II ( P = 0.007). In group I, ERC was required for complications in 8 patients and early surgery in 2, compared to 1 ERC for abnormal liver function tests in group II. Five of the early complications in group I were stent related. Late biliary stenosis occurred in 1 patient at 9 months. There was one stent-related death. The use of stents contributes to biliary complications and CCD without stenting is safe after OLT.     

减少肝移植术后胆道缺血性损伤的临床路径

目的：针对肝移植术后并发症缺血性胆道损伤（ITBL）,试图建立区分各种导致ITBL的危险因素的临床路径,降低ITBL的发生率。方法：记录随访335例行原位肝移植术（OLT）病例的可能导致胆道缺血的危险因素,包括供肝热缺血时间、冷缺血时间、温缺血时间及供肝脂肪肝情况等。按照冷缺血时间分两组I：TBL组和正常组。比较其他危险因素在两组间的差别。结果：冷缺血时间控制〈8 h,正常组81例,ITBL组2例,热缺血时间差别有统计学意义（P=0.017）;8～12 h,正常组150例I,TBL组25例,胆道温缺血时间差异有统计意义（P=0.033）;〉12 h,正常组57例I,TBL组20例,供肝脂肪肝发生率差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：为避免ITBL,冷缺血时间〈8 hI,TBL的发生率很低,只要控制好热缺血时间即可;冷缺血时间8~12 h,尽量将胆道温缺血时间控制在1 h左右;冷缺血时间〉12 h,对于有严重脂肪变的边缘供体可以考虑弃用。     

Steatosis of the hepatic graft as a risk factor for post‐transplant biliary complications

Baccarani U, Isola M, Adani GL, Avellini C, Lorenzin D, Rossetto A, Currò G, Comuzzi C, Toniutto P, Risaliti A, Soldano F, Bresadola V, De Anna D, Bresadola F. Steatosis of the hepatic graft as a risk factor for post‐transplant biliary complications.
Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01128.x.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Despite recent advances in organ preservation, immunosuppression, and surgical techniques, the biliary tree is still considered the Achilles’ heel of liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the incidence of biliary complications and identify risk factors that might predispose to the development of biliary problems. Methods: From January 2004 to December 2007, 117 consecutive liver transplantations were retrospectively analyzed for the development of biliary complications by the review of medical records. Patients were divided into group 1 with biliary complications (n = 43) and group 2 without biliary complications (n = 74). Results: The overall biliary complication rate was 36.8% (leakage 6% and stricture 30.8%). Univariate analysis indicated that significant predictors of biliary complications were the time interval between portal and arterial reperfusion (p = 0.037) and macrovacuolar steatosis of the graft > 25% (p = 0.004). Stepwise logistic regression model demonstrated that a macrosteatosis of the graft > 25% (OR = 5.21 CI 95% [1.79–15.15], p = 0.002) was the only independent risk factor predicting biliary complications after liver transplantation. No differences in patient’s and graft’s survival were noted between the two groups. Conclusion: According to our experience, transplanting a liver with > 25% of steatosis is a risk factor for the development of biliary complication.     

原位肝移植术后胆道铸型综合征的预防和处理

目的探讨供肝切取过程中,门静脉灌注液对原位肝移植术后发生胆道铸型综合症的预防价值,以及胆道镜在临床处理胆道铸型综合症中的应用。方法回顾性分析2002年5月至2003年12月期间的137例原位肝移植患者术后胆道铸型综合症的发生情况;比较供肝门静脉灌注UW液(UW组;65例)和灌注HCA液 UW液(HCA UW组;72例)患者胆道并发症的发生率。总结胆道镜在铸型综合症中的治疗和临床价值。结果137例肝移植受者中有17例(12.4%)在术后1-3个月发生胆道铸型综合症;UW组发生率为20.0%(13/65),HCA UW组发生率为5.56% (4/72),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。17例受者均经胆道镜成功取出胆道内铸型,预后良好。结论供肝切取过程中,门静脉灌注HCA液 UW液,能预防肝移植术后发生胆道铸型综合症。胆道镜可以有效地取出胆道内铸型。     

Sequential versus contemporaneous portal and arterial reperfusion during liver transplantation

Although sequential portal and arterial revascularization (SPAr) is the most common method of graft reperfusion at liver transplantation (OLT), contemporaneous portal and hepatic artery revascularization (CPAr) has been used to reduce arterial ischemia to the bile ducts. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare SPAr (group 1; n = 19) versus CPAr (group 2; n = 21) among 40 consecutive OLT from heart-beating donors. There were no differences in the demographics characteristics, Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores, indication for OLT and donor parameters between the groups. OLT was performed using the piggyback technique. The biliary anastomosis was performed in all cases by a duct-to-duct technique with a T-tube in 32% versus 29% of cases without a T tube (P = .83). In the CPAr group, the liver was reperfused simultaneously via the portal vein and hepatic artery. CPAr showed a longer warm ischemia (66 ± 8 vs 37 ± 7 minutes; P < .001), while SPAr had a longer arterial ischemia 103 ± 42 vs 66 ± 8 minutes (P = .0004). Recovery of graft function was similar. There was no primary nonfunction and delayed graft function occurred among 10% versus 9%. Liver function tests were similar between the two groups up to 90 days case of follow-up- One-year graft and patient survivals were, respectively, 89% and 95% versus 94% and 100% (P = .29). At a median follow-up of 13 ± 6 versus 14 ± 7 months, biliary complications included anastomotic stenoses in 15% versus 19% (P = .78) and intrahepatic non-anastomotic biliary strictures in 26% versus none (P = .01) for SPAr and CPAr, respectively. CPAr was safe and feasible, reducing the incidence of intrahepatic biliary strictures by decreasing the duration of arterial ischemia to the intrahepatic bile ducts.     

Biliary complications after deceased-donor orthotopic liver transplantation

A wide range of potential biliary complications can occur after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The most common biliary complications are bile leaks, anastomotic and intrahepatic strictures, stones, and ampullary dyfunction, which may occur in up to 20%-40% of OLT recipients. Leaks predominate in the early posttransplant period; stricture formation typically develops gradually over time. However, with the advent of new techniques, such as split-liver, reduced-size, and living-donor liver transplantation, the spectrum of biliary complications has changed. Risk factors for biliary complications comprise technical failure; T-tube or stent-related complications; hepatic artery thrombosis; bleeding; ischemia/reperfusion injury; and other immunological, nonimmunological, and infectious complications. Noninvasive diagnostic methods have been established and treatment modalities have been modified towards a primarily nonoperative, endoscopy-based strategy. Besides, the management of biliary complications after OLT requires a multidisciplinary approach, in which interventional and endoscopic treatment options have to be weighed up against surgical treatment options. The etiology and spectrum of bile duct complications, their diagnosis, and their treatment will be reviewed in this article.     

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Biliary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Outcomes and Complications

Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) still remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The most frequent complications are strictures and leakages in OLT cases with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction (D-D), which can be treated with dilatation or stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), although this procedure is burdened with potentially severe complications, such as retroperitoneal perforation, acute pancreatitis, septic cholangitis, bleeding, recurrence of stones, strictures due to healing process. The aim of the study was to analyze the outcome of this treatment and the complications related to the procedure. Among 1634 adult OLTs, we compared postprocedural complications and mortality rates with a group of 5852 nontransplanted patients (n-OLTs) who underwent ERCP. Of 472 (28,8%) post-OLT biliary complications, 319 (67.6%) occurred in D-D biliary anstomosis cases and 94 (29.5%) patients underwent 150 ERCP sessions. Among 49/80 patients (61.2%) who completed the procedure, ERCP treatment was successful. Overall complication rate was 10.7% in OLT and 12.8% in n-OLT (P = NS). Compared with the n-OLT group, post-ERCP bleeding was more frequent in OLT (5.3% vs 1.3%, P = .0001), while the incidence of pancreatitis was lower (4.7% vs 9.6%, P = .04). Procedure-related mortality rate was 0% in OLT and 0.1% in n-OLT (P = NS). ERCP is a safe procedure for post-OLT biliary complications in the presence of a D-D anastomosis. Morbidity and mortality related with this procedure are acceptable and similar to those among nontransplanted population.     

Protective Effect of Retrograde Reperfusion Against Hepatic Autophagy Impairment in Rat Liver Transplantation

The retrograde reperfusion (RTR) technique was introduced in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) to improve initial postoperative liver function, but the related mechanisms remain unexplained. We investigated the influences of different reperfusion sequences, including initial portal reperfusion (IPR) and RTR, on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and autophagic activity in a simplified rat orthotopic liver transplantation (ROLT) model.MethodsFirst, we established an ROLT model of male Sprague-Dawley rats to simulate either the IPR or RTR technique. The operative times and survival rates until postoperative day (POD) 7 were recorded. Liver enzyme levels, histologic damage, and in situ apoptosis were assessed. Second, we evaluated differences in the autophagic flux of liver grafts at 1, 2, and 6 hours after reperfusion between the IPR and RTR techniques. All experimental procedures involving animals were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of the 900th Hospital of PLA.ResultsIn the first experiment, all animals survived to POD 7. In contrast to the IPR sequence, the RTR technique decreased the extent of graft I/R injury. In the second experiment, reperfusion markedly impaired the autophagic flux of ischemic liver grafts, but the RTR technique could alleviate and postpone the reduction in autophagy after I/R.ConclusionsA feasible modified ROLT model with the cuff method was described and could flexibly simulate 2 reperfusion techniques: IPR and RTR. The use of the RTR sequence exhibited a protective effect against I/R injury and impairment of autophagy in liver grafts.     

The Effect of Recipient-Specific Surgical Issues on Outcome of Liver Transplantation in Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia (BA), the most common reason for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in children, is often accompanied by unique and challenging anatomical variations. This study examines the effect of surgical-specific issues related to the presence of complex vascular anatomic variants on the outcome of OLT for BA. The study group comprised 944 patients who were enrolled in the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) registry and underwent OLT for BA over an 11-year period. 63 (6.7%) patients met the study definition of complex vascular anomalies (CVA). Patient survival, but not graft survival, was significantly lower in the CVA group, (83 vs. 93 % at 1-year post-OLT). The CVA group had a significantly higher incidence of all reoperations, total biliary tract complications, biliary leaks and bowel perforation. The most frequent cause of death was infection, and death from bacterial infection was more common in the CVA group. Pretransplant portal vein thrombosis and a preduodenal portal vein were significant predictors of patient survival but not graft survival. This study demonstrates that surgical and technical factors have an effect on the outcome of BA patients undergoing OLT. However, OLT in these complex patients is technically achievable with an acceptable patient and graft survival.