Three-quarters of right liver donors experienced postoperative complications

Criteria for selecting living liver donors to optimize recipient outcomes in pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although the adoption of pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy has expanded driven by considerations of donor cosmesis and function, the criteria for selecting candidates for pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) continue to be debated. This study aimed to delineate the distinctive characteristics of donors and recipients who underwent conventional open-donor right hepatectomy (CDRH) during the era of PLDRH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected single-centre database encompassing all right hepatectomies at Seoul National University Hospital from April 2016 to December 2021, a period during which there were no absolute contraindications for PLDRH.

RESULTS

During the exclusive PLDRH period, there were still 63 cases of CDRH alongside 362 cases of PLDRH. The CDRH donors were older, had a lower estimated remnant liver volume, and a higher incidence of expected multiple openings in the portal vein and bile duct based on preoperative imaging compared with PLDRH donors. In the subgroup analysis, including only donors meeting two or more criteria (age ≥40 years, estimated remnant liver volume ≥35%, or multiple anticipated vessel openings), recipients in the PLDRH group exhibited significantly more early major complications ( P =0.029) compared with those in the CDRH group.

CONCLUSION

As PLDRH gains traction in practice, it is essential to acknowledge that specific donor conditions, such as advanced age, limited remnant liver volume, and anticipation of multiple portal or bile duct openings, may merit contemplating CDRH as a means of optimizing recipient outcomes.

Donor Safety First: Postoperative Hepatectomy Outcomes in Living Liver Donors

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become a popular treatment option because some countries lack a deceased organ program and the growing demand for liver transplants. Although postoperative outcomes are similar to deceased donor liver transplants, there is still an element of risk to the donor. The Clavien-Dindo classification system has been used to standardize reporting across different institutions and surgeons to categorize surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, 207 living donors underwent hepatectomies at our center. All donors underwent a 3-step process of mandatory screening. Postsurgical complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

A total of 207 donor hepatectomies for LDLT were performed during our study period. Most donors (92.8%) were aged between 18 and 39 years. The most common type of graft used was a right lobe without the middle hepatic vein (82.6%). Most donors (91.7%) experienced an intraoperative blood loss of ≤500 mL. A total of 140 patients had an ordinary postoperative course. Grade 1 complications were observed in 16.9%, grade 2 in 12.1%, and grade 3 in 3.4% of the remaining patients. No grade 4 or grade 5 (patient death) complications were observed in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Living donor liver transplantation remains the most practiced liver transplant surgery in Pakistan. Our findings highlight the safety of the LDLT program with minimal risk of significant complications. The study also underscores the importance of careful screening and monitoring of living donors and the need for standardized reporting of surgical outcomes using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety in living liver donors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety in living liver donors after liver transplantation.

METHODS

Five English language electronic databases and four Chinese language electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2023. Two investigators independently extracted the data and assessed the study quality. The pooled prevalence was calculated using STATA software (version 14.0). We performed a narrative review to summarize the factors associated with depression and anxiety in living liver donors after liver transplantation. The protocol of this study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database, registration number: CRD42021290071.

RESULTS

This study included 39 articles involving 18,577 participants. The pooled prevalence was 6.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) (4.1-8.9%)] for depression in living liver donors, and 10.0% [95% CI (4.0-18.1%)] for anxiety. Prevalence of clinically significant depressive or anxiety symptoms was higher (15.7% and 17.4%) compared with disorders (2.7% and 2.2%). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was highest within 3 months post-donation. Specifically, female donors, serious postoperative complications, and recipients' poor health/death have been reported as factors having a negative influence on depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Collected evidence showed that the overall prevalence of depression or anxiety of living liver donors was high. Therefore, early detection and timely treatment of psychological disorders are crucial to promote positive psychiatric health outcomes and ensure the quality of life of living liver donors.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on acute-on-chronic liver failure

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which was described relatively recently (2013), is a severe form of acutely decompensated cirrhosis characterised by the existence of organ system failure(s) and a high risk of short-term mortality. ACLF is caused by an excessive systemic inflammatory response triggered by precipitants that are clinically apparent (e.g., proven microbial infection with sepsis, severe alcohol-related hepatitis) or not. Since the description of ACLF, some important studies have suggested that patients with ACLF may benefit from liver transplantation and because of this, should be urgently stabilised for transplantation by receiving appropriate treatment of identified precipitants, and full general management, including support of organ systems in the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of the present Clinical Practice Guidelines is to provide recommendations to help clinicians recognise ACLF, make triage decisions (ICU vs. no ICU), identify and manage acute precipitants, identify organ systems that require support or replacement, define potential criteria for futility of intensive care, and identify potential indications for liver transplantation. Based on an in-depth review of the relevant literature, we provide recommendations to navigate clinical dilemmas followed by supporting text. The recommendations are graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine system and categorised as 'weak' or 'strong'. We aim to provide the best available evidence to aid the clinical decision-making process in the management of patients with ACLF.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Preoperative Volemia Assessment in Living Donor Hepatectomy

Donor safety remains an important concern. We introduced preoperative bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in living donor hepatectomy, as it is a practical method for volemia assessment with the advantages of noninvasiveness, rapid processing, easy handling, and it is relatively inexpensive. We analyzed 51 living donors who underwent right hemihepatectomy between July 2015 and May 2022. The ratio of extracellular water:total body water (ECW/TBW; an index of volemic status) was measured. ECT/TBW < 0.378 was correlated to central venous pressure (CVP) < 5 mm Hg in a previous study and we used this value for personalized preoperative management. In the BIA group (n = 21), donors with ECW/TBW ≥ 0.378 (n = 12) required whole-day nothing by mouth (NPO), whereas those with ECW/TBW < 0.378 (n = 9) required midnight NPO, similar to the control group (n = 30). In comparison with the control group, the BIA group had a significantly lower central venous pressure (p < 0.001) from the start of surgery to the end of surgery, leading to a better surgical field grade (p = 0.045) and decreased operative duration (240.5 ± 45.6 vs. 276.5 ± 54.0 min, p = 0.016). A cleaner surgical field (surgical field grade 1) was significantly associated with decreased operative duration (p = 0.001) and estimated blood loss (p < 0.001). Preoperative BIA was the only significant predictor of a cleaner surgical field (odds ratio, 6.914; 95% confidence interval, 1.6985−28.191, p = 0.007). In conclusion, preoperative volemia assessment using BIA can improve operative outcomes by creating a favorable surgical environment in living donor hepatectomy.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Pure Laparoscopic vs. Open Right Hepatectomy in Living Liver Donors: Bench-Surgery Time

Background: Recently, there have been several reports on pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH), but the effect of pure laparoscopy on bench surgery has not been evaluated. This study aimed to compare bench-surgery time between PLDRH and conventional donor right hepatectomy (CDRH).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 758 live liver donors between January 2012 and December 2019. We divided the patients into two groups: between January 2012 and September 2015, when we exclusively performed CDRH, and between March 2016 and December 2019, when PLDRH was standardized. We excluded all other types of graft donor hepatectomy, laparoscopic assisted donor hepatectomy, and cases with no recorded data.

Results: In total, 267 donors were included in the PLDRH group and were compared with 247 donors in the CDRH group. Similar proportions of graft vascular variations were observed between the two groups. The mean bench-surgery time was longer in the PLDRH group than in the CDRH group (49.3 ± 19.9 vs. 39.5 ± 17.5 min; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The bench-surgery time was longer in the PLDRH group than the CDRH group, regardless of whether the vascular network was reconstructed. Expertise in bench-surgery as well as donor surgery and recipient surgery is mandatory for PLDRH to be safe and feasible.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Predominantly Young Parental Living Liver Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Objective: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of donors deserves attention and must be considered for a long time. Many of the published studies had small sample sizes, and research from mainland China, in particular, is scant. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the HRQoL of living liver donors and identify the influencing factors of the HRQoL in mainland China.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The data were collected from the liver transplantation center, the Tianjin First Center Hospital, China. Living liver donors older than 18 years and at a minimum of 1-month, post-donation was included. The HRQoL was evaluated using the Medical Outcome Study Short form 36 (SF-36). Sociodemographic and clinical-related variables, HRQoL status, and its potential impact factors were analyzed.

Results: A total of 382 living liver donors completed the survey. The median number of months post-donation was 25, and parental donors (99.2%) were the most frequent relationship. The majority of the participants (372, 97.4%) donated their left lateral lobes. Thirty-two (8.4%) donors suffered complications, and of them, 7 suffered from biliary leakage (1.8%), which was the most common one in this study. The physical functioning (PF), role–physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), social functioning (SF), role–emotional (RE), and mental health (MH) scores among the living liver donors were significantly better than those of the Chinese norms. Short-time post-donation [odds ratio (OR): 0.008; p < 0.001] and male recipients (OR:0.195; p = 0.024) were associated with the likelihood of a poor physical related quality of life.

Conclusions: Despite, in general, good HRQoL outcomes, we also believed that liver donation has an obvious influence on the physical functions of liver donors. More attention and long-term follow-ups are necessary for donors at higher risk based on identified influencing factors and correlates.

Donor Morbidity Is Equivalent Between Right and Left Hepatectomy for Living Liver Donation: A Meta-Analysis

Maximizing liver graft volume benefits the living donor liver recipient. Whether maximizing graft volume negatively impacts living donor recovery and outcomes remains controversial. Patient randomization between right and left hepatectomy has not been possible due to anatomic constraints; however, a number of published, nonrandomized observational studies summarize donor outcomes between 2 anatomic living donor hepatectomies. This meta-analysis compares donor-specific outcomes after right versus left living donor hepatectomy. Systematic searches were performed via PubMed, Cochrane, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies between January 2005 and November 2019. The primary outcomes compared overall morbidity and incidence of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo >III) between right and left hepatectomy in donors after liver donation. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to derive summary risk estimates of outcomes. A total of 33 studies (3 prospective and 30 retrospective cohort) were used to identify 7649 pooled patients (5993 right hepatectomy and 1027 left hepatectomy). Proportion of donors who developed postoperative complications did not significantly differ after right hepatectomy (0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.40) and left hepatectomy (0.23; 95% CI, 0.17-0.29; P = 0.19). The overall risk ratio (RR) did not differ between right and left hepatectomy (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.83-1.63; P = 0.36). The relative risk for a donor to develop severe complications showed no differences by hepatectomy side (Incidence rate ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.67-1.40; P = 0.86). There is no evidence that the overall morbidity differs between right and left lobe donors. Publication bias reflects institutional and surgeon variation. A prospective, standardized, multi-institutional study would help quantify the burden of donor complications after liver donation.

Caspase-3-related apoptosis prevents pathological regeneration in a living liver donor rat model

PURPOSE

The main goal of this study was to determine the relationship of cleaved-caspase-3 (C3)-related apoptosis and hepatic proliferation, during the liver repopulation in a living liver donor rat model.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Thirty-three animals were randomized into eleven groups and evaluated on postoperative from 3 ​h until 384 ​h after 30%-partial hepatectomy (30%-PHx). Liver sections (5 ​μm) were processed by hematoxylin-eosin, and immunostaining for C3, accompanied by hepatic function test. C3 content and the hepatic lobule enlargement were analyzed by optical density, followed by cell counting.

RESULTS

Transient variations of alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were found. Significant increase in the C3 levels, and cell nuclei number, were detected at 12 ​h and 48 ​h after 30%-PHx, evidencing a correlation of p ​= ​-0.3679.

CONCLUSION

In the 30%-PHx rat model, C3-related apoptosis prevents proliferative pathological conditions during the hepatic lobule re-modeling.

Our Living Donor Protocol for Liver Transplant: A SingleCenter Experience

OBJECTIVES

The shortage of deceased donor organs is a limiting factor in transplant. The growing discrepancy between the wait list demand versus the supply of deceased donor organs has created an incentive for consideration of living donor liver transplant as an alternative. Here, we describe our evaluation process and donor complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 1988, we have performed 659 (449 living donor and 210 deceased donor) liver transplants. The most important evaluation criteria is the relationship between donor and recipient, and we require thatthe donor must be related to the recipient. The evaluation protocol has 5 stages. Donor complications were defined as simple, moderate, and severe.

RESULTS

We retrospectively investigated data for 1387 candidates, and 938 (67.7%) were rejected; subsequently, 449 living donor liver transplants were performed. There were no complications in 398 of the donors (88.7%). Total complication rate was 11.3%. Simple complications were seen in 31 patients (6.9%). Moderate complications were seen in 19 patients (4.2%). We had only 1 severe complication, ie, organ failure from unspecified liver necrosis, which resulted in death.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between donor and recipient and donor safety should be the primary focus for living donor liver transplant. Donor selection should be made carefully to minimize complications and provide adequately functional grafts.

Respiratory Complications Among Living Liver Donors: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

The safety of living liver donors is considered a high priority. In this study, we aimed to highlight the incidence and risk factors of respiratory complications among living liver transplant donors at our institute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated data of 178 related living liver donors who were seen from January 2014 to December 2018. We recorded significant respiratory complications, such as pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pneumonia, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and transfusion-related acute lung injury. Complications were noted as clinically evident and/or needing intervention. We also recorded the frequency of nonrespiratory complications and duration of intensive care unit and hospital stays.

RESULTS

Ten donors (5.6%) developed significant respiratory complications: 2 (1.1%) had pulmonary embolisms, 3 (1.7%) developed symptomatic pleural effusion that required thoracentesis, and 4 (2.25%) had chest infections. The remaining donor (0.6%) had unexplained respiratory insufficiency. Logistic regression analyses identified age ≥ 35 years and previous surgery as the main risk factors of significant respiratory complications. There were no recorded cases of pneumothorax, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and transfusion-related acute lung injury. Raw surface collection (14.6%) and biliary leakage (7.9%) were the most frequent nonrespiratory complications. There was no significant difference between patients with and without significant respiratory complications with regard to intensive care unit and hospital stays.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the low incidence of significant respiratory complications among our living liver donor cohort, close monitoring and early management are essential to achieve better prognosis, especially in donors older than 35 years or those with previous surgery.

Pure 3D laparoscopy versus open right hemihepatectomy in a donor with type II and III portal vein variations

Backgrounds/Aims

Pure laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy (PLDRH) has been performed in many experienced centers. However, portal vein variations still remain challenging thus disturbing the widespread of PLDRH in many centers. PLDRH when integrated with 3-dimensional laparoscopy and indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography is safe and feasible.

Methods

We reviewed 19 donors with separated right anterior and right posterior portal veins who underwent living donor right hemihepatectomy between January 2014 and December 2016. We compared the clinical outcomes of PLDRH and conventional open right hemihepatectomy (CDRH).

Results

6 donors (31.6%) underwent PLDRH while 13 donors (68.4%) underwent CDRH. There was no intraoperative complications, transfusions and open conversions in the PLDRH donors. The total operative time was longer in PLDRH (356.5 vs. 244.5 minutes, p=0.003). However, the length of hospital stay (8.5 vs. 9.0 days, p=0.703), blood loss (450.0 vs. 393.6 ml, p=0.557) and complication rate (16.6% vs.27.3%; p=0.327) did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

PLDRH is safe and feasible in donors with type II and III portal vein variations. Further prospective comparative studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of PLDRH.

Clamp-Crush Technique Versus Harmonic Scalpel for Hepatic Parenchymal Transection in Living Donor Hepatectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Hepatic parenchymal transection is the most invasive step in donor operation. During this step, blood loss and unintended injuries to the intrahepatic structures and hepatic remnant may occur. There is no evidence to prove the ideal techniques for hepatic parenchymal transection. The aim of this study is to compare the safety, efficacy, and outcome of clamp-crush technique versus harmonic scalpel as a method of parenchymal transection in living-donor hepatectomy.

METHODS

Consecutive living liver donors, undergoing right hemi-hepatectomy, during the period between May 2015 and April 2016, were included in this prospective randomized study. Cases were randomized into two groups; group (A) harmonic scalpel group and group (B) Clamp-crush group.

RESULTS

During the study period, 72 cases underwent right hemi-hepatectomy for adult living donor liver transplantation and were randomized into two groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding preoperative demographic and radiological data. Longer operation time and hepatectomy duration were found in group B. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding blood loss, blood loss during hepatectomy, and blood transfusion. More unexpected bleeding events occurred in group A. Higher necrosis at the cut margin of the liver parenchyma was noted in group A. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding postoperative ICU stay, hospital stay, postoperative morbidities, and readmission rates.

CONCLUSION

Clamp-crush technique is advocated as a simple, easy, safe, and cheaper method for hepatic parenchymal transection in living donors.

2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer globally and the fourth most common cancer in men in Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle-aged and elderly patients. These practice guidelines will provide useful and constructive advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 44 experts in hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2014 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions.

2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer globally and the fourth most common cancer in men in Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle-aged and elderly patients. These practice guidelines will provide useful and constructive advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 44 experts in hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology and radiation oncology in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2014 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions.

The Analysis of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure Incidence and Risk Factors Among Right Liver Living Donors According to International Study Group of Liver Surgery Definition

AIM

There is a well-known risk of the emergence of hepatic failure in living donor transplant cases on whom are performed a right donor hepatectomy (RDH). There are different prevalence ratios in literature on this phenomenon. In our study, we aim to depict the prevalence of hepatic failure and risk factors in our cases regarding the most recent description criteria related to hepatic failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included right liver donor hepatectomy cases who fit the donor evaluation algorithm at the Dokuz Eylul University Liver Transplantation Unit between the period of June 2000 and September 2017. The patients were evaluated regarding preoperative data. Liver failure was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criteria. We also included statistical analysis of risk factors that are potentially related to liver failure.

RESULTS

We included a total of 276 patients. In 27 (9.7%) patients, we observed posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). In 26 (9.4%) patients, we observed Grade A liver failure; in 1 (0.3%) patient, we observed Grade B liver failure. We did not observe any Grade C hepatic failure. In patients with hepatic failure, we observed a significantly longer period of hospitalization (P = .007). Old age (odds ratio = 1.065, 95% confidence interval, 1.135-29.108, P = .035) and preoperatory red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (odds ratio = 5.749, 95% confidence interval, 1.019-1.113, P = .005) were shown as independent risk factors for PHLF.

CONCLUSION

Posthepatectomy liver failure is a vital complication of RDH. The risk can be decreased by careful selection of donor candidates. Elderly donor candidates and intraoperative RBC are independent risk factors for PHLF.

Low Preoperative Platelet Count Predicts Risk of Subclinical Posthepatectomy Liver Failure in Right Lobe Donors for Liver Transplantation

Living donor right hepatectomy (LDRH) is a common procedure in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation, but it is associated with a higher risk of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) compared with left hepatectomy because of a smaller remnant. We identified risk factors for PHLF and other complications in LDRH, verified the appropriateness of the criteria, and explored the possibility of adjusting the minimum remnant liver volume (RLV) based on individual risk. Between October 2005 and November 2017, 254 donors undergoing LDRH at Kyoto University Hospital were enrolled. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. All complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. No donors had grade 4 or 5 complications or clinically significant grade B or C PHLF. Grade A PHLF occurred in 30 donors (11.8%). Male sex (P = 0.01), lower preoperative platelet count (PLT; P = 0.01), higher prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (P = 0.03), higher total bilirubin (P = 0.01), smaller RLV (P = 0.03), and greater blood loss (P = 0.04) were associated with increased risk of PHLF in the univariate analysis, whereas PLT, RLV, and blood loss remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Grade 2 or 3 complications were observed in 32 (12.6%) donors. Higher body mass index (BMI; P = 0.002) and larger blood loss (P = 0.02) were identified as risk factors for complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2) in univariate analysis. Only BMI remained significant in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, LDRH is performed safely with acceptable morbidity under the current criteria. Minimum RLV may be marginally adjusted by PLT and reducing intraoperative blood loss minimizes PHLF risk. Liver Transplantation 00 000-000 2018 AASLD.

Life-threatening or nearly life-threatening complications in living liver donors

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between a transplant center's experience and life-threatening or nearly life-threatening complications during living donor hepatectomy (LDH).

METHODS

The medical records of 1140 patients who underwent LDH were analyzed. To determine the relationship between life-threatening complications and a transplant center's experience, the following comparisons between LDH cases were performed: first 100 vs subsequent 100; first 100 vs subsequent 1040; first 200 vs subsequent 940; right hepatectomy vs left hepatectomy; and first 5 years of experience vs subsequent 5 years.

RESULTS

A total of 36 life-threatening or nearly life-threatening complications developed in 34 of 1140 (2.98%) healthy individuals undergoing LDH. Of these, 5 occurred intraoperatively, 26 within 1 month, and 5 beyond 1 month. The most common complications were biliary problems and postoperative bleeding. None of the donors died at follow-up. One donor underwent deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for severe hepatic failure. Only 2 comparisons were significantly different with regard to life-threatening complications: the first 100 vs the subsequent 1040 (P = .03) and the first 200 vs the subsequent 940 (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the incidence of life-threatening or nearly life-threatening complications are reduced by increased center experience (>200 LDHs).

Predictive Factors of Liver Dysfunction After Right Hemihepatectomy for Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Living liver donors represent a special group of patients. They are healthy individuals who are exposed to a major surgery, in which the dominant liver proportion is extracted as a graft. Of all potential donor-related morbidities, posthepatectomy liver dysfunction (PHLD) is the most significant as it may be directly related to donor mortality. We aimed to review our data of adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) utilizing the right hemiliver grafts to determine the incidence and potential predictors for the development of PHLD, defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed the data of all adult living donors who underwent right hemihepatectomy during the period between May 2004 and 2016.

RESULTS

During the study period, 434 cases underwent right hemihepatectomy for adult LDLT. We divided our cases into 2 groups according to the occurrence of PHLD. A significant lower residual liver volume and percentage were noted in PHLD group. Longer intensive care unit stay and hospital stay, and more postoperative morbidities, were observed in PHLD group. PHLD occurred in 50 cases (11.5%), and most of them were grade A (47 cases [10.8%]). Two cases (0.5%) had grade B requiring diuretic therapy, and 1 case (0.2%) had grade C requiring ultrasound guided tube drainage and surgical exploration finally.

CONCLUSIONS

We should not underestimate the risks of liver donation surgery, especially when utilizing the right hemiliver graft. Donor safety should be ensured by accurate preoperative volumetric assessment of the remnant liver and remnant liver volume limitations must be strictly followed.

Analysis of caudate lobe biliary anatomy and its implications in living donor liver transplantation - a single centre prospective study

Biliary complications are a significant cause of morbidity after living donor liver transplant (LDLT). Bile leak may occur from bile duct (anastomotic site in recipient and repaired bile duct stump in donor), cystic duct stump, cut surface pedicles or from divided caudate ducts. The first three sites are amenable to post-operative endoscopic stenting as they are in continuation with biliary ductal system. However, leaks from divided isolated caudate ducts can be stubborn. To minimize caudate duct bile leaks, it is important to understand the anatomy of hilum with attention to the caudate lobe biliary drainage. This single-centre prospective study of 500 consecutive LDLTs between December 2011 and December 2016 aims to define the biliary anatomy of the caudate lobe in liver donors based on intraoperative cholangiograms (IOCs) with special attention to crossover caudate ducts and to study their implications in LDLT. Caudate ducts were identified in 468 of the 500 IOCs. Incidence of left-to-right crossover drainage was 61.37% and right to left was 21.45%. Incidence of bile leak in donors was 0.8% and in recipients was 2.2%. Proper intraoperative identification and closure of divided isolated caudate ducts can prevent bile leak in donors as well as recipients.

Living donor liver transplantation: eliminating the wait for death in end-stage liver disease?

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (A2ALDLT), outside of Asia, remains an important yet underutilized gift of life. For patients with end-stage liver disease, A2ALDLT is a proven transplantation option, with lower waiting list mortality and suffering, and equivalent or better allograft and patient survival than deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT). The risks to living donors and the benefit to their recipients have been carefully defined with long-term level 1 and 2 evidence-based study. An overview of the development and practice of living donor liver transplant (LDLT), including donor and recipient surgical allograft innovation, is provided. The issues of recipient selection, outcomes and morbidity, including disease-variable study and challenges past and present are presented in comparison with DDLT cohorts, and future insights are described. Central to practice is the careful and concise review of donor evaluation and selection and donor outcome, morbidity, quality of life and present and future strategies for donor advocacy and growth of the technique.

Evaluation of donor workups and exclusions in a single-center experience of living donor liver transplantation

The process of evaluating potential donors in liver transplantation is important to ensure donor safety and provide optimal recipient outcomes. However, there has been no report about donor exclusion rates and reasons for such exclusion in Korea. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the outcomes of potential living liver donor evaluation in a major living donor liver transplantation center. From July 2011 to June 2015, prospectively collected data of 726 potential donors for 588 matched recipients were subsequently evaluated. Among 726 potential donors, 374 potential donors (51.5%) finally reached donation; 352 potential donors (48.5%) were excluded for various reasons. Donor reasons were 29.8%, including medical problems, withdrawal of consent, graft volume issues, and identification of a better suitable donor. Recipient reasons were 20.7%, including recipient death or recovery, allocation to deceased donor, and progressions of hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 38 (5.2%) potential donors had a fatty liver. Among them, 15 (39.5%) potential donors tried short-term weight reduction and eventually were able to donate. In conclusion, the main reasons for donor exclusion were medical problems and withdrawal of consent. Therefore, thorough medical screening and careful examination for donor voluntarism are important in the donor evaluation process. Liver Transplantation 23 614-624 2017 AASLD.

Donor safety in living donor liver donation: An Italian multicenter survey

Major concerns about donor morbidity and mortality still limit the use of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to overcome the organ shortage. The present study assessed donor safety in LDLT in Italy reporting donor postoperative outcomes in 246 living donation procedures performed by 7 transplant centers. Outcomes were evaluated over 2 time periods using the validated Clavien 5-tier grading system, and several clinical variables were analyzed to determine the risk factors for donor morbidity. Different grafts were obtained from the 246 donor procedures (220 right lobe, 10 left lobe, and 16 left lateral segments). The median follow-up after donation was 112 months. There was no donor mortality. One or more complications occurred in 82 (33.3%) donors, and 3 of them had intraoperative complications (1.2%). Regardless of graft type, the rate of major complications (grade ≥ 3) was 12.6% (31/246). The overall donor morbidity and the rate of major complications did not differ significantly over time: 26 (10.6%) donors required hospital readmission throughout the follow-up period, whereas 5 (2.0%) donors required reoperation. Prolonged operative time (>400 minutes), intraoperative hypotension (systolic < 100 mm Hg), vascular abnormalities, and intraoperative blood loss (>300 mL) were multivariate risk factors for postoperative donor complications. In conclusion, from the standpoint of living donor surgery, a meticulous and well-standardized technique that reduces operative time and prevents blood loss and intraoperative hypotension may reduce the incidence of donor complications. Transparency in reporting results after LDLT is mandatory, and we should continue to strive for zero donor mortality. Liver Transplantation 23 184-193 2017 AASLD.

The Impact of a Surgical Protocol for Enhanced Recovery on Living Donor Right Hepatectomy: A Single-Center Cohort Study

The concept of surgery for enhanced recovery (SFER) program has never been an issue in the context of living donor right hepatectomy (LDRH), much less its effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after the establishment of an SFER protocol for LDRH in a single center.A single-center cohort study was performed in 500 consecutive living donors who underwent right hepatectomy from January 2005 to June 2014 by analyzing the outcomes before and after an established SFER protocol that evolved with continuous refinements in surgical technique and management over 300 LDRHs, being in place on September 2011. Donor characteristics, operative outcomes, and postoperative complications divided into 2 groups (group 1, stepwise adjustment; group 2, complete adherence to the protocol) were compared.Donor characteristics were comparable in the 2 groups. Overall complication rate was 10.0% with no mortality. In group 2, operative time, hospital stay, and overall complication rate decreased significantly, and the morbidity was 1% and confined in grade I complication without reoperation, perioperative blood transfusion, or readmission. All donors in this series recovered fully and returned to the previous functional lifestyle.An SFER protocol on LDRH can be established by the gradual implementation of various refinements of surgical technique, and the recent outcomes achieved after the establishment of an SFER protocol could provide a current guidance on LDRH toward the ultimate goal of zero morbidity.

Risk Factors Associated with Increased Morbidity in Living Liver Donation

Living donor liver donation (LDLD) is an alternative to cadaveric liver donation. We aimed at identifying risk factors and developing a score for prediction of postoperative complications (POCs) after LDLD in donors. This is a retrospective cohort study in 688 donors between June 1995 and February 2014 at Hospital Sírio-Libanês and A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, in São Paulo, Brazil. Primary outcome was POC graded ≥III according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Left lateral segment (LLS), left lobe (LL), and right lobe resections (RL) were conducted in 492 (71.4%), 109 (15.8%), and 87 (12.6%) donors, respectively. In total, 43 (6.2%) developed POCs, which were more common after RL than LLS and LL (14/87 (16.1%) versus 23/492 (4.5%) and 6/109 (5.5%), resp., p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that RL resection (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.01; p = 0.008), smoking status (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.35 to 7.56; p = 0.012), and blood transfusion (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.45 to 6.84; p = 0.004) were independently associated with POCs. RL resection, intraoperative blood transfusion, and smoking were associated with increased risk for POCs in donors.

Post-Operative Complications in Living Liver Donors: A Single-Center Experience in China

The gap between the growing demand for available organs and the cadaveric organs facilitates the adoption of living donor liver transplantation. We retrospectively identified and evaluated the post-operative complications as per the modified Clavien classification system in 152 living liver donors at at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University between December, 2006 and June, 2014. Post-operative complications were observed in 61 patients (40.1%) in the present study, but no mortality was reported. Complications developed in 58 (40.0%) right, 1 (33.3%) left, and 2 (66.7%) lateral left hepatectomy donors. The prevalence of re-operation was 1.3%. Grade I and II complications were observed in 38 (25.0%) and 11 (7.2%) donors, respectively. Grade IIIa complications developed in 9 (5.9%) donors and only 3 (2.0%) patients reported grade IIIb complications. The most common complication was pleural effusion that occurred in 31 (20.4%) donors. No significant prognostic baseline factor was identified in this study. In conclusion, living donors experienced various complications, which were usually mild and had a good prognosis.

Long-term outcome of ischemic type biliary stricture after interventional treatment in liver living donors: a report of two cases

The wall of normal proximal bile duct is occasionally thin with close approximation to the right hepatic artery. Thus, isolation of this hepatic artery can result in excessive weakening of the remnant proximal bile duct wall during hemiliver graft harvest. This type of injury can induce ischemic stricture of the donor common bile duct. This study aimed to review the clinical sequences of such ischemic type donor bile duct injuries primarily managed with endoscopic and radiological interventional treatments. A retrospective review of medical records was performed for two living donors who suffered from ischemic type donor bile duct injury. They were followed up for more than 10 years. The right and left liver grafts were harvested from these two donors. Bile duct anatomy was normal bifurcation in one and anomalous branching in the other. Bile duct stenosis was detected in them at 2 weeks and 1 week after liver donation. They underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation and temporary stent (endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage tube) insertion. After keeping the tube for 2 months, the tube was successfully removed in one donor. However, endoscopic treatment was not successful, thus additional radiological intervention was necessary in the other donor. On follow-up over 10 years, they are doing well so far with no recurrence of biliary stricture. Based on our limited experience, interventional treatment with subsequent long-term follow-up appears to be an essential and choice treatment for ischemic type biliary stricture occurring in liver living donors.

Pulmonary Complications After 1,150 Living Donor Hepatectomies

AIM

Donor safety is the major concern in living-donor liver transplantation. Studies in literature related to donor hepatectomy (DH) have generally considered intra-abdominal complications. The aim of this study is to specifically evaluate pulmonary complications (PCs) after DH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated retrospectively 1150 living donors who underwent to DH between January 2007 and July 2014. Patients with PCs, such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and respiratory insufficiency, were considered. A complication was considered only when it was clinically apparent and/or requiring interventions. Any special diagnostic tool was used to expose the clinically silent pathologies.

RESULTS

A total of 986 right hepatectomies (RH) and 164 left hepatectomies (LH) (left lobectomy or left lateral segmentectomy) were performed in the study interval. There were 18 (1.6%) donors with PCs (15 males and 3 females). Mean age was 33.8 ± 9.3 years (18-51). Mean hospital stay was 23.8 ± 13.5 days (5-62). Presented PCs were pleural effusion (n = 5, 0.4%), pneumonia (n = 4, 0.3%), combinations (n = 2, 0.2%), pneumothorax (n = 2, 0.2%), and acute respiratory insufficiency (n = 5, 0.4%). Sixteen cases (1.7%) were seen after RH, whereas 2 cases (1.2%) were seen after LH (P = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

The most common PCs after living donor hepatectomy were pleural effusion and acute respiratory insufficiency. There was no significant difference between RH and LH. It is possible to overcome those PCs with careful monitoring and timely and appropriate treatment.

2014 KLCSG-NCC Korea Practice Guideline for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first developed in 2003 and revised in 2009 by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group and the National Cancer Center, Korea. Since then, many studies on HCC have been carried out in Korea and other countries. In particular, a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated on diagnosis, staging, and treatment specific to Asian characteristics, especially Koreans, prompting the proposal of new strategies. Accordingly, the new guideline presented herein was developed on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions. The primary targets of this guideline are patients with suspicious or newly diagnosed HCC. This guideline provides recommendations for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

2014 Korean Liver Cancer Study Group-National Cancer Center Korea practice guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

The guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first developed in 2003 and revised in 2009 by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group and the National Cancer Center, Korea. Since then, many studies on HCC have been carried out in Korea and other countries. In particular, a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated on diagnosis, staging, and treatment specific to Asian characteristics, especially Koreans, prompting the proposal of new strategies. Accordingly, the new guideline presented herein was developed on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions. The primary targets of this guideline are patients with suspicious or newly diagnosed HCC. This guideline provides recommendations for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

Recent advancements in and views on the donor operation in living donor liver transplantation: a single-center study of 886 patients over 13 years

Donor safety remains an important concern in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In the present study, we assessed recent advancements in the donor operation for LDLT through our experience with this procedure. A total of 886 donor hepatectomies performed between January 1999 and December 2012 were analyzed. Three chronological periods were investigated: the initial period (1999-2004, n = 239), the period in which the right liver with middle hepatic vein reconstruction was primarily used (2005-2010, n = 422), and the period in which the right liver with a standardized protocol, including a preoperative donor diet program, an evaluation of steatosis with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, no systemic heparin administration or central venous pressure monitoring, exact midplane dissection, and incremental application of minimal incisions, was exclusively used (2011-2012, n = 225). The proportion of patients > 50 years old increased (2.5% versus 4.7% versus 8.9%), whereas the proportion of patients with a remnant liver volume ≤ 30% (6.5% versus 13.9% versus 6.3%) and with macrosteatosis ≥ 10% (7.9% versus 11.1% versus 4.4%) decreased throughout the periods. The operative time (292.7 versus 290.0 versus 272.8 minutes), hospital stay (12.4 versus 11.2 versus 8.5 days), and overall morbidity rate (26.4% versus 13.3% versus 5.8%), including major complications (>grade 3; 1.7% versus 1.9% versus 0.9%) and biliary complications (7.9% versus 5.0% versus 0.9%), were markedly reduced in the most recent period. No intraoperative transfusion was required. No cases of irreversible disability or mortality were noted. In conclusion, the quality of the donor operation has recently been standardized through a large volume of experience, and the operation has been proven to have minimal risk. However, a constant evaluation of our experience is critical for remaining prepared for any unavoidable crisis.

Liver transplantation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: how far can we go?

Liver transplantation is one of the most effective treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the Milan criteria have been widely used to identify suitable candidates for liver transplant with a good prognosis, many transplant centers have developed and actually used more expanded criteria. Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is at the center of expansion of criteria because it is based on the personal relationship between a recipient and a donor. Asian LDLT centers have developed various expanded criteria for LDLT using tumor biologic markers as well as the size and number of the tumors. However, there is no consensus on the limit of the expansion of criteria. Here, we present our experience and opinion on LDLT for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Clinical outcomes of and patient satisfaction with different incision methods for donor hepatectomy in living donor liver transplantation

With the decrease in the average donor age and the increase in the proportion of female donors, both donor safety and cosmetic appearance are major concerns for some living donors in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) because a large abdominal incision is needed that may influence the donor's quality of life. In all, 429 donors who underwent donor hepatectomy for LDLT from April 2010 to February 2013 were included in the study. Donors were divided into 3 groups based on the type of incision: conventional inverted L incision (n = 268; the C group), upper midline incision (n = 147; the M group), and transverse incision with laparoscopy (n = 14; the T group). Demographics, perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications for donors and recipients, and questionnaire-derived donor satisfaction with cosmetic appearance were compared. The mean age was lower (P < 0.001), the female ratio was higher (P < 0.001), and the body mass index (BMI) was lower (P = 0.017) in the M and T groups versus the C group. The operation time (P < 0.001) and the hospital stay duration (P = 0.010) were lowest in the M group. The postoperative complications did not differ by the type of incision and also did not show any significant effect in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.867). In the assessment of questionnaire-derived donor satisfaction matched by age (±5 years), sex, graft, height, weight, and BMI, a more satisfactory cosmetic result and more self-confidence were noted in the M and T groups versus the C group. In conclusion, the use of a minimal incision is technically feasible for some donor hepatectomy cases with a favorable safety profile. The patient satisfaction levels were greater with improved cosmetic outcomes in cases of minimal incision versus cases of conventional incision.

Pushing the frontiers of living donor right hepatectomy

Living donor right hepatectomy (LDRH) is currently the most common donor surgery in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation although the morbidity and mortality reported in living donors still contradicts the Hippocratic tenet of “do no harm”. Achieving low complication rates in LDRH remains a matter of major concern. Living donor surgery is performed worldwide as an established solution to the donor shortage. The aim of this study was to assess the current status of LDRH and comment on the future of the procedure; assessment was made from the standpoint of optimizing the donor selection criteria and reducing morbidity based on both the authors’ 8-year institutional experience and a literature review. New possibilities have been explored regarding selection criteria. The safety of living donors with unfavorable conditions, such as low remnant liver volume, fatty change, or old age, should also be considered. Abdominal incisions have become shorter, even without laparoscopic assistance; upper midline laparotomy is the primary incision used in more than 400 consecutive LDRHs in the authors’ institution. Various surgical techniques based on preoperative imaging technology of vascular and biliary anomalies have decreased the anatomical barriers in LDRH. Operative time has been reduced, with low blood loss. Laparoscopic or robotic LDRH has been tried in only a few selected donors. The LDRH-specific, long-term outcomes remain to be addressed. The follow-up duration of these studies should be long enough to address possible late complications. Donor safety, which is the highest priority, is ensured by three factors: preoperative selection, intraoperative surgical technique, and postoperative management. These three focus areas should be continuously refined, with the ultimate goal of zero morbidity.

Biliary complications in living donor right hepatectomy are affected by the method of bile duct division

The bile duct division is a crucial step in the donor hepatectomy. Multiple small ducts will make the biliary reconstruction more difficult and may influence the outcome of the recipient. Biliary leakage, bilomas and biliary strictures are well recognized donor complications that may be directly linked to bile duct division. Biliary division still needs more standardization. This work aims to analyze our experience with two different methods of bile duct division in relation to the development of intraoperative and postoperative biliary complications. Between April 2004 and March 2013, 216 liver donors underwent right hepatectomy, in Gastro-Enterology Surgical Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. According to the method of bile duct division, the study population was divided into 2 groups; 1- extrahepatic dissection group (EDG) and 2- fluoroscopy guided transection group (FGG), each comprised 108 patients. Data were collected from a prospectively registered database, with special emphasis on the occurrence of biliary complications. Complications were classified according to the latest version of Clavien classification. Intraoperative biliary complications did not differ between both groups, p = 0.313. The commonest postoperative complication was biliary leak/biloma accounting for 32.5% of all donor complications, followed by non-biliary fluid collections. 24 (11.1%) donors developed 27 biliary complications. The FGG showed significantly less biliary complications (5.6%, 6 donors), when compared to EDG (15.7%, 18 donors), p = 0.015. Grade 3 complications were significantly higher in EDG, p = 0.024. On multivariate analysis, the only significant factor predicting the occurrence of biliary complications was the use of fluoroscopy guided bile duct division, p = 0.009. In conclusion, we believe that the proposed method of biliary division is safe, simple and reproducible.

Fulminant hepatitis linked to dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome requiring urgent living donor liver transplantation: a case report

Dapsone is a sulfone-type drug used widely for different infectious, immune, and hypersensitivity disorders as an antibacterial treatment alone or in combination for leprosy and sometimes for infected skin lesions. DHS is a severe idiosyncratic adverse reaction with multi-organ involvement. However, acute necrotic hepatitis requiring an emergent LT is rare. Herein, we report a case of 12-yr-old girl who suffered from fulminant hepatitis and multi-organ failure due to DHS for PPD. She was saved by emergent LDLT. A high index of suspicion and rapid diagnosis are necessary not to miss this potentially lethal but rare disease.

Section 17. Laparoscopic and minimal incisional donor hepatectomy

Living donor hepatectomy is now a well-established surgical procedure. However, a large abdominal incision is still required, which results in a large permanent scar, especially for a right liver graft. This report reviews our techniques of minimally invasive or minimal incisional donor hepatectomy using a transverse incision.Twenty-five living donors underwent right hepatectomy with a transverse incision and 484 donors with a conventional incision between April 2007 and December 2012. Among the donors with a transverse incision, two cases were totally laparoscopic procedures using a hand-port device; 11 cases were laparoscopic-assisted hepatectomy (hybrid technique), and 14 cases were open procedures using a transverse incision without the aid of the laparoscopic technique. Currently, a hybrid method has been exclusively used because of the long operation time and surgical difficulty in totally laparoscopic hepatectomy and the exposure problems for the liver cephalic portion during the open technique using a transverse incision.All donors with a transverse incision were women except for one. Twenty-four of the grafts were right livers without middle hepatic vein (MHV) and one with MHV. The donors' mean BMI was 21.1 kg/m. The median operation time was 355 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 346.1±247.3 mL (range, 70-1200). There was no intraoperative transfusion. These donors had 29 cases of grade I [14 pleural effusions (56%), 11 abdominal fluid collections (44%), 3 atelectasis (12%), 1bile leak (4%)], 1 case of grade II (1 pneumothorax) and two cases of grade III complications; two interventions were needed because of abdominal fluid collections by Clavien-Dindo classification. Meanwhile, donors with a conventional big incision, which included the Mercedes-Benz incision or an inverted L-shaped incision, had 433 cases of grade I, 19 cases of grade II and 18 cases of grade III complications. However, the liver enzymes and total bilirubin of all donors were normalized within 1 month, and they recovered fully. Additionally, in a survey inquiring about cosmetic outcomes with a numeric scale of 1 through 10 (1, Not confident; 10, Very confident), the transverse incision had more satisfactory scores compared to the conventional big incision (9.80 vs. 6.17, P=0.001). In conclusion, the hybrid technique can be safely performed in donor right hepatectomy, with a minimal transverse skin incision, resulting in a good cosmetic outcome.

Postoperative complications influence prognosis and recurrence patterns in periampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

The present study was performed to elucidate the influence of postoperative complications on the prognosis and recurrence patterns of periampullary cancer after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Clinical data were reviewed from 200 consecutive patients who had periampullary cancer and underwent PD between October 2003 and July 2010, and survival outcomes and recurrence patterns were analyzed. Postoperative complications were classified according to a modification of Clavien's classification.

RESULTS

Overall, 86 major complications of grade II or higher occurred in 71 patients. The patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of postoperative complications of grade II or higher: group Cx-, absence of complications (n = 129); and group Cx+, presence of complications (n = 71). There were no differences in gender, mean age, tumor node metastasis stage, biliary drainage, type of resection, and radicality between the two groups (P > 0.05). The 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates of the group Cx+ patients (31.0 and 22.3 %, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the group Cx- patients (49.0 and 40.0 %; P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that postoperative complications (P = 0.001; RR = 1.887; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.278-2.785), a T stage of T3 or T4 (P = 0.001; RR = 2.503; 95 % CI 1.441-4.346), positive node metastasis (P = 0.001; RR = 2.093; 95 % CI, 1.378-3.179), R1 or R2 resection (P = 0.023; RR = 1.863; 95 % CI 1.090-3.187), and angiolymphatic invasion (P = 0.013; RR = 1.676; 95 % CI 1.117-2.513) were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Regarding recurrence patterns, group Cx+ patients exhibited more distant recurrences than did group Cx- patients (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications affect prognosis and recurrence patterns in patients with periampullary cancer after PD.