Small-for-size syndrome in adult-to-adult living-related liver transplantation

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) in adult-to-adult living-related donor liver transplantation (LRLT) remains the greatest limiting factor for the expansion of segmental liver transplantation from either cadaveric or living donors. Portal hyperperfusion, venous pathology, and the arterial buffer response signif icantly contribute to clinical and histopathological manifestations of SFSS. Here, we review the technical aspects of surgical and radiological procedures developed to treat SFSS in LRLT, along with the pathophysiology of this condition.

Simultaneous endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography:Evaluation of safety

AIM: To investigate the rate of complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) performed immediately after endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in a large series of patients. METHODS: Patients with the following conditions were considered candidates for EUS-FNA and ERCP: diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic lesion not eligible for surgery, and patients with pancreatic lesion of unknown nature causing jaundice. Data were prospectively collected on the following parameters: indication for FNA, EUS findings, pathological diagnosis, procedure duration of EUS-FNA and combined EUS-FNA and ERCP, and immediate and late complications. RESULTS: From January 2004 to October 2006, 72 patients were deemed eligible for combined EUS and ERCP. In 25/72 EUS-FNA was performed to obtain a pathology diagnosis of lesions causing biliary obstruction, and ERCP sequentially performed to drain the biliary system. No immediate complications occurred except for two mild bleeding episodes post sphincterotomy. No late complications were recorded except for one patient who experienced fever, promptly recovered with antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous approach appears to be feasible and safe. When possible, this can be considered the reference standard to avoid double sedation and reduce duration of the procedure and hospital stay.

Efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) for the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) in cirrhotic patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not suitable for surgical resection and percutaneous ablation therapy. METHODS:A cohort of 176 consecutive cirrhotic patients with single HCC undergoing TAE/TACE was reviewed; 162 patients had at least one image examination (helical CT scan or triphasic contrastenhanced MRI) after treatment and were included into the study. TAE was performed with Lipiodol followed by Gelfoam embolization; TACE was performed with Farmorubicin prepared in sterile drip at a dose of 50 mg/m2,infused over 30 min using a peristaltic pump,and followed by Lipiodol and Gelfoam embolization. RESULTS:Patients characteristics were:mean age,62 years; male/female 117/45; Child-Pugh score 6.2 ± 1.1; MELD 8.7 ± 2.3; mean HCC size,3.6 (range 1.0-12.0) cm. HCC size class was ≤ 2.0 cm,n = 51; 2.1-3.0 cm,n = 35; 3.1-4.0 cm,n = 29; 4.1-5.0 cm,n = 22; 5.1-6.0 cm,n = 11; and > 6.0 cm,n = 14. Patients received a total of 368 TAE/TACE (mean 2.4 ± 1.7). Complete tumor necrosis was obtained in 94 patients (58%),massive (90%-99%) necrosis in 16 patients (10%),partial (50%-89%) necrosis in 18 patients (11%) and poor (< 50%) necrosis in the remaining 34 patients (21%). The rate of complete necrosis according to the HCC size class was:69%,69%,52%,68%,50% and,13% for lesions of ≤ 2.0,2.1-3.0,3.1-4.0,4.1-5.0,5.1-6.0,and > 6.0 cm,respectively. Kaplan-Mayer survival at 24-mo was 88%,68%,59%,59%,45%,and 53% for lesions of ≤ 2.0,2.1-3.0,3.1-4.0,4.1-5.0,5.1-6.0,and > 6.0 cm,respectively. CONCLUSION:Our study showed that in cirrhotic patients with single HCC smaller than 6.0 cm,TAE/TACE produces complete local control of tumor in a significant proportion of patients. TAE/TACE is an effective therapeutic option in patients with single HCC not suitable for surgical resection or percutaneous ablation therapies. Further studies should investigate if the new available embolization agents or drug eluting beads may improve the effect on tumor necrosis.

Analysis of surgical and perioperative complications in seventy-five right hepatectomies for living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To present an analysis of the surgical and perioperative complications in a series of seventy- five right hepatectomies for living-donation (RHLD) performed in our center. METHODS: From January 2002 to September 2007, we performed 75 RHLD, defined as removal of a portion of the liver corresponding to Couinaud segments 5-8, in order to obtain a graft for adult to adult living-related liver transplantation (ALRLT). Surgical complications were stratified according to the most recent version of the Clavien classification of postoperative surgical complications. The perioperative period was defined as within 90 d of surgery. RESULTS: No living donor mortality was present in this series, no donor operation was aborted and no donors received any blood transfusion. Twenty- three (30.6%) living donors presented one or more episodes of complication in the perioperative period. Seven patients (9.33%) out of 75 developed biliary complications, which were the most common complications in our series.CONCLUSION: The need to define, categorize and record complications when healthy individuals, such as living donors, undergo a major surgical procedure, such as a right hepatectomy, reflects the need for prompt and detailed reports of complications arising in this particular category of patient. Perioperative complications and post resection liver regeneration are not influenced by anatomic variations or patient demographic.

Right hepatic lobe living donation: A 12 years single Italian center experience

Mini invasive techniques are taking over conventional open liver resections in the setting of left lateral segmentectomy for living liver donation,and hydride procedure are being implemented for the living related right hepatectomy.Our center routinely performs laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy for pediatric recipient and has been the first in the Europe performing an entirely robotic right hepatectomy.Great emphasis is posed on living donor safety which is the first priority during the entire operation,then the most majority of our procedures are still conventional open right hepatectomy(RHLD),defined as removal of a portion of liver corresponding to Couinaud segments 5-8,in order to obtain a graft for adult to adult living related liver transplant.During this 10 years period some changes,herein highlighted,have occurred to our surgical techniques.This study reports the largest Italian experience with RHLD,focused on surgical technique evolution over a 10 years period.Donor safety must be the first priority in right-lobe living-related donation:the categorization of complications of living donors,specially,after this"highly sensitive"procedure,reflects the need for prompt and detailed reports.

Liver regeneration after liver resection: Clinical aspects and correlation with infective complications

AIM:To investigate whether early liver regeneration after resection in patients with hepatic tumors might be influenced by post-operative infective complications.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of 27 liver resections for tumors performed in a single referral center from November 2004 to January 2010.Regeneration was evaluated by multidetector computed tomographyat a mean follow-up of 43.85 d.The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to evaluate postoperative events in the first 6 mo after transplantation,and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions were used for healthcare associated infections data.Generalized linear regression models with Gaussian family distribution and log link function were used to reveal the principal promoters of early liver regeneration.RESULTS:Ten of the 27 patients(37%)underwent chemotherapy prior to surgery,with a statistically significant prevalence of patients with metastasis(P=0.007).Eight patients(30%)underwent embolization,3 with primary tumors,and 5 with secondary tumors.Twenty patients(74%)experienced complications,with 12(60%)experiencing Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a to 5 complications.Regeneration≥100%occurred in 10(37%)patients.The predictors were smaller future remnant liver volume(-0.002;P<0.001),and a greater spleen volume/future remnant liver volume ratio(0.499;P=0.01).Patients with a resection of≥5 Couinaud segments experienced greater early regeneration(P=0.04).Nine patients experienced surgical site infections,and in 7 cases Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a to 4 complications were detected(P=0.016).There were no significant differences between patients with primary or secondary tumors,and either onset or infections or severity of surgical complications.CONCLUSION:Regardless of the onset of infective complications,future remnant liver and spleen volumes may be reliable predictors of early liver regeneration after hepatic resection on an otherwise healthy liver.