Indication for Liver Transplantation After Direct-Acting Agents in the Treatment of Patients With Hepatitis C

BackgroundThe development of new direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment has reduced the indications for liver transplantation (LT). We analyzed the indications, characteristics, and evolution of patients with HCV infection who were treated with DAA-based therapies and who underwent LT.Material and methodsA retrospective single-center study was performed. Data were collected of patients undergoing LT owing to HCV infection between January 2016 and August 2020. Overall characteristics of the patients were analyzed and divided into 2 groups according to the indication for LT: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or decompensated cirrhosis (DC). Differences between biliary and vascular complications after surgery and survival time were compared.ResultsOf 156 LTs, 33 (22%) were performed in patients with HCV infection in this period, which shows a decrease of nearly 16% when comparing this period with the interferon/ribavirin era. Indications for LT were 56.7% in patients with HCC and 43.3% in patients with DC. After DAA treatment, all patients developed a sustained viral response. Mean age of the global series, HCC group, and DC group were 56.9, 58.71, and 54.4 years, respectively (P = .041); 53.8% of the HCV-DC group initiated DAA treatment by the time to be included at the waiting list, compared with 17.6% of HCV-HCC group (P = .045). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of survival or biliary and vascular complications after LT.ConclusionPatients with HCV are still part of the waiting list, mainly because of HCC. No statistical differences were shown in terms of postoperative complications or survival. Studies with a higher number of patients are needed.     

Hepatitis C Antiviral Treatment Decreases All-Cause Complications After Total Joint Arthroplasty Regardless of the Presence of Fibrosis

BackgroundPatients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have an increased risk of complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). There is a limited but growing body of evidence on the benefit of preoperative antiviral treatment to reduce complications after TJA. What has not been well established is the effect of preoperative antiviral treatment among those with advanced disease as indicated by hepatic fibrosis.MethodsIn total, 270 patients at 2 urban medical centers were reviewed for patient demographics, comorbidities, HCV treatment, hepatic fibrosis status, surgical information, and postoperative complications. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their antiviral treatment status prior to TJA: Treated (n = 129) and Untreated (n = 141). Pearson’s chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze complications between groups.ResultsPatients in the Treated group had significantly fewer all-type complications (4.7% vs 14.9%, P = .007), infections (2.3% vs 12.1%, P = .002), and reoperations (0.8% vs 9.9%, P = .001) compared to the Untreated group. After controlling for hepatic fibrosis, we found that Treated patients still had significantly lower odds of experiencing all-type complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.88; P = .028), infection (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.87; P = .033), and reoperation (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.90; P = .039) following TJA.ConclusionHCV antiviral treatment reduces postoperative complications after primary TJA, even among those who have progressed to hepatic fibrosis. Surgeons can use this information in shared decision making prior to TJA to counsel patients about the benefits of preoperative antiviral treatment even in the presence of hepatic fibrosis.     

Expression Pattern Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Markers in Viral Hepatitis B and C Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation and Resection

Background

This study was conducted to compare the expression patterns of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and proteins induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) and resection at a high-volume single institution.

Methods

First, 663 liver transplant recipients with HCC were selected. They were divided into hepatitis B virus (HBV) (n = 628) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) groups (n = 35). Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Second, another cohort of 2709 patients who underwent HCC resection included 2258 HBV, 143 HCV, and 308 non-HBV non-HCV (NBNC) patients.

Results

In the transplantation group, pretransplantation AFP level >20 ng/mL was observed in 42.5% of HBV patients and 60% of HCV patients (P = .042). PIVKA-II level >40 mAU/mL was observed in 30.6% of HBV patients and 42.9% of HCV patients (P = .127). In the resection group, a preoperative AFP level >20 ng/mL was observed in 51.7% of HBV patients and 43.3% of HCV patients (P = .052). PIVKA-II level >40 mAU/mL was observed in 59.7% of HBV patients and 56.6% of HCV patients (P = .47). Preoperative AFP level >20 ng/mL and PIVKA-II level >40 mAU/mL were observed in 35.7% and 61% of NBNC patients, respectively. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analyses revealed that the expression pattern of PIVKA-II in patients with elevated AFP level was not predictable and vice versa, regardless of background liver diseases.

Conclusions

This study indicates that serum AFP and PIVKA-II may be expressed variably regardless of the types of background liver disease. Further large-volume multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the possibility of the etiology-dependent expression of tumor markers.     

Oncological Outcomes of Hepatic Resection vs Transplantation for Localized Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BackgroundScarce data are available comparing outcomes of hepatic resection vs orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients both meeting and exceeding the Milan criteria. This study compared the clinical and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing hepatic resection vs transplantation localized HCC.MethodBetween January 2005 and February 2017, clinical and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent liver resection (n = 38) vs OLT (n = 28) for localized HCC were compared using a prospectively maintained database.ResultsA total of 66 patients (with a median age of 62) who met the study criteria were analyzed. Comparable postoperative complications (13.2% vs 28.6%, P = .45) and perioperative mortality rates (7.9% vs 10.7%, P = .2) were noted for the resection vs OLT groups. While Child-Pugh Class A patients were more prevalent in the resection group (78.9% vs 7.1%, P = .0001), the rate of patients who met the Milan criteria was higher in the OLT group (89.3% vs 34.25, P = .0001). Recurrence rates were 36.8% in the resection group and 3.6% in the OLT group at the end of the median follow-up period (32 vs 39 months, respectively). The HCC-related mortality rate was significantly higher in the resection group (39.5% vs 10.7%, P = .034).However, a subgroup analysis of patients who met the Milan criteria revealed similar rates of recurrence and HCC-related mortality (15.4% vs 8%, P = .63). Based on logistic regression analysis, number of tumors (P = .034, odds ratio: 2.1) and “resection”-type surgery (P = .008, odds ratio: 20.2) were independently associated with recurrence.ConclusionCompared to liver transplantation, hepatic resection for localized hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a higher rate of recurrence and disease-related mortality.     

Development and validation of a novel nomogram predicting 10-year actual survival after curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

IntroductionAlthough hepatectomy is a curative treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the associated 10-year long-term actual survival are rarely reported. This study aims to develop and validate a predictive nomogram for 10-year actual survivors with HCC.Materials and methodsFrom 2004 to 2009, 753 patients with curative hepatectomy for HCC (development set, n = 325; validation set, n = 428) were included. In development set, comparison of clinic-pathological data was made between patients surviving ≥10 years and those surviving <10 years. Good independent prognostic factors identified by multivariate analysis were involved in a nomogram development, which was validated internally and externally using validation set.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, five independent good prognostic factors for 10-year survival were identified, including young age (OR = 0.943), good ASA status (≤2) (OR = 2.794), higher albumin level (OR = 1.116), solitary tumor (OR = 2.531) and absence of microvascular invasion (OR = 3.367). A novel nomogram was constructed with C-index of 0.801 (95% CI 0.762–0.864). A cut-off point of 167.5 had a sensitivity of 0.794 and specificity of 0.730. Internal validation using bootstrap sampling and external validation using validation set revealed C-index of 0.792 (95% CI, 0.741–0.853) and 0.761 (95% CI, 0.718–0.817).ConclusionA novel nomogram for 10-year HCC survivor using age, ASA status, preoperative albumin, tumor number and presence of microvascular tumor invasion was developed and validated with high accuracy.     

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Metabolism After Liver Transplantation by Bone Mineral Densitometry and Biochemical Markers

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the course of bone and mineral metabolism after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with chronic liver disease.MethodsOne hundred four patients who had undergone LT and had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up after LT were included in this prospective cohort study. The following parameters were evaluated for each patient: preoperative and postoperative (postoperative day [POD]30, POD90, POD180) osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), type 1 collagen, beta-C-terminal end telopeptide (β-CTx), vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), ALP, calcium, phosphate, sedimentation, and bone mineral densitometer scores (L2, L4, L total, and F total). The parameters were compared in terms of sex, presence of liver tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC; n = 19] vs non-HCC [n = 85]), and presence of autoimmune liver disease (autoimmune liver disease [ALD; n = 8] vs non-ALD [n = 96]).ResultsThe median age of the patients (n = 81 men and n = 23 women) was 52 years (95% CI, 50-56). There was a significant change in the defined time intervals in parameters such as osteocalcin (P < .001), BALP (P < .001), β-CTx (P < .001), vitamin D (P < .001), PTH (P < .001), ALP (P = .001), calcium (P < .001), phosphate (P = .001), L2 (P = .038), L total (P = .026), and F total (P < .001) scores. There was a significant difference in POD90 ALP (P = .033), POD180 calcium (P = .011), POD180 phosphate (P = .011), preoperative sedimentation (P = .032), and POD180 F total (P = .013) scores between both sexes. There was a significant difference in POD180 osteocalcin (P = .023), POD180 β-CTx (P = .017), and preOP calcium (P = .003) among the HCC and non-HCC groups. Furthermore, we found significant differences in preoperative ALP (P = .008), preoperative sedimentation (P = .019), POD90 (P = .037) and POD180 L2 (P = .005) scores, preoperative (P = .049) and POD180 L4 (P = .017), and POD180 L total (P = .010) and F total (P = .022) scores between the patients with and without ALD.ConclusionThis study shows that the bone and mineral metabolism of the LT recipients was negatively affected after LT. In addition, we showed that bone and mineral metabolism was more prominent in patients with HCC, and bone mineral density scores were higher in patients with ALD.     

Intraoperative adverse events and early outcomes of custom-made fenestrated stent grafts and physician-modified stent grafts for complex aortic aneurysms

ObjectivePhysician-modified fenestrated stent grafts (PMSGs) are a useful option for urgent or semiurgent treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAAs). The aim of this study was to describe in-hospital outcomes of custom-made fenestrated stent grafts (CMSGs) and PMSGs for the treatment of CAAAs and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).MethodsIn this single-center, retrospective study, all consecutives patients with CAAAs or TAAAs undergoing endovascular repair using Zenith CMSGs (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) or PMSGs between January 2012 and November 2017 were included. End points were intraoperative adverse events, in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, reinterventions, target vessel patency, and endoleaks.ResultsNinety-seven patients were included (CMSGs, n = 69; PMSGs, n = 28). The PMSG group included more patients assigned to American Society of Anesthesiologists class 4 (n = 14 [50%] vs n = 16 [23%]; P = .006) and more TAAAs (n = 17 [61%] vs n = 10 [15%]; P < .0001). Intraoperative adverse events were recorded in eight (11%) patients in the CMSG group vs six (21%) patients in the PMSG group. No intraoperative death or open conversion occurred. In-hospital mortality rates were of 4% (n = 3) in the CMSG group and 14% in the PMSG group (n = 4). Chronic renal failure was an independent preoperative risk factor of postoperative death or complications (odds ratio, 4.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.65-14.43; P = .004). Rates of postoperative complications were 22% (n = 15) and 25% (n = 7) in the CMSG and PMSG groups. Spinal cord ischemia rates were 4% (n = 3) and 7% (n = 2) in the CMSG and PMSG groups. Reintervention rates were 16% (n = 11) in the CMSG group and 32% (n = 9) in the PMSG group. At discharge, target vessel patency rate in CMSGs was 98% (n = 207/210). All target vessels (n = 98) were patent in the PMSG group. Endoleaks at discharge were observed in 24% of the CMSG group (n = 16) vs 8% of the PMSG group (n = 2).ConclusionsOur study showed clinically relevant differences of several important in-hospital outcomes in the CMSG and PMSG groups. Larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to allow direct comparison. PMSGs may offer acceptable in-hospital results in patients requiring urgent interventions when CMSGs are not available or possible.     

Preoperative cholangitis is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

ObjectivesPreoperative biliary stenting is required for patients with obstructive jaundice from pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. While in most patients this approach results in durable biliary drainage, some patients develop cholangitis during neoadjuvant treatment. Further, several studies have shown that preoperative cholangitis in patients with hepatobiliary malignancies can result in substantially unfavorable outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative cholangitis in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy after completing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsParticipants: all adult patients (n = 449) diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 1st, 2013 to March 31st, 2018 who pursued treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital were screened. Of these 449 patients, 97 met final inclusion criteria of receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy with intent to pursue curative surgery. Data were collected via retrospective chart review including baseline characteristics, survival, episodes of preoperative cholangitis, and surgical complications.ResultsIn patients completing successful pancreaticoduodenectomy surgery, preoperative cholangitis is associated with increased mortality (HR 2.67, 95% CI:1.16–6.13). This finding is independent of postoperative outcomes or tumor recurrence rate. The presence of cholangitis did not impact completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (92% vs 85%, p = 0.5) or ability to proceed to surgery (76% vs 75%, p = 1.0). Preoperative cholangitis was not associated with postoperative morbidity (42.1% vs 45.1%, p = 1.0).ConclusionsOne episode of cholangitis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with increased mortality following successful pancreaticoduodenectomy, independent of immediate postoperative outcomes or tumor recurrence. Preoperative cholangitis does not affect ability to pursue neoadjuvant chemotherapy or complete successful surgery. Patients who develop cholangitis during the neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment phase may reflect a distinct phenotype of patients with PDAC with a complex and more challenging clinical course.     

Influence of bacteriobilia on postoperative complications in patients with periampullary tumors

BackgroundPeriampullary tumours (PAT) may cause obstruction of distal choledochus. The bile stasis is a risk factor for microbial colonisation of bile (bacteriobilia), cholangitis, hepatic insufficiency and coagulopathy. PAT obstruction can be managed surgically or non-operatively - by inserting a biliary drain or stent (BDS). Although BDS allows for adequate bile drainage, liver function restitution and coagulopathy, increased bacteriobilia has been reported and this is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative complications.MethodsA monocentric, prospective, comparative study including 100 patients operated with PAT. The effects of bacteriobilia and the presence of a drain in the biliary tract on the development of postoperative complications were evaluated.ResultsPositive microbial findings in bile were found in 67% of patients. It was 98% in the biliary drain group vs. 36% in non-drained patients (p = 0.0001). In 68% 2 or more different bacterial strains were simultaneously present (p = 0.0001). Patients with a positive microbial finding in bile had more frequent incidence of infectious complications 40.2% (27) vs. 9.1% (3); p = 0.0011. The most frequent infectious complication was wound infection 29.8% (20) vs. 3.03% (1); p = 0.0014. Similarly, a higher incidence of postoperative infectious complications occurred in patients with BDS - 36% (18) vs. 24% (12); p = 0.2752.ConclusionThe presence of a drain or stent in the biliary tract significantly increases the microbial colonisation of bile. It is associated with a significant increase in infectious complications, especially infections in the wound.     

Incidence of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Related Biliary Complications in Liver Transplantation: Effect of Different Types of Donors

Liver transplantation from donors after circulatory death (DCD) is associated with considerable rates of primary nonfunction and ischemic-type biliary lesions. Compared with donation was after brain death (DBD), the biggest disadvantage of DCD is warm ischemia injury in the procurement stage. Donation after brain death followed by circulatory death (DBCD) is a unique practice in China. Such donors should donate according to the DCD procedure, that is, remove life support and donate after cardiac arrest. We retrospectively analyzed donor and recipient characteristics with preoperative and postoperative parameters according to 3 donation types to comprehensively describe incidence of ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) related biliary complications among different donor type adult liver transplantation recipients. A total of 50 patients were included in this study (DBD group n = 17, DCD group n = 26, DBCD group n = 7). Only 1 patient, whose donor type was DBCD was diagnosed with ischemic-type biliary lesions demonstrated cast and retrograde ascending cholangitis. Rates of primary graft non-function (DBD n = 1, 5.9%; DCD n = 2, 7.7%; DBCD, 0%; P = .546) were similar and total biliary complications (DBD n = 1, 5.9%; DCD n = 1, 3.8%; DBCD N = 2, 28.6%; P = .042) were different. No differences were found regarding development of postreperfusion syndrome or coagulopathy in 3 groups. Compared with standard DBD donor, the clinical outcome of DCD donor liver transplantation was satisfactory, with no increase in the incidence of IRI, and, no difference in the incidence of ischemic bile duct complications. This work was carried out in compliance with the Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul.     

Recurrence of Hepatitis D Virus in Liver Transplant Recipients With Hepatitis B and D Virus–Related Chronic Liver Disease

PurposeData on recurrence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) and its long-term impact on liver transplant (LT) are limited. In this study, we investigated the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the long-term effect of postoperative HDV recurrence HDV coinfection in our liver transplant patients.Patients and MethodsBetween 2004 and 2018, all patients with LT because of HBV (n = 361; 37.3%) were reviewed, and those with HBV and HDV coinfection (n = 104; 30% of all HBV patients) were enrolled in our study. All patients received post-transplant combination therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogue and antihepatitis B immunoglobulins. Breakthrough infection was defined as reemergence of HBV DNA or hepatitis B surface antigen during postoperative treatment. In case of recurrence, another oral nucleos(t)ide analogue was added and antihepatitis B immunoglobulins were stopped.ResultsDuring the study period, the frequency of HDV (+) was decreased (41% to 14%). Median follow-up time was 82 months (range, 1-274 months). Post LT survival and HBV recurrence were 97% (n = 15) and 13.4%, respectively. Only 15 patients (14%) developed breakthrough infection. There was no predictive factor for recurrent HDV infection, including demographics data and concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma (P = .73). Mortality was similar between patients with and without recurrence (2.2% vs 7.1%, P = .35)ConclusionsPatients who received transplants for hepatitis B and D virus cirrhosis had favorable prognosis and good long-term results despite recurrent infection. Close follow-up of patients and effective postoperative viral suppression with appropriate medications seems to be favorable for both prevention and management of recurrence and provides comparable outcome with patients without recurrence.     

Does Dosage or Duration of Concurrent Oral Corticosteroid Influence Elevated Risk of Postoperative Complications After Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BackgroundThis report seeks to clarify whether the dosage and duration of preoperative concurrent corticosteroid use influence postoperative complications after primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA).MethodsThis retrospective single institutional study enrolled 1128 primary TJA cases, including 905 total hip arthroplasties and 223 total knee arthroplasties at a minimum 6 months of follow-up. Mean follow-up period was 51.9 ± 34.1 months (range 6-146). Of all joints, 120 joints (10.6%) were associated with chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid use. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify whether chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid use elevated the risk of postoperative complications including surgical site infection/periprosthetic joint infection, delayed wound healing, periprosthetic fracture, and implant loosening. For chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid user, we determined whether the dosage and duration of preoperative concurrent corticosteroid use influenced postoperative complications and have an effective threshold for postoperative complications using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsThe multivariate analysis revealed that American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status 3 was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications, while concurrent oral corticosteroid use was not an independent risk factor. When we compared joints with (n = 13) and without (n = 107) postoperative complications in chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid user, there was no statistical difference in the dosage (P = .97) and duration (P = .69) between the 2 groups. Area under the curve values for the oral corticosteroid dosages and duration were 0.482 and 0.549, respectively.ConclusionThis study revealed that neither dosage nor duration of concurrent oral corticosteroid use was predictive of postoperative complications after TJA. American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status 3 is a major factor in postoperative complications after TJA.     

Prognostic factors and clinical features in metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension after ligament reconstruction with trapeziectomy: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundManagement of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) hyperextension deformity in thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is challenging. It remains unclear how the preoperative MCP joint angle affects the outcomes. The present study aimed to clarify the associations between postoperative MCP hyperextension deformity and outcomes, and to determine the preoperative MCP joint angle that can predict poor outcomes.MethodsWe investigated the functional outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for CMC arthritis at two institutions from 2016 to 2020. All patients received a modified Thompson technique, ligament reconstruction suspension arthroplasty, and had no additional treatment for MCP hyperextension. The patients were divided into three groups according to their postoperative MCP joint angles: Group A, <10°; Group B, 10°–20°; Group C, >20°. Evaluations included preoperative and postoperative VAS, Quick DASH, range of motion (ROM), grip power, pinch strength, first web space angle, and postoperative trapezial space ratio (TSR).ResultsOverall, 66 eligible patients (72 thumbs) were identified and received follow-up for a mean of 25.2 months. The 72 thumbs were assigned to Group A (n = 38), Group B (n = 16), and Group C (n = 18). Group C had significantly lower preoperative MCP joint angle and postoperative grip power, pinch strength, and TSR compared with the Group A (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in VAS, Quick DASH, ROM, and first web space angle (P > 0.05). The preoperative risk factor for highly residual MCP hyperextension was preoperative MCP joint angle (OR = 1.078; P = 0.001), with a cut-off value of 21.5° (AUC = 0.79; sensitivity = 0.813; specificity = 0.821).ConclusionsPostoperative MCP hyperextension of >20° after ligament reconstruction with trapeziectomy has adverse effects on functional outcomes. In cases with preoperative MCP joint angle of >21.5°, additional treatment for MCP hyperextension should be considered.     

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.     

A Single-Center's Early Surgical Outcomes of Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BackgroundLiving donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become an increasingly common surgical option because the number of cadaveric donors is insufficient to fulfill the organ needs of patients facing end-stage cirrhosis. Many centers are investigating different surgical techniques to achieve lower complication rates. We aimed to examine our complication rates in light of demographic data, graft data, and perioperative findings as a single-center experience.MethodsThe study included one hundred and three patients who underwent LDLT for end-stage liver cirrhosis. Demographic data; sex; age; blood group; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; Child score; etiology; liver side; graft-to-recipient weight ratio; hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile anastomosis type rates; anhepatic phase; cold ischemia time; operation time; and blood product transfusion rates were analyzed. Biliary complications in patients with single or multiple biliary anastomoses, right or left liver transplants, and with or without hepatic artery thrombosis were analyzed statistically.ResultsThere was no significant difference in biliary complications between patients who underwent single or multiple bile anastomosis (P = .231) or patients receiving right lobe and left lobe transplants (P = .315). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of portal vein thrombosis between the regular and reconstructed portal vein anastomosis groups (P = .693), the postoperative portal vein thrombosis rate was statistically higher in patients with left lobe transplants (P = .044).ConclusionsVascular and biliary complication rates can be reduced with increasing experience.     

Risk of Hepatic Artery Complications After Liver Transplantation in Patients Who Received Pretransplant Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundPretransplant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been associated with an increased risk of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation (LT). Innovative surgical LT and interventional vascular radiology TACE techniques may mitigate the risk of HAT. We sought to investigate the incidence of HAT after LT in patients who received pre-transplant TACE at our center.MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective review of all LT patients, >18 years of age, from October 1, 2012, to May 31, 2018. Outcomes were compared between patients who received pre-LT TACE and those who did not. Median follow-up was 26 months.ResultsAmong the 162 LT recipients, 110 (67%) patients did not receive pre-LT TACE (Group I), while 52 (32%) received pre-LT TACE (Group II). The <30-day incidence rates of post-LT HAT were as follows: Group I = 1.8% and Group II = 1.9% (P = .9). Most hepatic arterial complications occurred >30 days after LT. Based on competing risks regression analysis, TACE was not associated with an increased risk of HAT. Patient or graft survivals were comparable between the 2 groups (P = .1 and .2, respectively).ConclusionsOur study shows a similar incidence of hepatic artery complications post-LT in patients who received TACE before LT compared with those who did not. In addition, we suggest that the surgical technique of early vascular control of the common hepatic artery during LT, in combination with a super-selective vascular intervention radiology approach, has clinical utility in reducing the risk of HAT in patients requiring pre-transplant TACE.     

A Prophylactic Tibial Stem Reduces Rates of Early Aseptic Loosening in Patients with Severe Preoperative Varus Deformity in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients with a preoperative varus deformity >8 degrees are at increased risk of aseptic loosening after total knee arthroplasty. This study analyzes the effect of a tibial stem on the rate of aseptic loosening in patients with a severe preoperative varus deformity.MethodsPatients with a preoperative varus deformity of >8 degrees and 2-year minimum follow-up with a stemmed tibial component (n = 67) were matched 1:2 to patients with a similar preoperative varus deformity with a standard tibial component (n = 134). Radiolucent lines were measured on the tibia at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively using the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation System. Failure was defined as revision due to aseptic loosening of the tibial component. Outcomes were evaluated using Student’s t-tests and log-rank tests.ResultsPatients with tibial stems had greater preoperative deformity (12.9 vs 11.3 degrees, P = .004). There was no difference in postoperative alignment (1.7 vs 2.1 degrees varus, P = .25) or tibial component angle (1.8 vs 2.1 degrees varus, P = .33). Patients with stems were more likely to have more constraint (44.8% vs 1.5%, P < .001). Progression of radiolucent lines >2 mm was observed in 17.6% (23/134) vs 5.97% (4/67) of patients in the stem group (P = .03). Rates of aseptic loosening were lower in the stem group (0% vs 5.15%, P = .05).ConclusionDespite worse preoperative deformity and higher utilization of constraint, tibial stem use in patients with severe preoperative varus deformity resulted in lower rates of aseptic loosening. Prophylactic use of stems in these patients may help increase implant survival.     

Description and Outcomes of Three Different End-to-Side Microsurgical Techniques for the Anastomosis of Accessory Renal Artery With the Dominant Renal Artery in Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundIn this study, we compared the outcomes of three different surgical microscope–assisted end-to-side anastomosis techniques between the dominant and accessory renal arteries during living donor kidney transplant.MethodsThe demographics, serum creatinine levels, warm and cold ischemia times, rate of complications, and incidence of delayed graft function of 135 kidney recipients were analyzed according to the type of arterial anastomosis. Group A (n = 98) had one dominant renal artery (DRA) with one end-to-side anastomosis to the external iliac artery (EIA) using a surgical microscope. Group B (n = 17) had one DRA plus one accessory renal artery (ARA) with two separate end-to-side anastomoses to the EIA using a surgical microscope. Group C (n = 20) had one DRA with end-to-side anastomosis to the EIA and one ARA with an ex vivo on-bench end-to-side anastomosis to the DRA using a surgical microscope.ResultsCompared with groups A and B, the cold ischemia time and the rate of delayed graft function were significantly higher in group C (P ≤ .001). At 6 months after transplant, group B demonstrated a higher creatinine value (2.40 ± 3.41 mg/dL) than group A and group B (P = .032). Also, the decrease in creatinine at postoperative month 6 was limited in group B as compared with groups A and C.ConclusionsAn end-to-side anastomosis between ARA (group B) and DRA (group A) of the kidney graft using a surgical microscope on the bench ex vivo results in superior outcomes. Single arterial anastomosis techniques are associated with a better function in a 6-month follow-up than two separate arterial anastomoses.     

Combination of sarcopenia and prognostic nutritional index to predict long-term outcomes in patients undergoing initial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveTo determine if preoperative sarcopenia and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could accurately predict the postoperative outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing initial hepatectomy.MethodsThree hundred three patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC between January 2010 and August 2021 were enrolled and their data were retrospectively analyzed. Sarcopenia was determined from computed tomography images obtained 3 weeks prior to surgery, and PNI was calculated from preoperative albumin and whole lymphocyte count data in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, with a cutoff value of 46.2 to categorize high and low groups.ResultsOne hundred six (35%) patients had sarcopenia prior to surgery. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that sarcopenia and low PNI were associated with significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared with no sarcopenia and high PNI, respectively (P = 0.023 and P = 0.035, respectively). In addition, patients with sarcopenia had worse OS than those without sarcopenia in the high and low PNI groups (P = 0.058 and P = 0.038, respectively). Sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–2.76; P = 0.048) and PNI ≤46.2 (HR 1.96; 95% CI 1.17–3.27; P = 0.011) were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis, and combined sarcopenia and PNI had a higher AUC value (AUC = 0.722, P < 0.001) than either one alone in ROC analysis.ConclusionCombined sarcopenia and PNI as a prognostic marker can better predict the postoperative prognostic outcomes of HCC patients following hepatectomy than either sarcopenia or PNI alone.     

Long-term surgical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic vs. open liver resection: A retrospective and propensity score-matched study

Background/objectivesThere is limited availability of well-designed comparative studies using propensity score matching with a sufficient sample size to compare laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) vs. open liver resection (OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to compare the feasibility and safety of LLR and OLR in patients with HCC.MethodsWe enrolled 168 patients who underwent elective LLR (n = 58) or OLR (n = 110) for HCC in two tertiary medical centers between November 2009 and December 2018. Patients who underwent LLR were propensity score-matched to patients who underwent OLR in a 1:1 ratio. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes and disease-free and overall survival rates were prospectively evaluated.ResultsAmong the 116 patients analyzed, 58 each belonged to the LLR and OLR groups. We performed 85 segmentectomies or sectionectomies, 19 left-lateral-sectionectomies, 9 left-hemihepatectomies, and 3 right-hemihepatectomies. There was no significant difference in age, sex, Child-Pugh class, original liver disease, preoperative alpha-fetoprotein, tumor size, tumor location, overall morbidity, and operative time. There was a significant difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (LLR vs OLR; 8 vs 10 days, p = 0.003). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates in the LLR and OLR groups were 96.6%, 92.8%, and 73.3% and 93.1%, 88.8%, and 76.1%, respectively (p = 0.642). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates in the LLR and OLR groups were 84.4%, 64.0%, and 60.2% and 93.1%, 67.4%, and 63.9%, respectively (p = 0.391).ConclusionLLR for HCC can be performed safely with acceptable short-term and long-term outcomes compared with OLR.