The introduction of MELD-based organ allocation impacts 3-month survival after liver transplantation by influencing pretransplant patient characteristics

Introduction of the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) for organ allocation has changed the waiting-list management. Despite reports of unaffected survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the MELD era, survival rates have decreased in our center. The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to reduced survival. Three-month survival, recipient and graft parameters of all 323 OLT between 2004 and 2008, which fall into a pre- ( N  = 220) and a post-MELD ( n  = 103) era, were analysed by Kaplan–Meier-, Mann–Whitney- and Fisher tests. After the introduction of MELD, mean scores at OLT increased (14.8 vs. 18.6, P  = 0.002). The main indications for OLT were not statistically different between eras. Post-MELD recipients were older (47.9 vs. 50.9 years, P  = 0.025), donors younger (NS), cold ischemia time shorter (696 vs. 635 min., P  = 0.001), and duration of surgery longer (218 vs. 245 min., P  = 0.001). Procedure time significantly correlated with MELD and international normalized ratio (INR). Three-month survival dropped (from 88.6% to 79.6%, P  = 0.03). Independent variables of survival were creatinine, urea and duration of surgery. Reduced 3-month survival was associated with longer surgery duration, higher creatinine and urea likely reflecting higher recipient morbidity. Survival probability should be incorporated into MELD-based graft allocation.     

Auxiliary heterotopic partial liver transplantation in pigs with acute liver failure

Fulminant hepatic failure is usually fatal without liver transplantation; however, orthotopic liver transplantation is often difficult to perform due to the high risk of coagulopathy and the development of multiple organ failure. Auxiliary heterotopic partial liver transplantation (APLT), however, has the potential to provide an effective hepatic support system considering that the host liver is left in situ and the surgical procedure is less invasive. In this report, we describe the beneficial effects of performing 60% APLT on the hepatic function and survival of pigs with acute hepatic failure induced by hepatic artery ligation. The pigs were divided into a control group of nine animals (group 1) that had portal vein and hepatic artery ligation with a side-to-side portacaval shunt, and an APLT group of seven animals (group 2) that had portal vein and hepatic artery ligation with APLT. The two left lateral lobes of the donor liver were resected, reducing the liver weight to about 60%, and the graft was placed in the right subhepatic space. No deaths occurred intraoperatively. In group 1, eight pigs died of massive liver necrosis within 48 h and one died between 48 and 72 h (median surivival 23 h). In group 2, two pigs died within 72 h due to preservation or anesthetic problems, but five survived for more than 3 days (median survival 13.4 days), with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). One animal was killed 30 days after APLT and excellent graft function was demonstrated by the synthesis of clotting factors, ammonia detoxification, and glucohomeostasis. Moreover, evidence of hepatic regeneration was found in the transplanted livers. These results indicate that APLT provides metabolic support and improves survival in animals with induced acute liver failure.     

Superiority of transplantation versus resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma

The best therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still debated. Hepatic resection (HR) is the treatment of choice for single HCC in Child A patients, whereas liver transplantation (OLT) is usually reserved for Child B and C patients with multiple nodules. The aim of this study was to compare HR and OLT for HCC within the Milan criteria on an intention-to-treat basis. Forty-eight patients were treated by OLT and 38 by HR. Three- and 5-year patient survival rates were significantly higher (P = .0057) in the OLT group (79% and 74%) than after HR (61% and 26%). The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rate was better (P = .0005) for OLT (74% and 74%) versus HR (41% and 11%). The probability of HCC recurrences after resection was greater (P = .0002) than after transplantation, achieving 31% and 76% for HR and 2% and 2% for OLT at 3 and 5 years after surgery. The median waiting list time was 118 days; two patients dropped out for HCC progression. We concluded that OLT is superior to HR for small HCC in cirrhotic patients assuming that OLT can be performed within 6 to 10 months after listing to reduce dropouts due to tumor progression.     

A comparative study on changes in hemostasis in orthotopic and auxiliary liver transplantation in pigs

We compared blood loss and hemostasis in pigs which had undergone either orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) (group A, n=12) or auxiliary heterotopic partial liver transplantation (APLT) (group B, n=11). Blood samples were taken at regular intervals during and after the operations. In both groups, nine animals survived longer than 24 h and data from these animals were used for analysis. Median (range) intraoperative blood loss was 825 ml (250–1500 ml) in OLT and 425 ml (300–750) in APLT (P<0.01). Routine clotting times, as the activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and thrombin time, showed no major intraoperative changes in either group. Fibrinogen levels decreased in both groups, but no significant difference was found between the two groups. The only significant difference between group A and B was a more sustained increase in fibrinolytic activity after graft recirculation in group A. Post-operatively, restoration of fibrinogen, antithrombin-III and ₂-antiplasmin levels was slightly faster in group B, resulting in significantly higher levels during the first day. We conclude that, in this animal model, APLT is associated with significantly lower blood loss and less severe fibrinolytic activity, than OLT. This difference might result from the lack of an anhepatic period and the reduced surgical trauma in auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation.     

Prostacyclin accumulation during orthotopic liver transplantation in man.

Significant hypotension commonly occurs upon reperfusion of the donor liver. In this study we tried to determine if there is accumulation of prostacyclin in the portal system. Blood samples for prostacyclin in twelve patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation were studied. Samples were collected at the beginning and end of portal vein anastomosis. Hemodynamic measurements were determined 1 min before and 3 min after portal revascularization. The results show an increase of prostacyclin from 524 +/- 134 pg/ml (n less than 72 pg/ml) to 1132 +/- 264 pg/ml. Eight patients had a decrease in systolic blood pressure from 98 +/- 5 mmHg to 61 +/- mmHg with concomitant significant increase in cardiac output (6.0) from 6.9 +/- 0.7 to 9.9 +/- 1.05 L/mm and significant decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) from 724 +/- 130 dynes/sec/cm to 309 +/- 98. In conclusion, 60% of patients undergoing OLT accumulate prostacyclin in the portal vein, which could be one of the causes of hypotension seen at reperfusion of the donor liver.     

Portacaval shunt and inferior vena cava preservation in orthotopic liver transplantation

The aim was to study the advantages of the use of a temporary portacaval shunt (PCS) with inferior vena cava (IVC) preservation during the piggyback technique for the anhepatic phase of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) performed in cirrhotic patients. Two groups of cirrhotic patients who underwent OLT with piggyback technique were compared; one with a PCS (n = 57) and the other, without PCS (n = 54). Patients with fulminant hepatitis, retransplantation, portal thrombosis, and previous portosystemic shunts were excluded. In both groups graft reperfusion was achieved by simultaneous arterial and venous revascularization. Donor, recipient, and surgical characteristics were similar in both groups. The PCS group had a significantly higher portal venous flow (PVF) than the no-PCS group (773 +/- 402 mL/min vs 555 +/- 379 mL/min, P = .004). Therefore, two subgroups were studied; the high PVF subgroup A (>800 mL/min), mean 1099 +/- 261 mL/min, and the low PVF subgroup B (<800 mL/min), mean 433 +/- 423 mL/min. Subgroup A, who were treated with PCS, required fewer blood transfusions and displayed better postoperative renal function; whereas, no differences were observed among subgroup B patients with versus without PCS. In conclusion, the use of a temporary PCS with piggyback technique during OLT in cirrhotics has advantages in patients who still maintain a high portal venous flow.     

Correlation of hepatic injury, synthetic function, and mitochondria energy level in orthotopic liver transplantation.

The arterial ketone blood ratio (AKBR) of acetoacetate to b-hydroxybutyrate was previously shown to reflect hepatic mitochondria oxidation/reduction (redox) state and energy level. In this study we correlated AKBR to the degree of liver injury immediately following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Serial measurements of AKBR in 209 patients undergoing OLT, during the anhepatic phase, and up to 60 hr following reperfusion demonstrated direct correlation between mitochondria Redox state (AKBR), hepatocyte injury (SGOT), and hepatic synthetic function (prothrombin time). AKBR levels less than 0.7 were seen in primary nonfunction grafts and were associated with raising SGOT (greater than 1000) and prolonged PT (greater than 18). Acute occlusion of arterial blood supply to the graft was seen in conjunction with low AKBR (less than 0.7). However, hepatic synthetic function and serum enzyme were stabilized or returned to normal within 24-48 hr postreperfusion. In conclusion: (1) AKBR measurements are useful in predicting graft survival, (2) reduction in liver mitochondria Redox state is seen in primary hepatocyte dysfunction and correlates well to synthetic function, and (3) acute occlusion of the arterial supply to the liver graft is associated with decreased redox state. However, with intact portal blood flow, it is still possible to preserve adequate hepatic synthetic function.     

Hepatic artery thrombosis and intraoperative hepatic artery flow rates in adult orthotopic liver transplantation

Introduction: Thrombosis of the hepatic artery following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) can be a devastating com­plication impacting on recipient outcome. The utility of routine intraoperative flow measurements of the hepatic artery in predicting subsequent hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is presented in this study. Methods: Data on all adult OLT recipients between July 1995 and May 2000 were analysed. This included the routine intra­operative flow measurements of both the hepatic artery and portal vein using a Doppler flow meter. Results: Thirteen out of 198 (6.6%) instances of OLT were complicated by HAT. The mean and median flow rates of the hepatic artery in the OLT with HAT were 262 mL/min and 220 mL/min, respectively. These were significantly lower than the respective values of 436 mL/min and 400 mL/min in the OLT without HAT (P = 0.0036). This was independent of recipient age, sex, weight and intraoperative portal flow rates. However there was extensive overlap for the intraoperative hepatic artery flow rates obtained between the HAT and non‐HAT groups. The risk of HAT was increased by a factor of 6 if the intraoperative hepatic artery flow rate was less than 200 mL/min. The average allograft survival was significantly lower in the HAT group at 373 days vs the non‐HAT group at 763 days (P = 0.026). Conclusion: The routine use of intraoperative flow measurements of the hepatic artery may be a useful adjunct in identifying the hepatic artery reconstruction, which is at risk of subsequent HAT.     

Cumulative risk of cardiovascular events after orthotopic liver transplantation

As survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) improves, cardiovascular (CV) disease has emerged as the leading cause of non-graft-related deaths. The aims of our study were to determine the cumulative risk of CV events after OLT and to analyze predictive risk factors for those experiencing a CV event after OLT. We identified all adult patients who underwent OLT at our institution for end-stage liver disease between October 1996 and July 2008. The cumulative risk of CV events after OLT was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with CV events after OLT. In all, 775 patients were included in our study cohort (mean age of 53.3 years, female proportion = 44%, Caucasian proportion = 84%, median follow-up = 40 months). The most common indications for OLT were hepatitis C virus (33.2%), alcohol (14.5%), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (12.7%). Eighty-three patients suffered 1 or more CV events after OLT. Posttransplant metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in patients with CV events versus patients with no CV events (61.4% versus 34.1%, P < 0.001). According to a multivariate analysis, independent predictors of CV events were an older age at transplantation [odds ratio (OR) = 1.2, addition of 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-1.3, P = 0.006], male sex (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2-3.3, P = 0.01), posttransplant diabetes (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3-3.3, P = 0.003), posttransplant hypertension (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3.0, P = 0.02), and mycophenolate mofetil (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3-3.2, P = 0.003). Among post-OLT patients, the cumulative risk at 5 years of 13.5%, respectively. In conclusion, cardiac complications after liver transplantation are common (Approximately 10% of patients experience 1 or move cv events). Patients with posttransplant hypertension and diabetes, which are modifiable risk factors, are approximately twice as likely to experience a CV event.     

Clinical factors predicting readmission after orthotopic liver transplantation

Hospitals with the highest readmission rates for high-cost conditions may be targeted for payment penalties. The primary aim of this study was to determine clinical predictors of 30-day readmission after discharge for patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at the University of Washington from January 2003 to October 2010. Secondary aims included the determination of predictors of institutional care after OLT and differences in survival between patients requiring 30-day readmission and patients not requiring 30-day readmission. Sixty-five of 766 discharged OLT patients (8.6%) required institutional care on discharge; 318 of the 701 remaining patients (45%) were readmitted within 30 days. The predictors of readmission included hospitalization within the 90 days before OLT [29.6% versus 18.4%, relative risk (RR) = 1.33, P = 0.04], pre-OLT portal vein thrombosis (7.9% versus 4.4%, RR = 1.76, P = 0.01), a creatinine level > 1.9 mg/dL (23.9% versus 11.5%, RR = 2.1, P ≤ 0.01), an albumin level < 2.6 mg/dL (51.9% versus 37.6%, RR = 1.57, P < 0.01), postoperative complications (38.7% versus 30.2%, RR = 1.31, P = 0.04), and a high school education or less (14.5% versus 10%, RR = 1.41, P = 0.04). One year after OLT, decreased survival was found for patients requiring 30-day readmission versus patients not requiring readmission (88.2% versus 95.6%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study has identified patients at high risk of readmission who may benefit from medical optimization. Liver Transpl, 2012. ? 2012 AASLD.     

门静脉血栓形成对肝移植手术相关参数的影响

目的 探讨术前合并门静脉血栓(PVT)对原位肝移植(OLT)受者手术和术后相关参数的影响.方法 回顾性分析2002年2月至2007年2月武警总医院836例成人OLT病人中71例术前合并门静脉血栓(PVT组)和765例无门静脉血栓(对照组)病人的临床资料.比较两组手术时间、无肝期时间、输血量等手术参数以及ICU时间、住院时间、PVT复发、移植物功能、门静脉血流量、围手术期病死率和1、3、5年生存率等术后参数.结果 PVT组手术时间(min)和无肝期时间(min)明显长于对照组(分别为792.47±162.29和516.18±186.30,P<0.01;77.53±24.76和48.55±31.20;P<0.05).两组间术中输血量、平均ICU时间、住院时间没有显著差异(P>0.05).PVT组术后再栓塞率显著高于对照组(分别为9.86%和1.44%,P<0.01).除90 d时PVT组门静脉血流(PVF,cm/s)较高(41.43±17.19和19.85±11.39,P<0.05)外,两组间各随访时段移植物功能和PVF没有显著性差异.PVT组围手术期病死率略高于对照组而1、3、5年生存率稍低于对照组,但是差异均没有显著性.结论 术前PVT可能会增加肝移植手术复杂程度,但并不影响肝移植效果.     

改进的门静脉套管置人技术在大鼠肝移植中的应用

目的 探讨改进的门静脉套管置入技术“门脉分支悬吊法”在大鼠肝移植门静脉重建中的应用效果.方法 “双袖套法”建立大鼠肝移植模型,分别应用改进的“门脉分支悬吊法”和传统方法行受体门静脉重建,比较门静脉重建所需时间和成功率、无肝期时间以及移植手术成功率.结果 应用改进的“门脉分支悬吊法”行大鼠肝移植(n=35),受体门静脉重建成功率94.3％,门静脉吻合所需时间仅为(1.9±0.7)min,无肝期为(21.8±2.2)min,移植手术成功率为80％,优于传统方法(P＜0.05).术后l周存活率为85.8％,与传统方法比较无统计学差异(P＞0.05).结论 改进的“门脉分支悬吊法”缩短了受体门静脉吻合时间和无肝期,提高了门静脉重建成功率和移植手术成功率,可以快速、安全地实现大鼠肝移植受体手术中的门脉套管置入和门静脉重建.     

Pulse low dose steroids attenuate post-cardiopulmonary bypass SIRS; SIRS I

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) initiates inflammation that contributes to multiorgan dysfunction (SIRS). Steroids have been demonstrated to attenuate this response; however, resistance to use steroids remains because of potential adverse effects of the high doses used. This study examines a lower dose steroid protocol for safety and attenuation of SIRS. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing CPB were randomized to pulse low doses of methylprednisolone (250 mg given twice IV) or placebo in this RCT. Outcomes pertaining to hemodynamics, ventilator requirement, arrhythmia, and metabolic derangements were recorded. Post-operative glucose control and gastrointestinal prohylaxis was instituted in all patients. RESULTS: IL-6 concentrations were lower in the steroid group at 4 and 8 h post-operatively (P < 0.0001). The steroid group demonstrated more normothermia (37.2 degrees C versus 37.6 degrees C, P = 0.002), better hemodynamic stability with less requirement for inotropes or vasopressors (0% versus 27.6%, P = 0.005), higher SVRIs (1840 versus 1340 DSm2/cm5, P = 0.002), and higher mean arterial pressures (79 versus 74 mmHg, P = 0.03). The steroid group had a shorter duration of intubation (7.7 versus 10.7 h, P = 0.02), a shorter length of ICU stay (1.0 versus 2.0 days, P = 0.03), and less blood loss (505 versus 690 ml, P = 0.04) with no difference in post-operative blood glucose levels or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass receiving low pulse dose steroids had better hemodynamics, shorter mechanical ventilation times, less blood loss, and required less time in the ICU compared to those receiving placebo. Therefore, this study demonstrates that prophylactic low dose steroids attenuate the SIRS response to CPB without resulting in any untoward side-effects.     

Intraoperative flow measurement of native liver and allograft during orthotopic liver transplantation in children

Hepatic hemodynamic changes during liver transplantation (OLT) in children have not yet been studied. We measured intraoperative portal vein flow (PVF) and hepatic arterial flow (HAF) (mL/min) in 53 children and 58 grafts during OLT. Flows were measured in the native organ and in the allograft. In the native liver, PVF and HAF are similar; after transplantation they return to the physiological situation. No flow differences were seen between whole and partial grafts. Among the 8 (14%) portal vein thromboses, PVF was lower in both the native liver and the graft than in the no thrombosis group (P < .05). PVF <5 mL/min/kg was a risk factor to develop PV thrombosis. No graft loss occurred in 3 cases without PVF at the time of OLTs despite the observation that repermeabilization was not possible. In 4 patients with PVF <5 mL/min/kg, after tying a spontaneous spleno-renal shunt (n = 3) or performing a porto-renal vein anastomosis (n = 1), PVF reached >20 mL/min/kg, avoiding thrombosis. In conclusion, PVF and HAF measurements during pediatric OLT may predict patients at high risk for development of PV thrombosis.     

Normal glomerular filtration rate in long-term follow-up of children after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine A (CyA) and tacrolimus are the principal immunosuppressive agents used for OLT in children. However, progressive deterioration of renal function from calcineurin inhibitor toxicity after OLT has been widely reported. The aim of this study was to assess long-term renal function in children after OLT. METHODS: We reviewed all OLT patients surviving >1 year at Sainte Justine Hospital from 1987 to 2003. The GFR (ml/min/1.73 m) was measured yearly by the Tc-99m DTPA single injection technique RESULTS: In all, 101 OLT patients (27 tyrosinemia, 33 biliary atresia, 5 fulminant hepatic failure, 36 miscellaneous) were studied. Median age at OLT was 35 months (range 6-178 months) in tyrosinemia group and 58 months (range 1-226 months) in the "Others" (P = NS), median pediatric end-stage liver disease score was respectively 3 (range -9 to 21) and 15 (-9 to 35), (P=0.001), and median follow-up was 6 (range 1-14) and 6 (range 1-17) (P = NS) years, respectively. Median annual GFR values in tyrosinemia fluctuated between 61 and 104 ml/min/1.73 m, with an improving tendency, and 94-121 ml/min/1.73 m in the Others. GFR did not differ on CyA vs. tacrolimus treatment. The median duration of therapy with calcium-channel blocker in the tyrosinemia group was 5 (1-13) vs. 2 (1-13) years in the Others. CONCLUSIONS: Median GFR remained normal in most nontyrosinemia patients (Others). Tyrosinemia patients remained stable at a lower GFR. CyA administration in three daily doses and prolonged calcium-channel blocker therapy may have contributed to this stability. Impairment of kidney function was associated with congenital kidney disease, toxic kidney injury, and portal hypertension.     

Opening of a foramen ovale during liver transplantation. The value of transesophageal echocardiography

A case is reported of a foramen ovale becoming patent during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The patient had a hepatoma secondary to post-hepatitis cirrhosis. Monitoring included transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A veno-venous shunt between the right femoral, portal and left axillary veins was used so as to maintain the venous return during portal and caval clamping. The patient's haemodynamic state remained quite stable throughout this period, and no vasoactive drug was required. Five min after graft reperfusion, pulmonary arterial pressure increased suddenly (mean PAP: 27 mmHg). TEE revealed paradoxical movements of the atrial septum. Colour coded Doppler ultrasound showed blood flowing from the right to the left atrium through a patent foramen ovale. Fifteen min later, mean PAP decreased (18 mmHg) and TEE no longer showed any flow between the two atria. Several studies have reported transient pulmonary hypertension after unclamping when the donor liver is reperfused. This could induce right ventricular failure, with transient inversion of the atrial pressure gradient, which, in turn, could result in a right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale. TEE can monitor regional and overall left ventricular function as well as the atrial septum. This technique might therefore to be useful for cardiac monitoring during OLT.     

Comparison of hepatic artery and portal vein reperfusion during orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: During orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), it is standard procedure to reperfuse the liver via the portal vein (PV) despite having a lower oxygen content and perfusion pressure than the hepatic artery (HA). There are no published studies that describe graft function and outcome when the HA is used for reperfusion. We report a retrospective comparison of graft outcome after HA or PV reperfusion when the piggyback technique was used. METHODS: We identified 26 patients who had undergone OLT with HA reperfusion and 26 patients reperfused via the PV. Demographics, primary diagnosis, surgeon, warm and cold ischemic times, and blood product use were recorded. In each patient, whole blood lactate concentration, prothrombin time (PT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured at defined time points during and after surgery as indices of graft lactate metabolism, synthetic function, and reperfusion injury, respectively. Thirty-day and 1-year outcome data were recorded. Data were compared between the HA and PV groups. RESULTS: Demographics, blood product use, primary diagnosis, cold ischemic time, and surgeon were similar between the groups. Warm ischemic time was longer in the HA group (mean [SD] HA 51.2 [14.7], PV 40 [9.1] min, P=0.002). Blood lactate concentrations were similar at all time points. There was no difference in 24-hr postoperative PT between the groups (median [InterQuartile (IQ) range] HA 17.5 [16-28.3], PV 19 [16-24] sec, P=0.85). Peak postoperative ALT values were comparable (median [IQ range] HA 1031 [668-1701], PV 1107 [754-1824] IU/ml, P=0.78). There were no statistically significant differences in 30-day or 1-year mortality, but more early deaths occurred in the HA group. Using our data, we calculated that a prospective randomized trial would need approximately 300 patients to be sure that mortality was the same with both techniques. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated no clinically or statistically significant differences in indices of graft function, reperfusion injury, or outcome between primary HA or PV reperfusion.     

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.     

Perioperative mucosal pH and splanchnic endotoxin concentration in orthotopic liver transplantation

Although impairment of splanchnic perfusion may induce mucosal hypoxia and endotoxaemia during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), little is known about the changes in mucosal oxygenation during and after the procedure. To study the effects of liver surgery itself on mucosal pH (pHi) and the response of pHi to acute changes in portal flow, we measured gastric pHi during six liver resections using tonometry: in two patients, after clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament, pHi decreased within 30 min and recovered promptly after reperfusion. We then investigated gastric and sigmoid pHi (pHig, pHis) during the perioperative phase in 18 OLT. Median pHi values were low before surgery (pHig 7.28 (first/third quartiles 7.22/7.34); pHis 7.27 (7.12/7.36)). Although global oxygen delivery and haemodynamic variables remained constant and veno-venous bypass (VVB) was used to maintain portal flow, pHi declined during the anhepatic phase (pHig 7.19 (7.13/7.23), P < 0.01; pHis 7.13 (7.06/7.24), P < 0.05). After reperfusion of the graft, pHi recovered and did not differ from baseline values by the end of OLT. After operation pHig increased further, reaching the highest values 30 h after ICU admission (7.34 (7.26/7.38)). In the intraoperative period, no significant endotoxaemia was observed either in portal or systemic blood. The maximum reduction in pHi was related neither to the duration of VVB and OLT nor to the number of red cell units transfused. pHi after reperfusion did not correlate with graft viability or dysfunction of the lung or kidney. We conclude that pHi indicates mucosal ischaemia during OLT which is not necessarily associated with endotoxaemia, and intraoperative pHi monitoring does not appear to be a valuable predictor of postoperative graft failure and organ dysfunction.      

应用钛环血管吻合器建立大鼠原位肝移植模型

目的 探讨应用钛环血管吻合器建立大鼠原位肝移植(OLT)模型的可能性.方法 采用雄性SD大鼠80只,分为钛环钉法(TS)组和三袖套法(TC)组,行OLT各20次.结果 TS组与TC组比较,手术时间、无肝期、手术成功率及1周存活率差异均不显著.TS组修肝准备时间较TC组短,分别为(19.55±3.9)min和(23.35±5.9)min,两组比较,P＜0.05.吻合血管的阻塞率TS组低于TC组(5%和35%),P＜0.05.结论 应用钛环钉行大鼠OLT操作简便,在肉眼或额镜下可操作,是建立大鼠OLT的可行方法,并为临床肝移植应用钛环钉吻合供肝各血管来缩短无肝期和减少血管并发症提供了依据.