Effect of Pre-Transplant Recipient Underweight on the Postoperative Outcome and Graft Survival in Primary Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of recipient underweight on the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing primary kidney transplantation (KT).Patients and methodsThree hundred thirty-three patients receiving primary KT in our department between 1993 and 2017 were included in the study. Patients were divided according to their body mass index (BMI) into underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m²; N = 29) and normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²; N = 304) groups. Clinicopathological characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and graft and patient survival were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThe postoperative rate of surgical complications and renal function were comparable between the groups. One year and 3 years after KT, 70% and 92.9%, respectively, of the pre-transplant underweight patients reached a normal BMI (≥18.5 kg/m²). The mean death-censored graft survival was significantly lower in pre-transplant underweight patients than in pre-transplant normal-weight patients (11.5 ± 1.6 years vs 16.3 ± 0.6 years, respectively; P = .045). Especially KT recipients with a moderate or severe pre-transplant underweight (BMI <17 kg/m²; N = 8) showed an increased rate of graft loss (5- and 10-year graft survival: 21.4% each). No statistical difference could be observed between the 2 groups regarding causes of graft loss. In multivariate analysis, recipient underweight (P = .024) remained an independent prognostic factor for graft survival.ConclusionBeing underweight did not affect the early postoperative outcome after primary KT. However, underweight, and especially moderate and severe thinness, is associated with reduced long-term kidney graft survival, and therefore this group of patients should be monitored with special attention.     

Extracellular Histones H3 as a Prognostic Blood Marker for Delayed Liver Function Recovery After Donor Hepatectomy

BackgroundEarly prediction of liver dysfunction after liver resection remains a challenge. We hypothesized that extracellular histone concentrations are a promising new biomarker for the detection of liver injury after donor hepatectomy.MethodsThis prospective study considered 93 living donors who underwent hepatectomy. Blood samples of donors were collected on postoperative day 1, and histone levels in the plasma samples of the patients were measured with total histone H3 sandwich ELISA kits. Among 86 right lobe donors, 23 (26.7%) were deemed to have a delayed liver function recovery according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery's definition of posthepatectomy liver failure, whereas 63 (73.3%) were considered to have an adequate liver function recovery.ResultsThe area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for circulating histones in predicting persistent liver dysfunction was 0.618 ± 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.501-0.735; P = .091). The cutoff point value obtained from the analysis of ROC curves was 0.895, with a sensitivity of 95.7% and a specificity of 32.9%, respectively, for examining a delayed liver function recovery (P = .015). The Fisher analysis significantly verified these results empirical influence function % 7.90 (95% CI, 3.91-11.90; P = .006). The univariate analysis determined that postoperative histones were identified as an independent risk factor of delayed liver function recovery (odds ratio, 10.8; 95% CI, 1.4-84.9; P = .024).ConclusionsThe circulating histone negatively correlates with liver dysfunctions after donor hepatectomy and had the best value in predicting liver dysfunction within 24 hours after liver resection.     

Assessment of serum and drain fluid bilirubin concentrations in liver transplantation patients

BackgroundBile leakage is a major complication after liver transplantation and remains as a significant source of morbidity and mortality. In 2011, the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) defined bile leakage as a drain/serum bilirubin ratio ≥3. However, to our knowledge there is no literature assessing serum and drain bilirubin concentrations after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to describe the natural postoperative changes in serum and drain fluid bilirubin concentrations in patients after liver transplantation.MethodsWe included 32 patients who underwent liver transplantation at Kobe University Hospital from January 2007 to December 2020. We enrolled 34 living donors who had no complications as the control group.ResultsThe recipient serum total/direct bilirubin concentration were higher compared with the donors from postoperative day (POD) 1 to 5 with a statistical difference (P < .05). The recipient drain/serum total bilirubin ratio was lower than donors on POD 3 (0.89 ± 0.07 vs 1.53 ± 0.07: P < .0001), which was also confirmed by the recipient drain/serum direct bilirubin ratio (0.64 ± 0.10 vs 1.18 ± 0.09: P < .0001). On POD 3, the drain fluid volume (647.38 ± 89.47 vs 113.43 ± 86.8 mL: P < .001) and serum total bilirubin concentration (6.73 ± 0.61 vs 1.23 ± 0.60 mg/dL: P < .001) was higher in the recipients than in donors. Categorized in 2 groups, the higher drain fluid volume and bilirubin concentration recipients showed lower drain/serum total bilirubin ratio compared with the other group (P = .03)ConclusionThe drain/serum bilirubin ratio in the transplanted patients could be calculated lower compared with the hepatectomy patients because of high drain fluid volume and hyperbilirubinemia. Great care should be taken when assessing the bile leakage in liver transplant recipients using the ISGLS definition.     

Safety and oncological benefits of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in octogenarians

BackgroundThe number of octogenarians requiring surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing. However, the safety of hepatectomy in octogenarians remains controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of age on the short- and long-term outcomes of hepatectomy for HCC to evaluate the safety of hepatectomy for octogenarians.MethodsData from a total of 845 patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for HCC between April 1990 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized based on the age at the time of surgery (<80 years, n = 790; ≥80 years, n = 55), and the short- and long-term postoperative outcomes of the two groups were compared to evaluate whether hepatectomy is appropriate for octogenarian patients.ResultsThe proportion of octogenarian patients undergoing hepatectomy increased from 2.6% in 1990–1995 to 16.8% in 2016–2020 (P < 0.001), and the overall incidences of anatomical and major hepatectomy have increased. There was no significant difference in the morbidity rate between the octogenarians and the group of patients <80 years old (60.0% vs. 54.4%, P = 0.420), and the 90-day mortality rate was 0% in the octogenarian group. Furthermore, the two groups had similar overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates (P = 0.173 and 0.671, respectively).ConclusionFavorable postoperative outcomes following initial hepatectomy for HCC are achieved in appropriately selected octogenarians.     

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration combined with postoperative early oral intake in elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy with acute-phase inflammation and subjective symptom burden: A prospective randomized controlled study

BackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has received increasing attention. Preoperative oral carbohydrate and postoperative early oral feeding (POC-PEOF) as the basic nutrition administration in the ERAS program suffers from low adherence. The role and benefits of administering POC-PEOF in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. Therefore, the randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of POC-PEOF in elderly patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy with inflammation and patient self-reported symptom burden compared with the corresponding outcomes of traditional fasting protocols.MethodsElderly patients with HCC (n = 126) were randomly assigned to two groups using the sealed envelope technique. Sixty-three patients were included in the intervention (POC-PEOF) group and received POC-PEOF administration, whereas the 63 patients in the control (FAST) group underwent conventional fasting. Acute-phase inflammation markers, patient self-reported symptom burdens, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe average age was 69.60 ± 5.00 years in the POC-PEOF group and 70.44 ± 6.15 years in the FAST group. Compared to prolonged fasting, POC-PEOF achieved significant positive results, including lower overall levels of inflammatory response mediators (CRP, IL-6) on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 3, and POD 5 (P < 0.05), lower patient self-reported symptom burdens of thirst, hunger, anxiety and nausea (P < 0.05), faster gastrointestinal function return with shortened times to first flatus and first defecation (48.31 ± 13.24 h vs. 96.26 ± 23.12 h and 72.87 ± 21.12 h vs. 144.34 ± 23.31 h, and P = 0.034 and P = 0.013, respectively). Furthermore, the average postoperative hospitalization duration in the POC-PEOF group was shorter than that in the FAST group (6.93 ± 0.98 d vs. 8.12 ± 1.15 d, P = 0.042). There was no significant difference of total complications between the groups (25.39 % vs 36.51 %, RR 0.696, 95 % CI 0.408–0.187, P = 0.177).ConclusionPOC-PEOF helps lessen acute-phase inflammation and relieves the subjective symptom burden, which can ensure better positive postoperative outcomes in elderly HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy.     

Risk factors of early liver dysfunction after liver transplantation using grafts from donation after citizen death donors

BackgroundAs an early complication after liver transplantation, early allograft dysfunction (EAD) indicates a poor prognosis. This study analyzes the risk factors related to early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after liver transplantation using grafts from donation after citizen death (DCD) to provide a reference for the prevention of EAD after DCD liver transplantation.MethodsA total of 32 patients who underwent DCD liver transplantation in the organ transplantation center of our hospital from September 2013 to January 2021 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the EAD group and non-EAD group according to whether they developed EAD after transplantation. The general data of the donors and recipients before transplantation, intraoperative conditions, and clinical data within one week after transplantation were compared between the two groups, and related complications were statistically analyzed. The follow-up time was one week postoperatively or, if they died within the first week postoperatively, until the patient died.ResultsThe subjects included 10 females and 22 males, and the incidence of postoperative EAD was 25% (8/32). Four patients (12%) had primary malignant tumors (primary liver cancer and cholangiocarcinoma), and five donors (15%) had fatty liver. The univariate analysis revealed that the donor BMI (P = 0.005), degree of fatty liver (P = 0.025), aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), and total bilirubin (P = 0.009) were related to the occurrence of EAD after DCD liver transplantation. By analyzing the correlation between the incidence EAD and postoperative complications after liver transplantation using grafts from DCD donors, it was shown that the incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF) is related to EAD (P = 0.024).ConclusionDonor BMI, the degree of fatty liver, and preoperative liver function are risk factors for EAD after DCD liver transplantation, and the occurrence of EAD after DCD liver transplantation significantly increases the probability of PNF.     

Comparison of surgical outcomes for laparoscopic liver resection of large hepatocellular carcinomas: A retrospective observation from single-center experience

Background/purposeAlthough laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is a common surgical procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its suitability for large HCCs (≥5 cm) remains controversial. This study compared surgical outcomes of open hepatectomy with LLR for large HCCs.MethodsA total of 313 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between January 2010 and June 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, short-term outcomes, and long-term survivals were analyzed.ResultsAmong patients with large HCCs (n = 122), the open group (n = 85) had larger tumor sizes (10.91 ± 4.72 vs. 7.45 ± 2.95 cm; p < 0.001) and more advanced stages (stages 3/4: 71.8% vs. 45.9%; p = 0.029) than the LLR group (n = 37), while LLR group achieved less blood loss (623.24 ± 841.75 mL vs. 1091.76 ± 1004.72 mL, p = 0.014) and shorter LOS (9.00 ± 5.13 d vs. 12.82 ± 8.51 d, p = 0.013). There were no significant differences in complication and mortality rates between groups. The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates between the two groups were not significantly different (p = 0.408 and 0.644 respectively). The surgical outcomes showed equal benefit of the two operation types.ConclusionWith sufficient surgeon experience and appropriate patient selection, LLR is a feasible treatment choice for large HCCs.     

Renal Transplantation in Obese Patients: Experience in an Argentine Center

Possible complications of renal transplants in obese patients have raised concerns among nephrologists. We describe the outcomes of 110 renal transplant patients according to body mass index (BMI). Recipient BMI was calculated by using height and weight at time of transplantation and categorized according to World Health Organization guidelines. The patients' BMI values were as follows: underweight, n = 8 (7.27%); normal weight, n = 55 (50%); overweight, n = 30 (27.27%); and obese, n = 17 (15.45%). Mean age was significantly different among groups: underweight, 27.62 ± 7.57 years; normal weight, 44.98 ± 15.55 years; overweight, 50.53 ± 13.90 years; and obese, 52.11 ± 10.41 years (P < .05). Donor age and mean time of dialysis treatment were comparable in all groups. Underweight patients had a significantly larger proportion of living donors than those with higher BMIs. Calculated glomerular filtration rate (using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation) were significantly different among the groups at 30, 60, and 90 days' posttransplantation. At 180 days, however, it was comparable: underweight, 62.96 ± 40.77 mL/min/1.73 m²; normal weight, 53.55 ± 26.23 mL/min/1.73 m²; overweight, 47.52 ± 16.37 mL/min/1.73 m²; and obese, 46.19 ± 17.56 mL/min/1.73 m² (P = .34). Incidence of delayed graft function was as follows: underweight, 0%; normal weight, 30.4%; overweight, 53.3%; and obese, 64.1% (P < .05). The incidence of surgical complications, incidence of rejection within the first 6 months' posttransplantation, and graft and patient survival rates over 6 months did not differ among the groups. Because transplantation in obese patients may be associated with higher risks and costs, the evaluation of each center experience is imperative. Longer term assessments are warranted, but our short-term results show that outcomes in overweight or obese renal transplant patients are comparable to those in patients with lower BMI.     

Duodenal Ulcer as a Postoperative Complication in the Donor in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Introduction

Donor safety is one of the most important factors in living-donor liver transplantation. Duodenal ulcer (DU) is a common postoperative complication. Here we aimed to reveal the risk factors associated with postoperative DU in the donors.

Hemodynamic and biochemical changes in liver transplantation: A retrospective comparison of desflurane and total intravenous anesthesia by target-controlled infusion under auditory evoked potential guide

ObjectivesPropofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) has been used successfully for liver transplantation (LT) in recent years. However, there are few discourses in the literature which focus on the merits and weakness in perioperative management, biochemical changes, and postoperative recovery between TIVA and desflurane anesthesia (DES).MethodsWe retrospectively compared the circumstances of liver transplantation recipients who had the surgery carried out under propofol-based TIVA or DES in the period from September 2007 to August 2010. Preoperative characteristics, date of intraoperative management, hemodynamic profiles, concentration of anesthetics, biochemical changes, and circumstances of postoperative recovery were retrieved from the hospital database for analysis.ResultsWe included 111 patients who received the surgery under either TIVA (n = 66) or DES (n = 45). Patient demographics, baseline laboratory data, operation time, and fluid management did not differ between the two groups. In comparison with the DES group, fewer patients had to be administered norepinephrine (21.2% vs. 42.2%; p = 0.020) in the TIVA group; moreover, the total dosage of norepinephrine was lower (0.003 ± 0.005 mg vs. 0.006 ± 0.008 mg; p = 0.012) in the TIVA group during liver reperfusion phase. Blood lactate level was higher in the DES group than in the TIVA group after the anhepatic phase. TIVA patients woke up faster than those in the DES group (54.0 ± 33.4 minutes vs. 95.0 ± 78.3 minutes; p = 0.034).ConclusionOur results suggest that propofol-based TIVA may provide better hemodynamics and microcirculation during the anhepatic phase in liver transplantation.     

Low body mass index is a risk factor for increased post-operative mortality and poor functional improvement in distal femur fractures among patients aged over 65: A multicentre (TRON) study

BackgroundDistal femur fractures have been reported to have a mortality rate comparable to hip fractures, but the risk is still unknown. Recent studies have reported that low body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for mortality in the elderly. We investigated the efficacy of low BMI for predicting the risk of mortality in distal femur fractures in patients aged over 65 within 18 months after injury and its impact on postoperative clinical outcomes and mortality.MethodsData from patients followed for more than six months were obtained from our trauma research group's database. We investigated risk factors for increased mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. We divided the analysed cases into low (<18.5 kg/m²) and high (>18.5 kg/m²) BMI groups. We adjusted the background characteristics of the groups by patient matching, and evaluated the postoperative mortality, complication rate, and knee society score (KSS).ResultsWe identified 216 patients, including 58 (26.9%) with low BMI values. Low BMI was an independent risk factor for mortality in all models (Hazard Ratio: 2.9, p = 0.011). The overall survival rate of the low BMI group at 18 months was significantly lower than that of the high BMI group (70.7% vs. 89.1%; p = 0.003). The complication rates of the low BMI and high BMI groups were not significantly different (33.3% vs. 22.2%; p = 0.283). The mean KSS values at 3, 6, and 12 months in the low BMI group was significantly worse than that in the high BMI group (78.7 ± 16.2 vs. 84.8 ± 13.1; p = 0.035, 82.2 ± 16.9 vs. 89.7 ± 8.9; p = 0.005, 86.4 ± 13.0 vs. 91.4 ± 8.4; p = 0.020, respectively).ConclusionsOur study indicated that low BMI was independent associated with increased mortality and impaired postoperative functional recovery in distal femur fractures of the elderly patients.     

Effect of Pretransplant Body Mass Index on Kidney Transplant Recipient and Graft Long-term Survival

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the influence of pretransplant body mass index (BMI [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]) to the graft and patient 5- and 10-year survival.MethodsOur study group consisted of 706 patients who received their kidney transplant after the year 2000.ResultsAlmost half, 51.9% (n = 372) of the patients had BMI < 25, and 47.6% (n = 336) had BMI ≥ 25. Patients who were overweight or obese were significantly older than other groups (P = .01). The 5-year recipient survival was significantly better in the BMI < 25 group (n = 291, 79.5%) than the BMI ≥ 25 group (n = 238, 70.2%, P < .05). In addition, 10-year recipient survival was better in the BMI < 25 group (n = 175, 47.8%) compared with the BMI ≥ 25 group (n = 127, 37.5%, P < .05). Similarly, 5-year graft survival was better in the BMI < 25 group (66.9%, n = 242) compared with the BMI ≥ 25 group (61.1%, n = 204, P < .05). However, 10-year graft survival was not statistically significant (P = .08). Regarding the impact of diabetes on survival, we found patients with diabetes mellitus to have worse survival in all groups (P = .009).ConclusionsRecipient graft survival was affected by diabetes mellitus independently from being overweight. In the current study, we demonstrated that pretransplant obesity or being overweight affects recipient and graft short-term survival, but long-term comparison of patients who were overweight or obese with patients with normal BMI revealed minimal recipient survival differences and in graft survival analysis no difference. Although in many studies obesity and being overweight predict a bad outcome for kidney transplant recipient survival, our research did not fully confirm it. Diabetes mellitus had worse outcome in all patients groups.     

Body Mass Index in Lung Transplant Candidates: A Contra-indication to Transplant or Not?

Background

According to International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria, high body mass index (BMI; ≥30 kg/m²) is a relative contraindication for lung transplantation (LT). On the other hand, low BMI may be associated with worse outcome. We investigated the influence of pre-LT BMI on survival after LT in a single-center study.

Methods

Patients were divided according to the World Health Organization criteria into 4 groups: BMI <18.5 kg/m² (underweight), BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m² (normal weight), BMI 25–29.9 kg/m² (overweight), and BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity). An additional analysis was made per underlying disease.

Results

BMI was determined in a cohort of 546 LT recipients, of which 28% had BMI <18.5 kg/m². Underweight resulted in similar survival (P = .28) compared with the normal weight group. Significantly higher mortality was found in overweight (P = .016) and obese patients (P = .031) compared with the normal-weight group. Subanalysis of either underweight (P = .19) or obese COPD patients (P = .50) did not reveal worse survival. In patients with interstitial lung disease, obesity was associated with increased mortality (P = .031) compared with the normal-weight group. In cystic fibrosis patients, underweight was not associated with a higher mortality rate (P = .12) compared with the normal-weight group.

Conclusions

Low pre-LT BMI did not influence survival rate in our cohort, independently from underlying disease.     

Incidence of Donor Hepatic Artery Thrombosis in Liver Grafts Recognized During Organ Procurement and Backtable: A Rare but Treacherous Pitfall In Liver Transplantation

IntroductionDonor hepatic artery thrombosis (dHAT) identified during liver procurement and backtable is a rare and little-reported event that can make liver transplants unfeasible.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of dHAT identified during liver grafts procurements or backtable procedures. All grafts were recovered from brain-dead donors. The demographic characteristics of the donors and the incidence of dHAT were analyzed. The data were also compared to a cohort of donors without dHAT.ResultsThere was a total of 486 donors during the study period. The incidence of dHAT was 1.85% (n = 9). The diagnosis of dHAT was made during procurement in 5 cases (55.5%) and during the backtable in 4 (44.4%). Most donors were female (n = 5), with an average BMI of 28.14 ± 6.9 kg/m², hypertensive (n = 5), and with stroke as cause of brain death (n = 8). The most prevalent site of dHAT was a left hepatic artery originating from the left gastric artery (n = 4). Of the 9 cases reported, 2 livers were used for transplantation, and 7 were discarded. Comparing those cases to a cohort of 260 donors without dHAT, we found a higher incidence of anatomic variations in the hepatic artery (P = .01) and of stroke as cause of brain death (P = .05).ConclusionThe occurrence of dHAT before liver procurement is a rare event, however it may become a treacherous pitfall if the diagnosis is late. Grafts with anatomic variations recovered from women with brain death due to stroke and with past history of hypertension seem to be at a higher risk of presenting dHAT.     

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity among adult donors are major challenges to living-donor liver transplantation: A single-center experience

ObjectivesObesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are rampant in South East Asia. There is paucity of data exploring its’ impact on donor suitability for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We aimed to describe and examine the factors related to non-utilization of potential donors in our LDLT programme.MethodsThis is an analysis of prospectively collected data on potential donors for an adult LDLT programme, between January 2017 and December 2019.ResultsFifty-five donors for 33 potential recipients were evaluated. The mean age was 31.6 ± 8.5 years, 52.7% were female and the ethnic divisions were: Chinese (50.9%), Indian (25.5%) and Malay (23.6%). The mean body mass index (BMI) among potential donors was 25.1 ± 4.0 kg/m²; 25.5% of donors had normal BMI, 23.6% were overweight and 50.9% were obese. Using the CAP modality of Fibroscan®, we identified the following grades of hepatic steatosis: 36.6% S0, 19.5% S1, 2.4% S2 and 41.5% S3. The non-utilization rate of our donors was 74.5% (41/55) and the main reasons were significant hepatic steatosis and/or obesity. Compared to suitable donors, unsuitable donors had significantly greater mean BMI, mean CAP scores, higher rates of dyslipidaemia and NAFLD.ConclusionNAFLD and obesity represent major challenges to an emerging LDLT programme in Malaysia.     

Laparoscopy-Assisted Hybrid Left-Side Donor Hepatectomy

Background

Laparoscopic liver resection developed for live liver donors has the advantage of reducing the physical and mental stress in donors. However, its safety and efficacy still remain to be established. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted hybrid donor hepatectomy (LADH) to obtain left side grafts.

Patients and methods

A total of 31 consecutive live liver donors of left side liver grafts underwent LADH, including left lateral segmentectomy (n = 17) and left liver resection with or without the caudate lobe (n = 14) (LADH group). We compared the clinical data between the LADH group and the group of donors in whom traditional open donor hepatectomy was performed to procure the liver graft (open donor hepatectomy [ODH] group, n = 79).

Results

Laparoscopy-assisted hybrid donor hepatectomy was feasible in all patients, and there was no mortality over a follow-up period of 13.9 ± 9.8 months. The operative time to procure a left-lobe graft was significantly longer in the LADH group (510 ± 90 min) than in the ODH group (P < 0.001). A large right lobe on CT (RPv distance) was identified as a significant risk factor for prolonged operative time (P = 0.007). Evaluation using the SF36-v2 questionnaire revealed faster recovery of the physical component summary score and bodily pain score in the LADH group than in the ODH group.

Conclusions

Laparoscopy-assisted hybrid donor hepatectomy for procuring left side grafts was safe and effective up to the left liver with the caudate lobe. Left-lobe LADH in donors with a large right lobe should be carefully planned in view of the potential surgical difficulty.     

Bilateral continuous erector spinae plane block using a programmed intermittent bolus regimen versus intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia in living donor laparoscopic hepatectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveTo determine if continuous bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks would improve the postoperative analgesia in the first 48 h after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, compared to intrathecal morphine (ITM).DesignProspective, randomized controlled trial.SettingA single tertiary care center from October 2019 and September 2020.PatientsA total of 60 donors scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic right hepatectomy.InterventionsSixty donors were randomized to receive either bilateral continuous T8 ESP blocks with a programmed intermittent bolus regimen of 10 mL 0.2% ropivacaine every 3 h for 48 h (n = 30) or 400 μg ITM (n = 30), in addition to IV fentanyl PCA and multimodal analgesia.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption over the first 48 h, expressed as IV morphine equivalents. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, Quality of Recovery-15 scores, ambulation within 24 h, time to first flatus, and opioid-related adverse drug events over 72 h.Main resultsFifty-nine donors were analyzed. Cumulative 48-h opioid consumption was similar between the ITM and ESP groups (29.8 ± 18.2 vs. 35.1 ± 21.9 mg, mean difference (ESP-ITM) (95% CI), 5.3 (−11.5 to 22) mg; p > 0.99). Resting pain scores at 48 and 72 h postoperatively were significantly lower in the ESP group (0 [0–2] vs. 3 [1.5–3], and 0 [0–2] vs. 3 [1–3] respectively, both p<0.001) (Goldaracena and Barbas, 2019; Ko et al., 2009; Choi et al., 2007 [[1], [2], [3]]) respectively, both p < 0.001). The ESP group had significantly lower incidences of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus at all timepoints. There were no differences in recovery outcomes.ConclusionsContinuous ESP blocks did not reduce cumulative 48-h opioid consumption compared to 400 μg ITM after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, but it was associated with a significantly reduced risk of postoperative nausea, vomiting and pruritus.Clinical trial number and registry URLClinical Trial Registry of Korea; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp and identifier: KCT0004313; date of registration: October 15, 2019; principal investigator's name: Justin Sangwook Ko.     

Hand-Assisted Nephrectomy Predisposes Incisional Herniation in Obese Living Donors

BackgroundLiving kidney donation from donors with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 can bring risks for the donor and the recipients. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of a donor’s obesity on a donor’s long-term surveillance and the recipient outcomes.MethodWe performed hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy in 565 living kidney transplantations between February 2009 and December 2015. One hundred fifty-two donors (26.9%) had a BMI > 30 and were described as the obese group. Four hundred thirteen donors (73.1%) were described as the nonobese group and had a BMI < 30. Incision to kidney removal time, mean follow-up period, postoperative complications, weight gained after surgery, and serum creatinine level (postop day 1-end of follow-up) were recorded for the donors. Serum creatinine level (postop day 5-end of follow-up) and immediate function of transplanted kidney were recorded for the recipients.ResultsThe obese donors were older, and the female sex was dominant. Mean incision to kidney removal period was longer in the obese patients (P = .012). The mean follow-up period was 49.97 ± 28.40 months for the donors. There was no significant difference in donor kidney function between the groups. The incidence of herniation was significantly higher in the obese group (P = .021). There was no significant difference between the recipient early and late serum creatinine levels and slow and delayed graft functions after the transplantation.ConclusionPostoperative kidney functions concerning the outcomes of the obese and nonobese living donors were similar in our series. Donor BMI had no influence on early and late kidney functions of the recipients. There was no difference in postoperative complications, except incisional hernia, that was statistically more significant in the obese donors.     

Influence of pre-diabetic and pancreatic exocrine states on pulmonary and nutritional status in adults with Cystic Fibrosis

BackgroundIn 1992, a landmark study demonstrated clinical deterioration in respiratory function and nutritional status prior to the onset of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). We re-evaluated this outcome.MethodsThe Montreal Cystic Fibrosis Cohort is a prospective CFRD screening study. We performed a 6-year retrospective analysis of nutritional parameters and FEV₁ (%) in subjects who developed incident CFRD and in controls who maintained normoglycemia (NG). In the former group, data was collected over 6 years prior to diabetes onset.ResultsSubjects (n = 86) had a mean age of 31.7 ± 8.1 years, BMI of 23.0 ± 4.0 kg/m2, and FEV1% of 70.1 ± 24.2%. Eighty-one percent had pancreatic insufficiency (PI). Patients were grouped as follows: NG+PS (pancreatic sufficient) (n = 16), NG+PI (pancreatic insufficient) (n = 21), CFRD+PS (n = 3) and CFRD+PI (n = 46).At their most recent screen NG+PS subjects had significantly greater BMI, as compared to NG+PI and CFRD+PI groups (26.2 ± 3.6 kg/m² vs 22.6 ± 4.2 kg/m² vs 22.1 ± 3.5 kg/m², p = 0.0016). FEV₁ was significantly greater in the NG+PS group (91.5 ± 16.8% vs 67.8 ± 25.3% vs 63.5 ± 22.2%, p = 0.0002). The rates of change in weight, BMI, fat mass (%), and FEV₁ prior to the most recent visit (NG+PS, NG+PI groups) or to the diagnosis of de novo CFRD were similar between groups.ConclusionIn a contemporary context, CFRD onset is not preceded by deterioration in BMI, fat mass, or pulmonary function. Low BMI and FEV₁ are more closely associated with PI than a pre-diabetic state.     

Atrophy of the Rectus Abdominis After Left-Side Donor Hepatectomy: Comparison of Upper Abdominal Midline vs Mercedes Incision

ObjectiveThis study of living liver transplant donors compared postoperative atrophy of the rectus abdominis after an upper abdominal midline incision vs a Mercedes incision.MethodsA total of 110 donors underwent left-side donor hepatectomy in our hospital from 2007 to 2016. We analyzed the postoperative computed tomography data of 102 cases 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Donors were categorized as having a midline incision (MID group, n = 39) or a Mercedes incision (MER group, n = 63). The rectus abdominis was assessed on computed tomography images, and the percentage of muscle thickness (PMT) was compared in the 2 groups.ResultsPatient age, sex, and body mass index did not differ in the 2 groups. Laparoscope-assisted hepatectomy was only performed in the MID group, while open hepatectomy was performed mainly in the MER group. The mean PMT of the rectus abdominis did not change 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery in the MID group but decreased to 80%, 76%, and 72% of the baseline value in the MER group 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, respectively. The PMT values were significantly lower in the MER group than in the MID group at all 3 time points (P < .001). In the MER group, rectus abdominis atrophy was significantly worse on the right side than on the left. There was no significant difference in morbidity between the 2 groups.ConclusionIn living donor liver transplant, the Mercedes incision resulted in significantly greater atrophy of the rectus abdominis in donors compared with the midline incision.