Results in Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy: A Multicentric Experience

ObjectiveRenal transplantation is the most successful therapy to improve survival and quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease. Living donors have been used as an alternative to reduce the stay on the waiting list. Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy has become the standard procedure for renal transplantation. Minimally invasive surgery involves less postoperative pain with less analgesic requirements allowing shorter hospital stay for the donor.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed demographic and intraoperative data and surgical complications for 46 patients who underwent laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy between March 2001 and March 2011.ResultsMean donor age was 41 years. Mean operative time was 170 ± 45 minutes. The average cold ischemic time was 40 minutes and warm ischemic time was 26 minutes. Twenty-one patients were donors for pediatric receptors. Fourty patients underwent left laparoscopic nephrectomy, the other 6 patients underwent right laparoscopic nephrectomy due to vascular anatomic variant. Right laparoscopic nephrectomy was converted in 1 case (2.2%) due to renal vein laceration without donor morbidity and without compromise of graft function. Renal function at the second day post donor nephrectomy was measured using serum creatinine averaged 1.2 mg/dL with a mean increase of 0.4 mg/dL from baseline, with normalization after 30 days. No patient required blood transfusion, and there were no immediate surgical complications, infections, or mortality. One patient developed an incisional hernia in relation to the site of kidney removal. The mean hospital stay was 5 ± 1 days.ConclusionsLaparoscopic nephrectomy in our experience is a safe technique without postoperative morbidity or mortality. It is associated with low levels of pain, early discharge and early return to physical activity and work, good sense of aesthetic results, and long-term graft function comparable to traditional nephrectomy and cadaveric grafts.     

Hypophosphatemia in living liver donors

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Some patients who undergo donor hepatectomy for adult living donor liver transplantation develop hypophosphatemia postoperatively. Since this imbalance appears to be a factor in postoperative complications, some authors advocate routine supratherapeutic phosphorus repletion. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of hypophosphatemia after elective donor lobectomy for liver transplantation and to assess whether phosphorus repletion is necessary in this patient group. METHODS: The cases of 26 patients who donated 19 right lobe and seven left lateral lobe grafts between August 2004 and March 2005 were evaluated. Postoperative phosphorus levels and other relevant data were obtained from our institution's transplant database. Presence/severity of hypophosphatemia was categorized as follows: normal (>2.5 mg/dL), mild (1.5 to 2.5 mg/dL), moderate (1.1 to 1.5 mg/dL), and profound (<1.0 mg/dL). RESULTS: No patients undergoing donor hepatectomy suffered profound or life-threatening hypophosphatemia and no donor required hyperalimentation for phosphate repletion. Twenty one donors (80.7%) did not have postoperative hypophosphatemia. In addition there appears to be no increased morbidity related to hypophosphatemia. A left lateral segment donor (3.8%) had moderate hypophosphatemia that alleviated with oral intake gradually. Four patients (15.5%; three of right lobe donor, one of left lateral segment donor) had mild hypophosphatemia. We also appropriately corrected the hypophosphatemia with encouragement of normal oral intake. By postoperative day 5, essentially all donor phosphorus levels were corrected to normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that hypophosphatemia after donor hepatectomy is not as common as previously reported. We find that appropriate early oral intake postoperatively effectively prevents/minimizes hypophosphatemia in patients who undergo donor hepatectomy.     

Mini-incision Living Donor Nephrectomy and Trans-peritoneal Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: Will There Be a Place for New Evidence?

ObjectivesTo compare mini-incision donor nephrectomy (MDN) with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) performed by the same surgical team, regarding short- and long-term outcomes.MethodsThree hundred and five patients, who underwent donor nephrectomy in our institution, through an MDN (n = 141) between January 1998-November 2011 and LDN (n = 164) since June 2010-December 2017, were compared.ResultsThe mean operative time for MDN (120 ± 29 minutes) was not significantly different when compared to LDN (113 ± 34 minutes), but when comparing the first 50 LDN and the 50 most recent, we found a reduction in the duration of the procedure. Laparoscopic donors had a shorter warm ischemia time (229 seconds vs 310 seconds, P = .01), particularly the 50 most recent, hospital stay (4.3 days vs 5.9 days, P < .001), and postoperative complications (P = .03). The incidence of graft acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was superior in the MDN (89% vs 25%, P < .001), although there was no significant difference regarding first-year serum creatinine (SCr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (SCr 1.38 mg/dL vs SCr 1.33 mg/dL and GFR 63.7 mL/min vs 63.1 mL/min) comparing the 2 groups. Long-term graft survival did not significantly differ between groups. There was also no relationship between postoperative ATN events and long-term graft function.ConclusionsWith the growing experience of the high-volume centers and with specialized teams, LDN could be considered the most suitable technique for living donor nephrectomy with better results in short-term results (warm ischemia time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications), without difference in long-term outcomes.     

Outcome of Kidney Transplantation With Transumbilical Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Donor Nephrectomy: A Single-Center Experience

AimThe aim of this study is to present the outcome of kidney transplantation after laparoendoscopic single-site donor nephrectomy (LESS DN) compared with conventional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) in a single-center experience.MethodsThis retrospective study compares data from the initial experience with 110 consecutive LESS DN donors and their recipients (group A) with 205 consecutive conventional LDN donors and their recipients (group B).ResultsThis study compared 110 LESS DNs completed in an 18-month period with 205 LDNs completed in the immediately preceding 42-month period. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. In groups A and B, respectively, the incidence of immediate graft function was 90% vs 91.2%, slow graft function was 9% vs 5.3%, delayed graft function was 0.9% vs 2.9%, graft loss was 0.9% vs 2.9%, and death with a functioning graft was 0.9% vs 1.5%. The mean serum creatinine levels were 1.3 ± 0.93 mg/dL vs 1.4 ± 1.2 mg/dL (P = .447), 1.1 ± 0.33 mg/dL vs 1.2 ± 0.75 mg/dL (P = .184), and 1.05 ± 0.25 mg/dL vs 1.1 ± 0.39 mg/dL (P = .224) at 7, 30, and 365 days after transplantation. The estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 year was 88 ± 18.2 vs 83 ± 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m² (P = .004). The mean donor operative times in groups A and B were 175.9 ± 24.9 minutes vs 199.88 ± 37.06 minutes (P = .0001), respectively, and the mean warm ischemia time was 5.2 ± 1.02 minutes vs 3.64 ± 1.38 minutes, respectively (P = .0001). The mean body mass index, the incidence of complex vascular anatomy, and the rate of complications were the same in the 2 donor groups.ConclusionsThe outcome of kidney transplantation after LESS DN is comparable to conventional LDN. LESS DN can be employed as the primary approach for kidney donation with low donor risk and without compromising recipient outcomes.     

Feasibility and safety of using low-body-weight donors in pediatric liver transplantation

BackgroundDonors with low-body-weight were previously reported to be related to inferior recipient outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation. However, the scarce availability of age and size-matched organs has encouraged us to re-evaluate the feasibility and safety of using low-body-weight donors.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 91 deceased donor pediatric liver transplantation between January 2014 and December 2016, donor weight less than 5 kg was defined as low-body-weight donors. The recipients were divided into two groups according to donor weight.(≤ 5 kg and 5 kg < to ≤ 20 kg). Donor and recipient characteristics, perioperative data, postoperative complications as well as graft and recipient survival rate were comparedResultsThe recipients and grafts recovery after transplantation were comparable between two groups. The recipients receiving low-body-weight donors showed higher risk of hepatic artery thrombosis and small-for-size syndrome, however, these complications can effectively be treated by our strategies. The 2-year patient survival rates were 92.9% and 95.2%, 2-year graft survival rates were 92.9% and 93.7% in Groups 1 and 2, without significant difference.ConclusionsOur finding suggested that the utility of livers from low-body-weight donors is a potential strategy to increase donor availability in well-selected pediatric recipients.Level of EvidenceIII     

Trasplante renal mediante reconstrucción de conducto vascular en riñones de donantes fallecidos con arterias renales múltiples y venas renales cortas

BackgroundTransplantation of kidneys with vascular anatomical variants remains a challenge. Due to its varying success in regard to graft function after transplantation, these organs have been frequently discarded assuming in advance an unaffordable rate of vascular complications.Patients and methodsWe performed three kidney transplants using organs from deceased donors harboring vascular variants (multiple arteries and short veins), including an unsplittable horseshoe kidney. Different grafts harvested from the same donor aorta, common iliac artery, and inferior vena cava, were used to reconstruct the initial vascular configuration by creating single arterial and venous conduits aimed to simplify the vascular anastomoses in the recipient.ResultsNo post-operative complications were recorded. Warm ischemia times remained comparable to single artery renal allografts. No delayed graft function was noted in any case, and every patient regained normal renal function after transplantation.ConclusionsVascular reconstruction using arterial and venous grafts harvested from the same deceased donor may result a helpful tool to simplify vascular anastomoses during transplantation surgery, thus avoiding their discard in advance, minimizing perioperative complications, and enabling normal graft function rates in the long-term follow-up. The successful outcome obtained by using this approach would help to expand the donor criteria for the inclusion of organs containing vascular anatomical variants.     

Kidney-Alone Transplantation in Diabetic Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

From January 1989 to December 1995, 5 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (1 woman, 4 men) underwent kidney-alone transplantation. The mean age of the recipients at the time of transplantation was 37.4 years (range, 32 to 43). Graft function and glucose tolerance was evaluated for 5 to 72 months after surgery. Postoperative complications were seen in 2 patients; nonspecific subcutaneous infections and an asymptomatic partial allograft infarction. All renal allografts were functioning 1 year after transplantation, with a mean serum creatinine level of 1.10mg/dL (range, 0.8 to 1.8mg/dL), and a mean urinary protein level of 1 7.8mg/dL (range, 5 to 27mg/dL). The postoperative daily dose of insulin was higher than the preoperative dose, while the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) increased after surgery and peaked 6 months after transplantation; 1 year after transplantation it had reverted to the preoperative level. As long as the diabetic complications of the renal allograft recipients are not severe, the short-term survival and the renal function of diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease improves after kidney-alone transplantation, which is still the standard method of treatment in Japan.     

The Impact of Living Donor Nephrectomy With Multiple Renal Arteries on Graft Function and Complications in Renal Transplantation

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the early outcome of living donor kidney transplantation using allografts with a single artery and multiple arteries.MethodsFrom February 2018 to December 2019, a total of 62 patients underwent living donor nephrectomy at our institution: 20 multiple artery donor nephrectomies (MADNs) and 42 single artery donor nephrectomies (SADNs). All operations were performed by the same surgeon as the laparoscopic procedure. The MADN and SADN groups were compared regarding donor and recipient hospital stay, operative time, warm ischemia time, and postoperative complications with Clavien-Dindo classification. Graft function was evaluated considering episodes of acute tubular necrosis during the first week, delayed graft function, serum creatinine (SCr), and glomerular filtration rate for 6 months after transplantation.ResultsSixty-two patients were included in this study. There was no difference in terms of age, sex, body mass index, nephrectomy side, smoking status, preoperative SCr, or preoperative glomerular filtration rate between the 2 groups. Warm ischemia time and operation time were statistically significantly higher in the MADN group (P < .001 and P < .001). Regarding graft function, the prevalence of acute tubular necrosis did not differ between groups. There was also no significant difference in the acute rejection or mortality rates after transplantation. Although SCr levels were lower in multiple renal artery recipients, there was no statistical difference during the 6 months of follow-up. Recipient morbidity and mortality were not different between the 2 groups.ConclusionsRenal allograft transplantation with multiple renal arteries can be performed with reasonable complications and acceptable results.     

Robotic‐Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for a 7‐cm Mass in a Renal Allograft

Treatment options for a suspicious renal mass in a renal allograft include radical nephrectomy or nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS). To our knowledge robotic‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) as treatment for a renal mass in a transplant kidney has not been previously reported. We report the case of RPN for a 7‐cm renal mass in a transplanted kidney. A 35‐year‐old female with reflux nephropathy received a living‐related donor kidney transplant in 1986. At 24 years after transplantation she had a 7‐cm Bosniak III cystic mass of the allograft detected on computerized tomography (CT) scan. Preoperative creatinine was 2.2 mg/dL with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 mL/min/1.73 m². RPN was performed with bulldog clamping of the renal vessels, the graft was left in situ and immunosuppression was maintained postoperatively. Tumor diameter was 7.3 cm with a nephrometry score of 10a. Warm ischemia time (WIT) was 26.5 min. Estimated blood loss was 100 mL. There was no change between pre‐ and postoperative eGFR. There were no operative complications. Histology was papillary renal cell carcinoma type 1, nuclear grade 2. Margins were negative. RPN is a technically feasible treatment option for a suspicious renal mass in renal allografts.     

Acute Anti-A/B Antibody-Mediated Rejection After ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation Treated With Bortezomib and Plasmapheresis: A Case Report

BackgroundABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (KTP) is effective for avoiding transplantation-related issues. It is a viable alternative to ABO-compatible KTP, as both techniques have similar patient and graft survival rates. However, anti-A/B antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) can occur, resulting in poor long-term graft survival.CaseA 45-year-old man with end-stage renal disease presented with a serum creatinine level of 10.2 mg/dL. We decided to perform KTP with spousal donation. He had panel-reactive antibody class I and II and cross matching test negativity, a 3/6 mismatch on human leukocyte antigen typing, an ABO antibody titer of 1:256, and no donor-specific antibodies. The patient and donor blood types were O+ and A+, respectively. The anti-A/B antibody titer was reduced preoperatively with rituximab (200 mg/body), plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin (0.2 mg/kg). Basiliximab and methylprednisolone were used for induction immunosuppression, and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone were used for maintenance immunosuppression. KTP was successful, and graft function was initially normal. On postoperative day (POD) 5, the serum creatinine level and anti-A/B antibody titer increased from 0.9 mg/dL to 1.9 mg/dL and 1:16 to 1:64, respectively. Graft biopsy revealed acute AMR and tubular injury. We started steroid pulse therapy, plasmapheresis, and subcutaneous bortezomib (2.6 mg, twice a day, every 3 days) with no side effects. The serum creatinine level decreased from 5.7 mg/dL to 1.5 mg/dL on POD 28. Graft biopsy showed no rejection, and normal function was maintained for 40 months.ConclusionsAcute, early anti-A/B AMR was successfully treated with plasmapheresis and bortezomib.     

Analysis of Clinical Outcomes According to the Definition of Slow Graft Function in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundSlow graft function (SGF) is considered to be an intermediate state between immediate graft function (IGF) and delayed graft function (DGF). However, the criteria of SGF is still arbitrary, and the clinical outcomes of SGF are not fully understood.MethodsA total of 212 deceased donor kidney transplantation recipients were enrolled. Three schemas were adopted, which classified SGF according to the serum creatinine (Cr) level by a given postoperative day (POD). SGF was defined as Cr ≥ 3.0 mg/dL on POD5, Cr ≥ 2.5 mg/dL on POD7, and Cr ≥ 1.5 mg/dL on POD14 without dialysis in schema I, II, and III, respectively. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after transplantation, acute rejection, and graft survival were compared in each schema. Decreased renal function, defined as eGFR less than 30.0 mL/min/1.73m², was also compared.ResultsIn schema I and III, SGF had significantly lower eGFR at 3 months after transplantation compared with IGF (P < .017), and only schema III maintained the difference until 36 months after transplantation. The incidence of decreased renal function showed significant difference among groups in schema I and III (P < .05). Graft survival did not show significant difference among groups in all schemas. However, SGF and DGF groups showed a higher probability of decreased renal function than the IGF group (P < .017) in schema I and III.ConclusionsIn deceased donor kidney transplantation, certain definitions of SGF identified significantly worse clinical outcomes compared with IGF, suggesting similar impact with DGF. It is necessary to reach a consensus on a clearer definition of SGF with further studies.     

The impact of portal vein reconstruction on portal vein complications after pediatric living-donor liver transplantation with left lobe graft

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether the different methods of portal vein reconstruction have an impact on the occurrence of portal vein complications after pediatric living-donor liver transplantation with left lobe graft.MethodsA total of 567 recipients were eligible for enrollment in this study and were divided into the following 2 groups according to the type of portal vein reconstruction: group 1 underwent anastomosis of the left and right bifurcations of the recipient portal vein to the donor portal vein (type 1), whereas group 2 underwent anastomosis of the bevel formed by the main trunk and right branch of the recipient portal vein to the donor portal vein (type 2). Postoperative portal vein complications and recipient and graft survival rates were compared between the 2 groups before and after propensity score matching.ResultsPortal vein complications occurred in 53 (9.3%) patients, including 46 recipients with portal vein stenosis and 7 with portal vein thrombosis. After propensity score matching, the incidence of portal vein stenosis in group 2 was lower than that in group 1 (P = .035). The first diagnosis time of portal vein stenosis in group 2 was later than that in group 1 (P = .033), and the incidence of early portal vein stenosis was lower than that in group 1 (P = .009). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of portal vein thrombosis and recipient and graft survival rates between the 2 groups.ConclusionsType 2 portal vein reconstruction appears to be a viable technique in pediatric living-donor liver transplantation with left lobe graft that can effectively reduce the incidence of portal vein stenosis.     

Efficacy and Safety of Machine Perfusion for Brain Death Marginal Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Report of 2 Cases

BackgroundAfter the revised organ transplant law came into effect in Japan, donations of organs under brain death have been increasing; however, because of the expansion of donor indications, donations from expanded criteria donors and cardiac arrest donors (donation after cardiac death) have also increased. In kidney transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion injury results in a high rate of delayed graft function, which adversely affects patients’ long-term prognoses. Hypothermic machine perfusion preservation results in superior postoperative function and survival rates compared with cold storage preservation. We used an organ preservation device for kidneys and performed a graft viability evaluation before to kidney transplantation.MethodsWe used the CMP-X08 perfusion device (Chuo-Seiko Co, Ltd, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan) and Belzer MPS solution to preserve the donated organ. The perfusion pressure and temperature were monitored during cold storage with continuous perfusion. Standard renal transplantation protocols were followed. A renal biopsy was performed 1 hour after transplantation and the renal function was evaluated. This study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.ResultsThe first presented case is of a 63-year-old woman who received a kidney from a middle-aged man with brain death due to hypoxic encephalopathy. The creatinine at the time of admission was 0.9 mg/dL and at the time of excision was 2.86 mg/dL. The total perfusion time was 120 minutes. The total ischemia time was 7 hours and 15 minutes. The recipient urinated 115 minutes postoperatively, and no dialysis was required. The second presented case is of a 47-year-old man with a 15-year history of dialysis who received a kidney from a middle-aged woman with brain death due to subarachnoid hemorrhage. The creatinine at the time of admission was 0.8 mg/dL and at the time of excision was 0.77 mg/dL. The total perfusion time was 240 minutes. The total ischemia time was 13 hours and 14 minutes. The recipient urinated 38 minutes postoperatively, and no dialysis was required.ConclusionsMechanical perfusion storage performed for 2 to 4 hours resulted in a viable organ that was successfully transplanted in both cases.     

Acute Renal Failure Caused by Hyperuremic Acidemia in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplant Maintained With Cyclosporine and High-Dose Mizoribine: A Case Report

Introduction

The shortage of cadaver organs has led to expansion of living donor kidney transplantations with, 30% increase among ABO-incompatible cases in Japan and the use of marginal extended donors. Herein we have reported the outcome after an ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation from an aged living-related donor who suffered from mild diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Case Report

A 48-year-old man underwent ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation from his 76-year-old father, using anti-CD20 antibody induction, followed by cyclosporine (CsA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone. After the operation, MMF was switched to high-dose mizoribine (MZ). He was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day (POD) 28 with a serum creatinine (sCr) of 1.47 mg/dL. On POD 34 when the sCr was 8.14 mg/dL, his urine examination showed uric acid crystals with serum uric acid of 24.6 mg/dL. Biopsy findings showed no evidence of acute rejection but mild tubulointerstitial injury. Hemodialysis performed twice to reduce uric acid was accompanied by hydration. CsA/MZ was switched to tacrolims/MMF; benzbromarone, to febuxostat to treat hyperuric acidemia. On POD 58, sCr reduced to 1.75 mg/dL he was discharged. On POD 416, graft function was stable with sCr of 1.70 mg/dL.

Conclusion

Common side effect of MZ is hyperuricemia which presumably caused acute renal failure of this aged marginal donor kidney.     

Monosegment Liver Allografts for Liver Transplantation in Infants Weighing Less Than 6 kg: An Initial Indian Experience

BackgroundLiving donor liver transplantation in small infants is a significant challenge. Liver allografts from adults may be large in size. This is accompanied by problems of graft perfusion, dysfunction, and the inability to achieve primary closure of the abdomen. Monosegment grafts are a way to address these issues.MethodsTwo recipients in our cohort weighed less then 6 kg. The prospective left lateral segments from their donors were large for size. Therefore, monosegment 2 liver grafts were harvested. Data regarding the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative events in the donor and the recipient were recorded.ResultsWe were able to achieve significant reduction in the sizes of the grafts harvested. The donors underwent surgery and hospital stay uneventfully. The recipients had normal graft perfusion and no graft dysfunction, and we could achieve primary abdominal closure. One recipient had self-limiting bile leak postoperatively.ConclusionsMonosegment 2 liver allografts are safe and effective for use in living donor liver transplantation in small infants weighing less than 6 kg.     

The use of a liver with a gunshot injury as a donor for auxiliary liver transplantation: Case report

INTRODUCTIONliver transplantation can be the only treatment for acute liver failure.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 59 year-old female patient with acute liver failure due to mushroom poisoning underwent auxiliary liver transplantation. The liver graft was harvested from a brain-dead donor with a deep gunshot wound in the posterior sector of the graft. The postoperative course was uneventful with rapid recovery of the recipient and no complications associated with the gunshot wound.DISCUSSIONPatients scheduled for urgent liver transplantation should have rapidly a liver graft otherwise the mortality rate is high. In our case, an injured liver graft by gunshot was successfully used allowing liver transplantation and increasing the pool of liver grafts.CONCLUSIONA gunshot liver graft can be used if the major vascular or biliary structures are not injured.     

Pure Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy: A Single Institution Experience From a Middle Eastern Country

BackgroundLaparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) is the most adopted technique for kidney transplantation. Several obstacles preclude brain-dead organ transplantation in the Middle East, going from social and cultural barriers to economical and structural difficulties. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report Lebanese experience with pure LLDN, and kidney transplantation.MethodsWe included 120 cases of pure LLDN performed at our center. Demographic, perioperative, and immediate postoperative data were analyzed. Surgical particularities of the technique are described.ResultsThe reported laparoscopic technique allowed for minimal perioperative morbidity, with an overall complication rate of 3%. Operative time averaged 146 minutes and warm ischemia time averaged 4 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 3 ± 1 days. Postoperative hemoglobin and creatinine showed a mean absolute variation of 0.09 ± 0.06 g/dL for hemoglobin and 0.51 ± 015 μmoles/L increase for creatinine. No Clavien-Dindo III-V complications were recorded.ConclusionsStrict adherence to the reproducible pure LLDN technique allowed for the performance of almost 45 cases per year with minimal morbidity and results comparable to similar series.     

Kidney clamp,perfuse, re‐implant: a useful technique for graft salvage after vascular complications during kidney transplantation

Although intra‐operative vascular complications during renal transplantation are rare, injuries associated with prolonged ischemia may lead to graft threatening early and late complications. This series describes a novel technique for intra‐operative repair of vascular complications in five patients over a three‐yr period. The method consists of rapid graft nephrectomy and re‐preservation of the graft with cold University of Wisconsin solution, which allows for controlled/precise back table repair of the vascular injury without incurring prolonged warm ischemia time. In three cases, the donor renal vein (2) and donor renal artery (1) were damaged and required back table reconstruction. In two cases, the recipient iliac artery needed reconstruction. Three of the five cases used deceased donor iliac vessels from another donor for reconstruction. Two patients required postoperative dialysis for delayed graft function for three to nine d (average six d) and two patients had slow graft function. All grafts were functioning at 17 months (mean) after transplant, with a median serum of 1.61 mg/dL (0.74–3.69). This series demonstrates the effectiveness of kidney clamp, perfuse, resuscitate as an effective intra‐operative technique to salvage grafts after vascular injury. Although the grafts may suffer from delayed or slow graft function, excellent long‐term function is attainable.     

A Multiparametric Nomogram for Predicting Delayed Graft Function in Adult Recipients of Pediatric Donor Kidneys

BackgroundDelayed graft function (DGF) is one of the most common postoperative complications after kidney transplantation. The ability to predict DGF after transplantation can greatly aid clinical decision-making. Several models have been proposed to predict DGF in adult recipients of adult donor kidneys, but there is currently no model to predict DGF in adult recipients of pediatric donor transplants. Therefore, based on our medical records, we retrospectively investigated the pretransplant risk factors of DGF in transplants from pediatric donors to adult recipients.MethodsOur center is in compliance with national laws, the Declaration of Istanbul, and the Helsinki Congress. The donors used by us were organs donated after the death of citizens and the participants were neither paid nor coerced. A retrospective review of 84 adult patients who received pediatric donor kidneys at a single center from April 4, 2015 to November 17, 2021 was conducted to investigate the pretransplant risk factors for the development of DGF.ResultsDGF was observed in 45 of 68 patients (66.17%) in the training group and 9 of 16 patients (56.25%) in the validation group. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that kidney donor profile index, cold ischemia time, number of human leukocyte antigen mismatches, and pretransplant dialysis duration were significant independent risk factors for DGF. By integrating these 4 factors, we constructed a nomogram model to predict DGF. According to the prediction model, the area under the curve of DGF of the training group and validation group was 0.899 and 0.905, respectively.ConclusionWe have constructed a novel, reliable, and accurate visual nomogram that provides a practical tool for predicting DGF in adult recipients of pediatric donor kidneys.     

Effects of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe sought to determine whether administrations of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone jeopardize blood glycemic control, increase rates of postoperative complications, and diabetic medication change after TKA.MethodsThis retrospective study included 427 patients with DM who underwent TKA. Patients were divided into two groups according to the use of IV dexamethasone (Dexa and No Dexa). For the Dexa, IV dexamethasone (5mg) was administered twice (surgery day, postoperative day 1). Blood glucose level until postoperative day 5, whether the mean blood glucose level was ≥200 mg/dL or not, the rate of a diabetic medication change, and postoperative complications (surgical site infection, delayed wound healing) were analyzed.ResultsThe adverse effects of IV dexamethasone on glycemic control were limited to the day of injection. The mean blood glucose level was 168.8 mg/dL and 204.4 mg/dL on operation day and 193.0 mg/dL and 210.5 mg/dL on postoperative day 1 in the No Dexa and the Dexa, respectively. High preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, but not IV dexamethasone administration, increased the risk of postoperative blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dL (odds ratio [OR], 2.810) and diabetic medication change (OR, 3.635, P < .001). A preoperative HbA1c level of >7.05% was associated with the risk of diabetic medication change. There was increase of postoperative complications (OR, 0.693, P = .552).ConclusionsIV dexamethasone have transient effects on increasing the blood glucose level after TKA in patients with DM. However, patients with a preoperative HbA1c level of ≥7.05% may need to change their diabetic medication after TKA, regardless of IV dexamethasone administration.