Gastrointestinal disease following heart transplantation

Acute Care Surgery in Heart Transplant Recipients

Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is the optimal treatment for end-stage heart failure. We reviewed our institutional experience between 2008 and 2012 with acute care surgery (ACS) consultations and procedures within 1 year of OHT in recipients bridged to transplantation with medical therapy (MT, n = 169), including intravenous inotropes, and ventricular assist devices (VADs, n = 74). In total, 28 consultations were required in 21 patients (9%) and 16 procedures were performed in 11 patients (5%). The interval from transplantation to consultation was shorter for the MT group (50 vs 82 days; P = 0.015), whereas the interval from consultation to operation was longer (5 vs 1 day; P = 0.03). Patients undergoing MT were more likely to require consultation for abdominal problems (88 vs 27%; P = 0.004). All but one of the seven ischemic/inflammatory abdominal problems occurred in the MT group. Complications occurred after five ACS procedures (31%) in two patients undergoing MT and three patients undergoing VAD. Mortality was 24 per cent with five deaths occurring within 30 days of ACS consultation and/or operation. In summary, this is one of the largest series of ACS problems in patients undergoing OHT bridged to transplant with MT or VAD. With similar incidence in MT and VAD groups, ACS consultations and operations are infrequent with high mortality and morbidity.

Choledochoduodenal Fistula Secondary to Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Case Report

Patient: Female, 29

Final Diagnosis: Choledocho-duodenal fistula

Symptoms: Abdominal pain • nausea • vomiting

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Gastro-jejunostomy • hepatico-jejunostomy

Specialty: Surgery

Emergency abdominal surgery after solid organ transplantation: a systematic review

AIMS

Due to the increasing number of solid organs transplantations, emergency abdominal surgery in transplanted patients is becoming a relevant challenge for the general surgeon. The aim of this systematic review of the literature is to analyze morbidity and mortality of emergency abdominal surgery performed in transplanted patients for graft-unrelated surgical problems.

METHODS

The literature search was performed on online databases with the time limit 1990-2015. Studies describing all types of emergency abdominal surgery in solid organ transplanted patients were retrieved for evaluation.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine case series published between 1996 and 2015 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the systematic review. Overall, they included 71671 transplanted patients, of which 1761 (2.5 %) underwent emergency abdominal surgery. The transplanted organs were the heart in 65.8 % of patients, the lung in 22.1 %, the kidney in 9.5 %, and the liver in 2.6 %. The mean patients' age at the time of the emergency abdominal surgery was 49.4 ± 7.4 years, and the median time from transplantation to emergency surgery was 2.4 years (range 0.1-20). Indications for emergency abdominal surgery were: gallbladder diseases (80.3 %), gastrointestinal perforations (9.2 %), complicated diverticulitis (6.2 %), small bowel obstructions (2 %), and appendicitis (2 %). The overall mortality was 5.5 % (range 0-17.5 %). The morbidity rate varied from 13.6 % for gallbladder diseases to 32.7 % for complicated diverticulitis. Most of the time, the immunosuppressive therapy was maintained unmodified postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency abdominal surgery in transplanted patients is not a rare event. Although associated with relevant mortality and morbidity, a prompt and appropriate surgery can lead to satisfactory results if performed taking into account the patient's immunosuppression therapy and hemodynamic stability.

Sigmoid Colectomy for Acute Diverticulitis in Immunosuppressed vs Immunocompetent Patients: Outcomes From the ACS-NSQIP Database

BACKGROUND

The management of acute diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients is increasingly debated. The appropriate timing and type of operation remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the impact of immunosuppression on mortality and morbidity following colectomies for diverticulitis in the emergency and elective settings.

DESIGN SETTINGS

With the use of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, the outcomes of immunosuppressed compared with immunocompetent patients who underwent colectomy for acute diverticulitis were compared.

PATIENTS

The multi-institutional database was queried for patients who underwent colectomy for acute diverticulitis from 2005 to 2012.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The impact of immunosuppression on mortality, major morbidity, organ space infection, infectious complications, and wound dehiscence was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 26,987 patients, 1332 were immunosuppressed and 25,655 were immunocompetent; 4271 patients had emergency (596 immunosuppressed and 3675 immunocompetent) and 22,716 patients had elective (736 immunosuppressed and 21,980 immunocompetent) colectomies for diverticulitis. In both groups, mortality and major morbidity were significantly higher in the emergency (immunosuppressed 16% and 45%, immunocompetent 4% and 28%) compared with the elective setting (immunosuppressed 2% and 25%, immunocompetent 0.4% and 12%), p < 0.001. On multivariate regression for the emergency setting, immunosuppression significantly increased mortality (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.17-2.75) and did not significantly increase morbidity. On multivariate regression for the elective setting, mortality was similar in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent groups; however, major morbidity (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.17-1.83) and wound dehiscence (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.63-4.42) were significantly increased in immunosuppressed compared with immunocompetent patients.

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective design and standardized outcomes are based on heterogeneous data.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency colectomy for diverticulitis is associated with higher mortality in immunosuppressed than in immunocompetent patients, whereas elective colectomy is associated with comparable mortality. In the elective setting, immunosuppressed compared with immunocompetent patients are at increased risk of major morbidity and wound dehiscence.

Choledochoduodenal fistula in Mainland China: a review of epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and management

Purpose

Choledochoduodenal fistula (CDF) is an extremely rare condition even in the most populous nations. However, diagnostic tools are inadequate for the young surgeon to be made aware of such a rare condition before surgery. Hence, basic understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, and management for this unusual but discoverable condition are necessary and essential.

Methods

The exclusive case reports of CDF, which were published from 1983 to 2014 concerning mainland Chinese people, were performed to review the epidemiology, etiology, and management.

Results

A total of 728 cases were incorporated into this review among 48 papers. More than half of the CDF cases were female (416) with an average age of 57.3 years. CDF was usually caused by cholelithiasis (573 of 728). Epigastric pain (589 of 728) and cholangitis (395 of 728) were the most common symptoms of CDF. CDF was usually detected and confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (475 of 728) in Mainland China. The fistulas larger than 1 cm (82 of 654) were recommended for surgical biliary reconstruction. Fistulas between 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm (467 of 654) which were followed frequently by cholangitis attacks also required surgery; the rest were recommended to have stone removal and/or the application of an effective biliary drainage. Fistulas less than 0.5 cm (105 of 654) were usually received conservative therapy.

Conclusion

CDF should be considered in differential diagnosis of recurrent epigastric pain and cholangitis. A possible ERCP should be arranged to investigate carefully. Depending on the size of fistula and clinical presentation, different programs for CDF are indicated, ranging from drug therapy to choledochojejunostomy.

Diverticular disease: guidelines of the german society for gastroenterology, digestive and metabolic diseases and the german society for general and visceral surgery

BACKGROUND

Diverticular disease is one of the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. 28-45% of the population develop colonic diverticula, while about 25% suffer symptoms and about 5% complications.

AIM

To create formal guidelines for diagnosis and management.

METHODS

Six working groups with 44 participants analyzed key questions in subject areas assigned to them. Following a systematic literature search, 451 publications were included. Consensus was obtained by agreement within the working groups, two Delphi processes and a guideline conference.

RESULTS

Targeted management of diverticular disease requires a classificatory diagnosis. A new classification was created. In addition to the clinical examination, intestinal ultrasound or computed tomography is the determining factor. Interval colonoscopy is recommended to exclude comorbidities. A low-fiber diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and immunosuppression have an adverse impact on diverticulosis. This can lead to diverticulitis. Antibiotics are no longer recommended in uncomplicated diverticulitis if no risk factors such as immunosuppression are present. If close monitoring is ensured, uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated on an outpatient basis. Complicated diverticulitis should be treated in hospital, involving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, where necessary abscess drainage, and surgery, if possible laparoscopically. In the case of chronic relapsing diverticulitis, the risk of perforation decreases with each episode, so that surgery is no longer recommended after the second episode but only following individual assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

New findings on diverticular disease call into question the overuse of antibiotics and excessive indications for surgery. Targeted treatment requires a precise diagnosis and intensive interdisciplinary cooperation.

Risk Factors for Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis, Diverticular Perforation, and Bleeding: A Plea for More Subtle History Taking

Background

Diverticulosis is a very common condition. Around 20% of diverticula carriers are believed to suffer from diverticular disease during their lifetime. This makes diverticular disease one of the clinically and economically most significant conditions in gastroenterology. The etiopathogenesis of diverticulosis and diverticular disease is not well understood. Epidemiological studies allowed to define risk factors for the development of diverticulosis and the different disease entities associated with it, in particular diverticulitis, perforation, and diverticular bleeding.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed, and the current knowledge about risk factors for diverticulosis and associated conditions reviewed.

Results

Non-controllable risk factors like age, sex, and genetics, and controllable risk factors like foods, drinks, and physical activity were identified, as well as comorbidities and drugs which increase or decrease the risk of developing diverticula or of suffering from complications. In naming risk factors, it is of utmost importance to differentiate between diverticulosis and the different disease entities.

Conclusion

Risk factors for diverticulosis and diverticular disease may give a clue towards the possible etiopathogenesis of the conditions. More importantly, knowledge of comorbidities and particularly drugs conferring a risk for development of complicated disease is crucial for patient management.

Operative management of acute diverticulitis in immunosuppressed compared to immunocompetent patients: A systematic review

AIM: To determine short and long-term outcomes following operative management of acute diverticulitis in immunosuppressed (IMS) compared to immunocompetent (IMC) patients.

METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this systematic review. We searched PubMed (1946 to present), OVID MEDLINE(R) In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, OVID MEDLINE(R) Daily and OVID MEDLINE(R) (1946 to present), EMBASE on OVID platform (1947 to present), CINAHL on EBSCO platform (1981 to present), and Cochrane Library using a systematic search strategy. There were no restrictions on publication date and language. We systematically reviewed all published cohort comparative studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials that reported outcomes on operative management of acute episode of colonic diverticulitis in IMS in comparison to IMC patients.

RESULTS: Seven hundred and fifty-five thousand five hundred and eighty-three patients were included in this systematic review; of which 1478 were IMS and 754105 were IMC patients. Of the nine studies included there was one prospective cohort, seven retrospective cohorts, one retrospective case-control study, and no randomized controlled trials. With the exception of solid organ transplant patients, IMS patients appeared to be older than IMC when they presented with an acute episode of diverticulitis. IMS patients presented with more severe acute diverticulitis and more insidious onset of symptoms than IMC patients. In the emergency setting, peritonitis was the main indication for operative intervention in both IMS and IMC patients. IMS patients were more likely to undergo Hartmann’s procedure and less likely to undergo reconstructive procedures compared to IMC patients. Furthermore, IMS patients had higher morbidity and mortality rates in the emergency setting compared to IMC patients. In the elective settings, it appeared that reconstruction with primary anastomosis with or without a diverting loop stoma is the procedure of choice in the IMS patients and carried minimal morbidity and mortality equivalent to IMC patients.

CONCLUSION: Emergency operations for diverticulitis in IMS compared to IMC patients have higher morbidity and mortality, whereas, in the elective setting both groups have comparable outcomes.

A systematic review of complicated diverticulitis in post-transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression could increase the complication rate in patients with acute diverticulitis. This would justify a low threshold for elective sigmoid resection in these patients after an episode of diverticulitis. Well-documented groups of immunocompromised patients are transplant patients, in which many prospective studies have been conducted.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the incidence of complicated diverticulitis in post-transplant patients.

DATA SOURCE

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases for papers published between January 1966 and January 2014.

STUDY SELECTION AND INTERVENTION

Publications dealing with post-transplant patients and left-sided diverticulitis were eligible for inclusion. The following exclusion criteria were used for study selection: abstracts, case-series and non-English articles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measure was the incidence of complicated diverticulitis. Secondary outcome was the incidence of acute diverticulitis and the proportion of complicated diverticulitis. Pooling of data was only performed when more than five reported on the outcome of interest with comparable cohorts. Only studies describing proportion of complicated diverticulitis and renal transplant studies were eligible for pooling data.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine renal transplant cohorts, four mixed lung-heart-heart lung transplant cohorts, two heart transplant cohorts, and two lung cohorts. A total of 11,966 post-transplant patients were included in the present review. Overall incidence of complicated diverticulitis in all transplantation studies ranged from 0.1 to 3.5%. Nine studies only included renal transplant patients. Pooled incidence of complicated diverticulitis in these patients was 1.0% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.5%). Ten studies provided proportion of complicated diverticulitis. Pooled incidence of acute diverticulitis in these studies was 1.7% (95% CI 1.0 to 2.7%). Pooled proportion of complicated diverticulitis among these patients was 40.1% (95% CI 32.2 to 49.7%). All studies were of moderate quality using the MINORS scoring scale.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of complicated diverticulitis is about one in 100 transplant patients. Additionally when a transplant patient develops an episode of acute diverticulitis, a high proportion of patients have a complicated disease course.

Fulminant Clostridium difficile toxic megacolon in a pediatric heart transplant recipient

CD can be a cause of diarrhea in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Fulminant colitis can develop in immunocompromised patients with CD and progress to toxic megacolon. We report a case of a 10-yr-old girl who developed CD diarrhea and subsequently fulminant colitis with clinical signs and symptoms of abdominal compartment syndrome. She was taken to the operating room emergently and found to have toxic megacolon. She underwent a sub-total abdominal colectomy and end-ileostomy, and made a rapid recovery. Rapid recognition of the severity of the disease in the post-operative transplant patient is imperative as abdominal compartment syndrome may develop requiring surgical management. In pediatric heart transplant patients with diarrhea, we recommend a heightened clinical awareness with aggressive treatment given the risk of progression to fulminant CD and toxic megacolon.

Management of biventricular assist device implantation in patients with necrotic pancreatitis

This report describes the management of biventricular assist device (BIVAD) implantation in a patient with necrotic pancreatitis. BIVADs provide mechanical support for ventricular ejection in the failing heart and have become an accepted treatment for end-stage heart failure. They also have proved to be a successful bridge to heart transplantation. As their popularity has grown, the number of patients with BIVADs presenting for noncardiac surgery is increasing. We report the successful management of an implanted extracorporeal BIVAD in a patient with end-stage heart failure and with pancreatic stents in a case of necrotic pancreatitis. Historical, physical, laboratory, and imaging data allowed conservative management leading to a favorable outcome.

Diverticulitis in transplant patients and patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of diverticular disease in immunosuppressed patients is widely believed to be more severe than in the general population. In this study we systematically reviewed the literature regarding the epidemiology and clinical course of diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients. Our goal was to develop recommendations regarding the care of this group of patients.

METHODS

Using PubMed and Web of Knowledge we systematically reviewed all studies published between 1970 and 2009 that analyzed the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, or outcomes of treatment of diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients. Keywords of "transplantation," "corticosteroid," "HIV," "AIDS," and "chemotherapy" were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria. All of these studies focused on the impact of diverticulitis in patients with transplants or on chronic corticosteroid therapy. The reported incidence of acute diverticulitis in these patients was approximately 1% (variable follow-up periods). Among patients with known diverticular disease the incidence was 8%. Mortality from acute diverticulitis in these patients was 23% when treated surgically and 56% when treated medically. Overall mortality was 25%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study summarizes evidence that patients with transplants or patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy 1) have a rate of acute diverticulitis that is higher than the baseline population and 2) a mortality rate with acute diverticulitis that is high. Further research is needed to define whether these risks constitute a mandate for screening and prophylactic sigmoid colectomy.

Elective surgical treatment of diverticulitis

Elective surgical resection in cases of diverticulitis should be offered to patients who have experienced two episodes. High-risk patients such as immunocompromised individuals or transplant patients may warrant resection after one episode. It is controversial whether young patients or patients with right-sided diverticulitis need to be treated differently. Chronic diverticulitis can be successfully treated surgically in selected cases. Adequate surgical resection margins should include the top of the true rectum and the proximal extent of thickened inflamed colon to minimize the risk of recurrence. Careful operative planning and the use of proximal diversion if unsuspected significant inflammatory changes are encountered will improve surgical outcomes.

Subclinical peritonitis due to perforated sigmoid diverticulitis 14 years after heart-lung transplantation

Acute complicated diverticulitis, particularly with colon perforation, is a rare but serious condition in transplant recipients with high morbidity and mortality. Neither acute diverticulitis nor colon perforation has been reported in young heart-lung grafted patients. A case of subclinical peritonitis due to perforated acute sigmoid diverticulitis 14 years after heart-lung transplantation is reported. A 26-year-old woman, who received heart-lung transplantation 14 years ago, presented with vague abdominal pain. Physical examination was normal. Blood tests revealed leukocytosis. Abdominal X-ray showed air-fluid levels while CT demonstrated peritonitis due to perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. Sigmoidectomy and end-colostomy (Hartmann’s procedure) were performed. Histopathology confirmed perforated acute sigmoid diverticulitis. The patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day after an uneventful postoperative course. This is the first report of acute diverticulitis resulting in colon perforation in a young heart-lung transplanted patient. Clinical presentation, even in peritonitis, may be atypical due to the masking effects of immunosuppression. A high index of suspicion, urgent aggressive diagnostic investigation of even vague abdominal symptoms, adjustment of immunosuppression, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and immediate surgical treatment are critical. Moreover, strategies to reduce the risk of this complication should be implemented. Pretransplantation colon screening, prophylactic pretransplantation sigmoid resection in patients with diverticulosis, and elective surgical intervention in patients with nonoperatively treated acute diverticulitis after transplantation deserve consideration and further studies.

Management of the well renal transplant recipient: outpatient surveillance and treatment recommendations

Although renal transplantation offers survival and quality of life advantages as a renal replacement therapy, a substantial proportion of transplant recipients develop worsening of preexisting medical diseases or new complications, including sequelae of rejection, new onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT), hyperlipidemia, opportunistic infections, cancer, and other systemic diseases secondary to immunosuppression. Management of these problems can be a complex endeavor due to medication interactions that often affect immunosuppression levels. However, successful management of the chronic medical problems associated with renal transplantation can prolong the life span of the graft and the patient.

Colon and rectal complications after heart and lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal complications of solid organ transplantation have been well described, but little attention has been paid to colorectal disorders in particular. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and severity of colorectal complications among a large cohort of heart and lung transplant recipients.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed the medical records of heart, lung, and heart-lung transplant recipients at a single institution between 1978 and 2004. Complications were identified based on need for consultation, endoscopy, or operation by a colorectal surgeon after transplantation.

RESULTS

Of 1,012 patients who received transplantations (530 heart, 435 lung, 47 heart-lung), 56 patients (6%) required evaluation for 84 colorectal problems. Incidence of complications was 7% in lung transplant recipients, 6% in heart-lung transplant recipients, and 4% in heart transplant recipients. Forty-four events (52%) were considered major (diverticulitis, perforation, malignancy, and other) and 40 (48%) were minor (polyps, pseudo-obstruction treated medically or endoscopically, benign anorectal disease, and other). Twenty-three (27%) required colectomy and 9 (10%) necessitated anal operation. Thirty-six (43%) required less-invasive interventions (endoscopy, minor anorectal procedures, and other). Eighteen (21%) were treated with medical therapy alone. Six patients died from colorectal disease (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal complications are a considerable source of morbidity and mortality after heart and lung transplantation. These complications occur more frequently in patients who undergo lung and heart-lung transplantation as compared with heart transplantation alone.

Laparoscopic Assisted Colectomies in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant recipients have increased operative risks for major abdominal surgery. The purpose of this study is to present the results of laparoscopic assisted colectomies (LAC) in patients who have received a kidney transplant, and evaluate the difficulty and potential benefits or hazards inherent in this approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From September 1993 to March 2003, 820 patients underwent LAC in our service. We studied all patients with kidney transplant and LAC.

RESULTS

Three kidney transplantation recipients were included. Two patients were female and one male. The mean age was 65 years (range, 54-73 years). The average time elapsed since transplantation was 8 years (range, 6-10 years), and no patient had experienced problems with rejection. All patients had colon cancer. All of the allografts were contralateral to the side of the colon resection. The mean operative time was 103 minutes (range, 100-105 minutes). There were no complications, renal function remained intact, and there was no need to stop immunosuppression. The average length of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4-7 days). The mean followup time has been 17 months (range, 3-40 months). Since surgery there have been no episodes of rejection and the patients have been free of cancer.

CONCLUSION

The benefits of minimal access surgery seem to be shared by kidney transplant recipients. A key feature may be to avoid stopping immunosuppression perioperatively, therefore lowering the potential risk of rejection. Also, lessening the number of wound-related problems appears important for these patients. LAC in experienced hands must be considered a safe alternative for elective colon resections in highly selected patients with kidney transplants.

Drug immunosuppression therapy for adult heart transplantation. Part 2: clinical applications and results

This review describes the clinical application of classical immunosuppressive drugs as well as that of more recent drugs. All current immunosuppressive drugs target T-cell activation, and cytokine production and clonal expansion, or both. Immunosuppressive protocols can be broadly divided into induction therapy, maintenance immunosuppression, and treatment of acute rejection episodes.

Idiopathic colitis following cardiac transplantation: three pediatric cases

Colitis can cause significant morbidity in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. In many cases, despite intensive evaluation, a specific infectious, inflammatory, or immunologic etiology is not identified, and idiopathic colitis may be the ultimate diagnosis. We defined idiopathic colitis as the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) with inflammatory changes seen on intestinal biopsy in the absence of identifiable bowel disease. We describe three cases of idiopathic colitis following cardiac transplantation. In each case, the post-transplant course was complicated by persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in two cases, vomiting. All three patients' post-transplant courses were marked by multiple graft rejection episodes, and all received intensified immune therapy in addition to usual maintenance immunosuppression. Differential diagnosis of the patients' gastrointestinal symptoms included drug side effect, indolent opportunistic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and microvascular ischemic colitis. Continued symptoms led these patients to extensive evaluation including imaging studies, endoscopy and tissue biopsy, and stool, blood and tissue cultures for viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Definitive differentiation presented significant diagnostic challenge, and once identifiable etiologies were excluded, the diagnosis of idiopathic colitis was assigned. We conclude that idiopathic colitis following pediatric cardiac transplantation can be a cause of significant morbidity. Endoscopic evaluation of patients who present with gastrointestinal symptoms after transplant is warranted to identify the presence of idiopathic colitis once common causes are ruled out. Further study is needed to identify its incidence, etiology, therapeutic options and prognosis.

Painless pancreatitis after implantation of a biventricular assistive device

This young cardiac transplant patient developed painless acute pancreatitis within 10 days of implantation of a biventricular assist device (BIVAD). Historical, physical, laboratory, and imaging data allowed conservative management leading to a favorable outcome. Acute pancreatitis after cardiac transplantation is common with a significant mortality rate. Immunosuppression may play an important role in this process as well as infectious and pancreaticobiliary etiologies. Whereas acute pancreatitis is a well-documented complication of cardiac transplantation, this event has not previously been reported in patients who have received a BIVAD. The mechanism by which BIVAD placement may result in pancreatitis is unknown.

Gallstone disease in heart transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

To review the outcome of cholecystectomy after heart transplant.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The optimal timing for gallbladder surgery in heart transplant patients is controversial.

METHODS

Between April 1985 and October 2000, 518 cardiac transplants were performed at Ochsner Foundation Hospital. Data gathered included ultrasound reports, cholecystectomy operative reports, gallbladder pathologic reports, complications, and deaths.

RESULTS

Charts were available for 509 patients (98%), 68 (13%) of whom underwent cholecystectomy before transplantation. Of the 509, 53 (10%) had serial ultrasound examinations and 29 of the 53 (55%) developed gallstones. After transplant, 47 (9%) underwent cholecystectomy. Five cholecystectomies were performed during the immediate postoperative course. Two patients who underwent cholecystectomy had acalculous cholecystitis; one was incidental. Four patients died (one with rejection and three with sepsis). After discharge, 42 cholecystectomies were performed: 16 for biliary colic (no deaths, three patients with complications), 19 for acute cholecystitis (one death, nine patients with complications), 5 for biliary pancreatitis (1 death, 1 patient with complications), and 2 others.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of morbidity and mortality from gallstone disease is high in cardiac transplant patients, particularly immediately posttransplant. Posttransplant patients require annual ultrasound examinations to detect the onset of gallstone disease, and this risk is higher than in the general population. Gallstones alone are an indication for cholecystectomy in the cardiac transplant patient. Pretransplant cholecystectomy should be considered in clinically stable patients with gallstones.

Concerns about human hand transplantation in the 21st century

The decision to perform a human hand transplant was justified perhaps on less than an ideal scientific basis-only approximately 60 rat limb transplants and 2 primate limb transplants have survived for longer than 200 days and only 8 of 19 pig limb osteomyocutaneous transplants showed no signs of rejection at 90 days. It seems unlikely that the survival of a human hand transplant will be any better than the survival of a kidney transplant, which has a half-life of approximately 7.5 to 9.5 years. Fourteen hand transplants, however, have now been performed in 11 humans with the skin component of 1 remaining viable up to 3 years after surgery. Intermittent episodes of acute rejection seem to have been relatively simple to reverse by temporarily increasing the dose of immunosuppressive agents and steroids. Chronic rejection has occurred in 1 patient, necessitating re-amputation of the transplanted hand. Active range of motion of the digits has been surprisingly better than would have been expected based on previous results of replantation, but return of sensibility has been less than optimal. The immunosuppression has been well tolerated without any major medical problems or life-threatening episodes, but some patients have developed chronic viral and fungal infections and several have developed posttransplant diabetes. Extrapolating from the previous experience of solid-organ transplants, chronic immunosuppression may predispose a hand transplant patient to an 80% chance of developing an infection, a 20% potential risk of developing posttransplant diabetes, and a 4% to 18% potential risk of developing a malignancy. Even though there is universal agreement that composite tissue allograft transplantation will become the ultimate reconstructive option, no one can predict the eventual role of hand transplantation in the future, but perhaps an international database of these hand transplant patients should be established so that independent reviewers can more objectively evaluate their functional outcome, the incidence of chronic rejection, and the risks of long-term immunosuppression.

Complicated diverticulosis

"Uncomplicated" diverticulitis can be prevented from progressing into "complicated" diverticulitis by early diagnosis and active medical treatment. Complicated diverticulitis develops from a peridiverticular abscess, to a perforation with peritonitis, to fistulation into adjacent viscera, to luminal narrowing by inflammation or stricture formation causing obstruction. Computer tomography (CT) scanning is the diagnostic imaging modality when diverticulitis is suspected and allows percutaneous drainage of peridiverticular abscesses that will enhance the effect of antibiotic therapy with resolution of the acute episode in 75% of patients. Thus, an emergent or urgent operation is converted to an elective operation and a two-stage operative procedure, namely a temporary stoma and a second operation, is avoided. Interventional surgery is urgent for perforation and obstruction. While a Hartmann's resection and temporary colostomy has been the favoured operative procedure, under favourable conditions resection with primary anastomosis is preferable. Although a temporary stoma may be required with primary anastomosis, and hence the procedure is a two-stage one similar to a Hartmann's, the closure of the stoma is less demanding and has a lower morbidity. A single-stage resection and anastomosis is the standard elective treatment for symptomatic fistulas and strictures.

Gastrointestinal complications after pediatric cardiac transplantation

BACKGROUND

The incidence of major gastrointestinal complications after pediatric heart transplantation has not been well characterized. Studies in adults suggest significant morbidity and mortality from post-transplant gastrointestinal complications. In this study, we investigated major gastrointestinal complications in the pediatric heart transplant population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent heart transplantation at Children's Hospital, Boston, including all pertinent clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic findings. Between May 1986 and December 2000, 104 patients underwent 105 orthotopic heart transplantations. Gastrointestinal complications were defined as major if they significantly prolonged hospital course, required hospital admission, or required surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Median age at transplant was 8.7 years (range, 2 weeks to 23 years). Median duration of follow-up was 3.3 years (range, 2 days to 14.9 years). All patients initially received standard triple immunosuppression with cyclosporine, prednisone, and azathioprine. During this period, 30 major complication episodes occurred in 19 patients (18%) and included pancreatitis (7), cholecystitis (6), recurrent abdominal infection (5), malignancy (4), intestinal pneumatosis (4), colonic perforation (2), appendicitis (1), Crohn's disease (1), and partial small bowel obstruction (1). Ten (53%) of the 19 patients with major gastrointestinal complications required surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Serious gastrointestinal complications can occur after pediatric cardiac transplantation, with an incidence similar to that seen in adults. Gastrointestinal symptoms should be aggressively evaluated in the pediatric heart transplant patient because of the high incidence of complications that may require surgery.

[Cholelithiasis in heart transplant patients]

The incidence of cholelithiasis is increased in heart transplant recipients.

STUDY AIM

The aim of this retrospective study was to report a series of 27 heart transplant recipients operated for cholelithiasis and to assess the indications and safety of cholecystectomy in this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 9-year period, from January 1991 to December 1999, 27 heart transplant recipients (21 men and 6 women; mean age: 54.6 years, mainly transplanted for ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy) underwent cholecystectomy. All patients received immunosuppressive therapy with a combination of corticosteroids and cyclosporin and 10 also received azathioprine. Five patients admitted urgently with calculous acute cholecystitis and one patient with previous gastrectomy underwent laparotomy, while the other 21 patients were operated by laparoscopy.

RESULTS

There were no postoperative deaths. In patients operated by laparoscopy, there was no conversion to laparotomy and oral immunosuppressive drugs were continued without interruption. There was one postoperative hemoperitoneum related to liver biopsy performed concomitantly. In patients operated by laparotomy, intravenous cyclosporin was necessary until return to bowel function and the only complication was a wound abscess. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.1 days after laparoscopy and 8.8 days after laparotomy.

CONCLUSION

Systematic ultrasound screening of cholelithiasis after heart transplantation is necessary because cholelithiasis carries a risk of septic complications in these patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, associated with a low morbidity, is justified even in asymptomatic cases. In patients with acute cholecystitis, "open" cholecystectomy must be preferred in order to minimize the risk of biliary complications which would be very serious in these immunosuppressed patients.

Management of biliary tract disease in heart and lung transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Preexisting gallstones and pharmacologic alterations in both bile lithogenicity and immune function may predispose organ transplant recipients to the complications of biliary calculi.

METHODS

Records of all 178 patients undergoing heart, lung, or heart-lung transplantation at our institution between 1980 and 1998 were reviewed. Patients with biliary tract disease were grouped as follows: group I, pretransplantation diagnosis and treatment; group II, pretransplantation diagnosis and posttransplantation treatment; group III, normal pretransplantation biliary tree with posttransplantation diagnosis and treatment; group IV, unknown pretransplantation biliary status with posttransplantation diagnosis and treatment. Comparison among groups was made with regard to ultrasound findings, presentation, indication for operation, procedure, and outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 141 patients undergoing pretransplantation and/or posttransplantation ultrasound surveillance, the prevalence of abnormal ultrasonography was 36%. All patients in group I (n = 11) underwent elective intervention without complication. Of the 14 patients (groups II through IV) undergoing posttransplantation operation, intervention was mandated by acute complications of biliary tract disease in 7. The mortality rate in these 7 patients was 29%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholecystectomy in the posttransplantation period is often required emergently and has a high mortality. Posttransplantation surveillance of the biliary tree is crucial because of the high rate of de novo stone formation. All biliary calculi should be eradicated electively in stable patients before transplantation and on diagnosis after transplantation.