Enhanced Recovery in Liver Transplantation: A Feasibility Study

The Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Nursing on the Recovery in Patients After Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery nursing on the recovery in patients after liver transplantation.

METHODS

This study was performed in 128 patients underwent liver transplantation in our hospital. According to the random number table, these patients were divided into the control group (n = 64) and the experimental group (n = 64). Patients in the control group received traditional nursing, while those in the experimental group received enhanced recovery after surgery nursing. Completion time of the operation, the amount of infused red blood cells during operation, intraoperative anhepatic period, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the total length of hospitalization, the number of patients reintubated after surgery, the survival rate within 1 year after surgery, and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Intraoperative anhepatic period and the amount of infused red blood cells during operation in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (both P < .05). Postoperative ICU stay, the total length of hospitalization, and the number of patients reintubated after surgery in the experimental group were decreased when compared with the control group, while postoperative ventilator weaning time was increased (all P < .05). The survival rates at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (all P < .05). Compared with the control group, the total incidence of complications in the experimental group was reduced (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The application of enhanced recovery after surgery nursing in liver transplantation patients contributes to the accelerated recovery of body function, shortened total length of hospitalization and ICU stay, declined complications, and increased survival rate within 1 year.

Implementing early feeding after liver transplant using implementation frameworks: A multimethod study

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) in the nutrition management of advanced liver disease and enhanced recovery after surgery recommendations state that normal diet should recommence 12-24 h following liver transplantation. This study aimed to compare postoperative nutrition practices to guideline recommendations, explore clinician perceptions regarding feeding after transplant surgery, and implement and evaluate strategies to improve postoperative nutrition practices.

METHODS

A pre-post multimethod implementation study was undertaken, guided by the knowledge-to-action framework. A retrospective chart audit of postoperative dietary practice and semistructured interviews with clinicians were undertaken. Implementation strategies were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool and then evaluated.

RESULTS

An evidence-practice gap was identified, with the median day to initiation of nutrition (free-fluid or full diet) on postoperative day (POD) 2 and only 25% of patients aligning with the EBGs. Clinician interviews identified belief in the importance of nutrition, with variation in surgical practice in relation to early nutrition, competing clinical priorities, and vulnerabilities in communication contributing to delays in returning to feeding. An endorsed postoperative nutrition protocol was implemented along with a suite of theory- and stakeholder-informed intervention strategies. Following implementation, the median time to initiate nutrition reduced to POD1 and alignment with EBGs improved to 60%.

CONCLUSION

This study used implementation frameworks and strategies to understand, implement, and improve early feeding practices in line with EBGs after liver transplant. Ongoing sustainability of practice change as well as the impact on clinical outcomes have yet to be determined.

Bridging the critically ill patient with acute to chronic liver failure to liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as an effective therapy for severe forms of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), an entity characterized by the development of multiorgan failure and high short-term mortality. The aim of critical care management of ACLF patients is to rapidly treat precipitating events and aggressively support failing organs to ensure that patients may successfully undergo LT or, less frequently, recover. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequently present, adversely impacting the prognosis of these patients. Management of critical care patients with ACLF is complex and requires the participation of different specialties. Once the patient is stabilized, a rapid evaluation for salvage LT should be performed because the time window for LT is often narrow. The development of sepsis and prolonged organ support may preclude LT or diminish its chances of success. The current review describes strategies to bridge severe ACLF patients to LT, highlights the minimal evaluation required for listing and the currently suggested contraindications to proceed with LT, and addresses different aspects of management during the perioperative and early posttransplant period.

The Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol on Surgical Site Infections in Liver Transplantation

Background: Liver surgeries are treatment modalities that require careful pre- and postoperative follow-up for both the surgeon and the patient. Infections are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Infections are the most frequent cause of death between 30 and 180 days after liver transplantation. We aimed to investigate the effect of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on the prevention of infections in liver transplant patients. Patients and Methods: The study included patients who underwent liver transplantation in Ataturk University Organ Transplantation Center between 2017 and 2022. Two patient groups with and without ERAS were formed. Blood and urine cultures were collected retrospectively, and those with positive blood cultures for bacteremia were recorded as infection development. The development of infection between the two groups was statistically compared. Also, all patients' length of intensive care stay, length of hospital stay, and duration of antibiotic use were recorded. These parameters were compared between both groups. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of infection development (p: 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of duration of antibiotic use and length of hospital stay (Mann-Whitney U test; p: 0.00, p: 0.04, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of length of intensive care stay. Conclusion: We concluded that the introduction of an ERAS protocol was associated with fewer infections, thus shortening the duration of antibiotic therapy and length of hospital stay, although the standardization of the protocols is difficult, especially in liver transplants.

Anaesthesia management for liver transplantation: A narrative review

Orthotopic liver transplantation is the definitive standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. Orthotopic liver transplantation anaesthesia management is a complex procedure that requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Understanding the complex pathophysiology of end-stage liver disease and its complications in the affected systems is essential for proper anaesthesia management in orthotopic liver transplantation. Orthotopic liver transplantation is a dynamic process, and preoperative optimisation is essential in these patients. Therefore, anaesthesiologists should focus on rapidly fluctuating physiology, haemodynamics, metabolic, and coagulation status in the anaesthesia management of these patients. Perioperative care and anaesthesia for orthotopic liver transplantation can be divided into preoperative evaluation, anaesthesia induction and management, dissection, anhepatic, neo-hepatic, and postoperative care, with essential anaesthetic considerations at each point. Considering the clinical situation, haemodynamic changes, misapplications, knowledge, attitude, and multimodal and multidisciplinary approach are vital in anaesthesia and the perioperative period. In our review, in line with the literature, we aimed to present the perioperative and anaesthesia management in orthotopic liver transplantation patients.

Autologous liver transplantation for unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies in enhanced recovery after surgery model

Ex vivo liver resection combined with autologous liver transplantation offers the opportunity to treat otherwise unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies and has been applied in clinic. The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program improves the outcome of surgical procedures. This is a retrospective single-center study including 11 cases of patients with liver cancer that underwent autologous liver transplantation and received ERAS: cholangiocarcinoma of the hilar region (n = 5), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), gallbladder cancer (n = 1), liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (n = 1), and liver metastasis from gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor (n = 1). There were no deaths within 30 days and major complications occurred in two patients, and four patients were readmitted upon the first month after the surgery. Median hospital stay was 20 days (range 13-44) and median open diet was Day 4 (range 2-9) after surgery and median early post-operative activity was Day 5 (range 2-9) after surgery. In conclusion, autologous liver transplantation is feasible in the treatment of otherwise unresectable hepatobiliary malignancies, and our study showed favorable results with autologous liver transplantation in ERAS modality. ERAS modality provides a good option for some patients whose tumors cannot be resected in situ and offers a chance for rapid recovery.

The influence of delirium on mortality and length of ICU stay and analysis of risk factors for delirium after liver transplantation

Objective

To analyze the incidence, timing, risk factors and prognosis of delirium after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

The clinical data of 321 patients undergoing LT in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected to investigate the incidence, onset, and risk factors for post-LT delirium and the impact of delirium on LT recipients' prognosis by statistical analysis.

Results

The incidence of post-LT delirium was 19.3% (62/321), and the median interval between LT and onset of delirium was 20.1 h. Univariate analysis showed that pre-LT variables (Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, hospital stay, hepatic encephalopathy, infection, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, abnormal potassium, lactulose use), intraoperative variables (red blood cell transfusion, remimazolam use, dexmedetomidine use) and post-LT variables (hypernatraemia, acute rejection, reoperation, basiliximab use, tacrolimus concentration) were associated with post-LT delirium. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that MELD score at LT ≥22 [OR = 3.400, 95% CI:1.468-7.876, p = 0.004], pre-LT hepatic encephalopathy [OR = 3.224, 95% CI:1.664-6.244, p = 0.001], infection within 2 months prior to LT [OR = 2.238, 95% CI:1.151-4.351, p = 0.018], acute rejection [OR = 2.974, 95% CI:1.322-6.690, p = 0.008], and reoperation [OR = 11.919, 95% CI:2.938-48.350, p = 0.001] were independent risk factors for post-LT delirium. Post-LT delirium was reduced in LT recipients exposing to intraoperative remimazolam [OR = 0.287, 95% CI: 0.113-0.733, p = 0.009] or ≥ 25 μg of intraoperative dexmedetomidine [OR = 0.441, 95% CI 0.225-0.867, p = 0.018]. As for clinical outcomes, patients with delirium had a higher percentage of staying at the (ICU) ≥7 d after LT than those without delirium [OR = 2.559, 95% CI 1.418-4.617, p = 0.002].

Conclusion

The incidence of delirium was high and the onset of delirium was early after LT. Risk factors for post-LT delirium included high MELD score at LT, pre-LT hepatic encephalopathy and infections, acute rejection and reoperation. Intraoperative use of remimazolam or dexmedetomidine reduced post-LT delirium. Delirium had a negative impact on the length of ICU stay.

Comprehensive quality initiative leads to immediate postoperative extubation following liver transplant

BACKGROUND

Immediate postoperative extubation (IPE) can reduce perioperative complications and length of stay (LOS), however it is performed variably after liver transplant across institutions and has historically excluded high-risk recipients from consideration. In late 2012, we planned and implemented a single academic institution structured quality improvement (QI) initiative to standardize perioperative care of liver transplant recipients without exceptions. We hypothesized that such an approach would lead to a sustained increase in IPE after primary (PAC) and delayed abdominal closure (DAC).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 591 patients from 2013 to 2018 who underwent liver transplant after initiative implementation. We evaluated trends in incidence of IPE versus delayed extubation (DE), and reintubation, LOS, and mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 476/591 (80.5%) recipients underwent PAC (278 IPE, 198 DE) and 115/591 (19.5%) experienced DAC (39 IPE, 76 DE). When comparing data from 2013 to data from 2018, the incidence of IPE increased from 9/67 (13.4%) to 78/90 (86.7%) after PAC and from 1/12 (8.3%) to 16/23 (69.6%) after DAC. For the same years, the incidence of IPE after PAC for recipients with MELD scores ≥30 increased from 0/19 (0%) to 12/17 (70.6%), for recipients who underwent simultaneous liver-kidney transplant increased from 1/8 (12.5%) to 4/5 (80.0%), and for recipients who received massive transfusion (>10 units of packed red blood cells) increased from 0/17 (0%) to 10/13 (76.9%). Reintubation for respiratory considerations <48 h after IPE occurred in 3/278 (1.1%) after PAC and 1/39 (2.6%) after DAC. IPE was associated with decreased intensive care unit (HR of discharge: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.58, 2.33; P < 0.001) and hospital LOS (HR of discharge: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.76; P < 0.001) but demonstrated no association with mortality.

CONCLUSION

A structured QI initiative led to sustained high rates of IPE and reduced LOS in all liver transplant recipients, including those classified as high risk.

Enhanced recovery after surgery is feasible and safe in liver transplantation: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The principles of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) are being applied to still more advanced procedures. Liver transplantation offers a unique opportunity for a multimodal approach including donor care as well. Our objective was to determine if ERAS was applicable and safe in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

METHODS

A national single centre retrospective study showing the implementation of ERAS from 2013 to 2019 with the proceeding 2 years serving as baseline. The primary endpoints were mortality, length of stay (LOS) in the ward and intensive care unit stay. Secondary endpoints were complications estimated by Dindo-Clavien classification, comprehensive complication index (CCI®) and re-admissions.

RESULTS

A total of 334 patients were included. LOS was significantly reduced from a median of 22.5 days at introduction to 14 days at 2019. Cold ischaemia time was reduced from a mean of 10.7 to 6.0 h and the use of blood products (erythrocytes, plasma and thrombocytes) from a median of 28 to 6 units. Complications were reduced in severity. Mortality and readmission rates were not affected.

CONCLUSION

ERAS principles are safe and recommended in patients undergoing OLT resulting in reduced severity of complications and LOS without affecting re-admissions or mortality.

The Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Pathway Is a Safe Journey for Kidney Transplant Recipients during the "Extended Criteria Donor" Era

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are still underused in kidney transplantation (KT) due to recipients’ “frailty” and risk of postoperative complications. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of ERAS in KT during the “extended-criteria donor” era, and to identify the predictive factors of prolonged hospitalization. In 2010−2019, all patients receiving KT were included in ERAS program targeting a discharge home within 5 days of surgery. Recipient, transplant, and outcomes data were analyzed. Of 454 KT [male: 280, 63.9%; age: 57 (19−77) years], 212 (46.7%) recipients were discharged within the ERAS target (≤5 days), while 242 (53.3%) were discharged later. Patients within the ERAS target (≤5 days) had comparable recipient and transplant characteristics to those with longer hospital stays, and they had similar post-operative complications, readmission rates, and 5 year graft/patient survival. In the multivariate analysis, DGF (HR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.08−4.34, p < 0.030) and in-hospital dialysis (HR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.73−7.85, p < 0.001) were the only predictive factors for late discharge. The ERAS approach is feasible and safe in all KT candidates, and its failure is primarily related to the postoperative graft function, rather than the recipient’s clinical status. ERAS pathways, integrated with strict collaboration with local nephrologists, allow early discharge after KT, with clinical benefits.

New ERAS in liver transplantation - Past, present, and next steps

There are parallels between the history of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) and liver transplantation. Both have been established and advanced by innovative individuals, often going against perceived wisdom and convention. Liver transplantation has traditionally been considered too complex for ERAS pathways, despite a small number of trials showing them to be both safe and of benefit. To date, there are very few randomized controlled trials and cohort studies publishing outcomes on liver transplant patients enrolled in comprehensive ERAS pathways. To progress our field, the 2022 International Liver Transplantation Society's Consensus Conference has created expert panels to analyze the evidence in 32 domains of the liver transplantation pathway using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach to generate expert recommendations. These recommendations will be voted on by the international community to gain consensus using the Danish model, and create the ERAS4OLT.org Enhanced Recovery after Liver Transplantation Pathway.

Is there value in volume? An assessment of liver transplant practices in the United States since the inception of MELD

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation has increased in volume and provides substantial survival benefit. However, there remains a need for value-based assessment of this costly procedure.

METHODS

Model for end stage liver disease era adult recipients were identified using United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis file data (n = 75,988) and compared across time periods (period A: February 2002 to January 2007; B: February 2007 to January 2013; C: February 2013 to January 2019). Liver centers were divided into volume tertiles for each period (small, medium, large). Value for the index transplant episode was defined as percentage graft survival ≥1 year divided by mean posttransplant duration of stay.

RESULTS

All centers increased value over time due to ubiquitous improvement in 1-year graft survival. However, large centers demonstrated the most significant value change (large +17% vs small +7.0%, P < .001) due to a -8.5% reduction in large centers duration of stay from period A to C, while small centers duration of stay remained unchanged (-0.1%). Large centers delivered higher value despite more complex care: older recipients (54.8 ± 10.3 vs 53.0 ± 11.4 years P < .001), fewer model for end stage liver disease exceptions (34.0% vs 38.2%, P < .001), higher rates of candidate portal vein thrombosis (10.1% vs 8.5%, P < .001) and prior abdominal surgery (43.4% vs 37.4%, P < .001), and more marginal donor utilization (donor risk index 1.45 ± 0.38 vs 1.36 ± 0.33, P < .001). Mahalanobis metric matching demonstrated that compared with small centers, large centers progressively shortened recipient duration of stay per transplant in each period (A: -0.36 days, P = .437; B: -2.14 days, P < .001; C: -2.49 days, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

There is value in liver transplant volume. Adoption of value-based practices from large centers may allow optimization of health care delivery for this costly procedure.

Cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause

Background

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples from patients with non-viral end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation.

Methodology/Principal findings

Blood samples and healthy skin fragments from 50 patients were tested using microbiological and molecular methods. Fifteen patients had cryptogenic hepatitis (CH) and 35 had alcoholic, drug-induced or autoimmune liver disease. DNA was extracted from whole blood and liquid culture samples, isolates, and skin fragments. Thirteen of the 50 patients (26%) had Bartonella henselae DNA detection in their blood (9/50) and/or skin (5/50) samples. Colonies were isolated in 3/50 (6%) and infection was detected in 7/50 (14%) of the 50 patients. B. henselae-DNA detection was more prevalent in patients with CH than in other patients (p = 0.040). Of 39 patients followed-up for at least two years, a higher mortality rate was observed among patients with CH infected with B. henselae (p = 0.039).

Conclusions/Significance

Further studies assessing the role of B. henselae infection in the pathogenesis of hepatitis patients must be urgently conducted.

One in four patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation for hepatitis of non-viral origin had documented B. henselae-DNA detection and cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher bacterium molecular detection than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in liver transplantation: Challenges and feasibility

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) started a revolution that changed age-old surgical stereotypical practices regarding the overall management of the surgical patient. In the last decade, ERAS has gained significant acceptance in the community of general surgery, in addition to several other surgical specialties, as the evidence of its advantages continues to grow. One of the last remaining fields, given its significant complexity and intricate nature, is liver transplantation (LT).

AIM

To investigate the existing efforts at implementing ERAS in LT.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the existing studies that evaluate ERAS in orthotopic LT, with a multimodal approach and focusing on measurable clinical primary endpoints, namely length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

All studies demonstrated a considerable decrease in length of hospital stay, with no readmission or negative impact of the ERAS protocol applied to the postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS is a well-validated multimodal approach for almost all types of surgical procedures, and its future in selected LT patients seems promising, as the preliminary results advocate for the safety and efficacy of ERAS in the field of LT.

Textbook outcome among patients undergoing enhanced recovery after liver transplantation stratified by risk. A single-center retrospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most complex surgical procedures. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) aims to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. When patients achieve all desirable outcomes after a procedure, they are considered to have experienced a textbook outcome (TO).

METHODS

Two cohorts of patients undergoing low (n = 101) or medium risk (n = 15) LT were identified. The remaining patients (n = 65) were grouped separately. The ERAS protocol included pre-, intra-, and post-operative steps. TO was defined as the absence of complications, prolonged length of hospital stays, readmission and mortality during the first 90 days.

RESULTS

One third of patients who underwent ERAS after LT experienced a TO. On multivariable analysis, age (OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.09]; P = .02), and having hepatocellular carcinoma (OR, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.37-6.03]; P = .005) were individually associated with a greater probability of achieving a TO. Belonging to the cohorts of medium risk or outside the selection criteria was associated with a lower probability of achieving a TO (OR, 0.46 [96% CI, 0.22-0.93]; P = .03). Patients less likely to experience TO required more hospital resources. Patients who achieved TO were more likely to remain free of chronic kidney disease (achieved TO, 83.8% [82.7-85.6]; failed TO, 67.9% [66.9-70.2]; P < .05). Tacrolimus dose and trough levels were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel finding of our study is that short and medium-term kidney function is better preserved in patients who experience a TO. Better kidney function of patients who achieve TO is not due to lower tacrolimus dosage.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Liver Transplantation: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, evidence-based, program of care developed to minimize the response to surgical stress, associated with reduced perioperative morbidity and hospital stay. This study presents the specific ERAS Society recommendations for liver transplantation (LT) based on the best available evidence and on expert consensus.

METHODS

PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched in April 2019 for published and ongoing randomized clinical trials on LT in the last 15 y. Studies were selected by 5 independent reviewers and were eligible if focusing on each validated ERAS item in the area of adult LT. An e-Delphi method was used with an extended interdisciplinary panel of experts to validate the final recommendations.

RESULTS

Forty-three articles were included in the systematic review. A consensus was reached among experts after the second round. Patients should be screened for malnutrition and treated whenever possible. Prophylactic nasogastric intubation and prophylactic abdominal drainage may be omitted, and early extubation should be considered. Early oral intake, mobilization, and multimodal-balanced analgesia are recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

The current ERAS recommendations were elaborated based on the best available evidence and endorsed by the e-Delphi method. Nevertheless, prospective studies need to confirm the clinical use of the suggested protocol.

The Need to Update Endpoints and Outcome Analysis in the Rapidly Changing Field of Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) survival rates have continued to improve over the last decades, mostly due to the reduction of mortality early after transplantation. The advancement is facilitating a liberalization of access to LT, with more patients with higher risk profiles being added to the waiting list. At the same time, the persisting organ shortage fosters strategies to rescue organs of high-risk donors. This is facilitated by novel technologies such as machine perfusion. Owing to these developments, reconsideration of the current and emerging endpoints for the assessment of the efficacy of existing and new therapies is warranted. While conventional early endpoints in LT have focused on the damage induced to the parenchyma, the fate of the bile duct and the recurrence of the underlying disease have a stronger impact on the long-term outcome. In light of this evolving landscape, we here attempt to reflect on the appropriateness of the currently used endpoints in the field of LT trials.

Predicting Early Extubation After Liver Transplantation: External Validation and Improved Generalizability of a Proposed Fast-track Score

BACKGROUND

Early extubation of liver transplantation recipients is a cornerstone of fast-track (FT) pathways. Identifying suitable candidates has previously been accomplished using perioperative variables to develop a FT probability score. The objective of this study was to externally validate a proposed FT score.

METHODS

Following Research Ethics Board approval, data were extracted on liver transplants conducted at a single center from 2009 to 2017. Data extracted included patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcome variables. The proposed FT score utilized 9 variables: age, gender, body mass index, model of end-stage liver disease, retransplant, preoperative hospital admission, blood transfusion, operative time, and vasopressor use. We calculated the FT score in our cohort, and assessed the discrimination and calibration of the model. Score performance was explored by subgroup analyses, customization and altering the outcome definition.

RESULTS

The FT score was found to predict higher rates of successful FT than was observed in the external cohort (n = 1385) and had reduced discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.711; 95% confidence interval, 0.682-0.741) compared with the original internal validation cohort (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.830; 95% confidence interval, 0.789-0.871; P < 0.0001). Discrimination was improved by customizing the transfusion (P < 0.0001) components of the simplified score or by level 1 customization of all regression model coefficients (P < 0.0001). A time-based definition of FT (early extubation) did not alter the accuracy of the prediction score (P = 0.914), improving the model's generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed FT score may help identify patients suitable for early extubation and FT pathways after liver transplantation in conjunction with clinical judgment.

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs improve short-term outcomes after liver transplantation - A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review aimed to investigate the available quality of evidence (QOE) of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for liver transplantation (LT) on short-term outcomes, grade recommendations and identify relevant components for ERAS protocols. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on short-term outcomes after LT when applying comprehensive ERAS protocols (>1 ERAS component) versus control groups (CRD42021210374), following the GRADE approach for grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Endpoints were morbidity, mortality, length of stay and readmission rates after ERAS for LT. Of 858 screened articles, two randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective and 1 retrospective cohort studies were included (2002 - 2020). Frequent ERAS components were early extubation and postoperative antibiotic, fluid and nutrition management. Overall complications were reduced in ERAS versus control cohorts (OR 0.4 (CI 0.2, 0.7), with no significant differences in mortality and hospital readmission rates. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were shorter in ERAS groups (percentage decrease, 55% and 29%, respectively). QOE for individual outcomes was rated moderate to low. ERAS protocols in LT are related to improved short-term outcomes after liver transplantation (Quality of Evidence; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong), but currently lack standardization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Textbook Outcome Following Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome (TBO) is a patient-oriented composite criterion achieved when all desired main health outcomes are realized. The aim was to assess the incidence and the independent factors associated with TBO following LT.

METHODS

This bicentric study included all patients who underwent their first elective liver-only LT between 2011 and 2015. TBO occurred when all the following criteria were fulfilled: no mortality within 90 days, no major complications within 90 days, no reintervention within 90 days (liver graft biopsy, radiological, endoscopic or surgical interventions, or retransplantation), no prolonged intensive care unit stay, and no prolonged hospital stay. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TBO and to assess whether TBO is an independent factor associated with patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

The study population included 530 patients. TBO occurred in 176/530 (33%) patients. Independent factors associated with TBO included the balance of risk score, the use of an intraoperative temporary portacaval shunt, and duration of the operation. TBO was identified as an independent factor associated with graft survival but not patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

TBO might be implemented in the patient-doctor decision-making regarding whether to proceed with LT and in the reporting of patient-level hospital performance related to LT.

The clinical effect of early enteral nutrition in liver-transplanted patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Appropriate nutritional support is critical for patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Early enteral nutrition (EEN) has been considered effective in critically ill patients. However, the clinical effect of EEN on liver-transplanted patients is unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical effect of early enteral nutrition in patients receiving a liver transplant.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, WanFang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to collect relevant studies up to January, 2020. The results of these studies were pooled to calculate relative risk and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data and continuous data. All statistical analysis was carried out by Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

9 RCTs and 10 cohort studies with 1300 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with TPN, EEN reduced postoperative infection rates, ICU hours, length of hospitalization, and the duration of bowel ventilation as well as strengthening the nutritional status and liver function of LT patients. There is no difference in mortality rates, blood glucose levels or gastrointestinal complications. Compared to TPN, the combined EN + PN method more effectively prevented infection.

CONCLUSION

For patients undergoing liver transplantation, early enteral nutrition with or without combination may considered as a better nutritional therapy than total parenteral nutrition.

Risk factors and impact of early anastomotic biliary complications after liver transplantation: UK registry analysis

Background

Biliary leaks and anastomotic strictures are common early anastomotic biliary complications (EABCs) following liver transplantation. However, there are no large multicentre studies investigating their clinical impact or risk factors. This study aimed to define the incidence, risk factors and impact of EABC.

Methods

The NHS registry on adult liver transplantation between 2006 and 2017 was reviewed retrospectively. Adjusted regression models were used to assess predictors of EABC, and their impact on outcomes.

Results

Analyses included 8304 liver transplant recipients. Patients with EABC (9·6 per cent) had prolonged hospitalization (23 versus 15 days; P < 0·001) and increased chance for readmission within the first year (56 versus 32 per cent; P < 0·001). Patients with EABC had decreased estimated 5-year graft survival of 75·1 versus 84·5 per cent in those without EABC, and decreased 5-year patient survival of 76·9 versus 83·3 per cent; both P < 0.001. Adjusted Cox regression revealed that EABCs have a significant and independent impact on graft survival (leak hazard ratio (HR) 1·344, P = 0·015; stricture HR 1·513, P = 0·002; leak plus stricture HR 1·526, P = 0·036) and patient survival (leak HR 1·215, P = 0·136, stricture HR 1·526, P = 0·001; leak plus stricture HR 1·509; P = 0·043). On adjusted logistic regression, risk factors for EABC included donation after circulatory death grafts, graft aberrant arterial anatomy, biliary anastomosis type, vascular anastomosis time and recipient model of end-stage liver disease.

Conclusion

EABCs prolong hospital stay, increase readmission rates and are independent risk factors for graft loss and increased mortality. This study has identified factors that increase the likelihood of EABC occurrence; research into interventions to prevent EABCs in these at-risk groups is vital to improve liver transplantation outcomes.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery: History, Key Advancements and Developments in Transplant Surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) aims to improve patient outcomes by controlling specific aspects of perioperative care. The concept was introduced in 1997 by Henrik Kehlet, who suggested that while minor changes in perioperative practise have no significant impact alone, incorporating multiple changes could drastically improve outcomes. Since 1997, significant advancements have been made through the foundation of the ERAS Society, responsible for creating consensus guidelines on the implementation of enhanced recovery pathways. ERAS reduces length of stay by an average of 2.35 days and healthcare costs by $639.06 per patient, as identified in a 2020 meta-analysis of ERAS across multiple surgical subspecialties. Carbohydrate loading, bowel preparation and patient education in the pre-operative phase, goal-directed fluid therapy in the intra-operative phase, and early mobilisation and enteral nutrition in the post-operative phase are some of the interventions that are commonly implemented in ERAS protocols. While many specialties have been quick to incorporate ERAS, uptake has been slow in the transplantation field, leading to a scarcity of literature. Recent studies reported a 47% reduction in length of hospital stay (LOS) in liver transplantation patients treated with ERAS, while progress in kidney transplantation focuses on pain management and its incorporation into enhanced recovery protocols.

Changing Trends in Liver Transplantation: Challenges and Solutions

Despite improvements in postliver transplant outcomes through refinements in perioperative management and surgical techniques, several changing trends in liver transplantation have presented challenges. Mortality on the waitlist remains high. In the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, there is an increasing need for liver transplantation, primarily as a result of increased incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis and cancer indications. Meanwhile, donor suitability has decreased, as donors are often older and have more comorbidities. Despite a mismatch between organ need and availability, many organs are discarded. Notwithstanding this, many solutions have been developed to overcome these challenges. Innovative techniques in allograft preservation, viability assessment, and reconditioning have allowed the use of suboptimal organs with adequate results. Refinements in surgical procedures, including live donor liver transplantations, have increased the organ pool and are decreasing the time and mortality on the waitlist. Despite many challenges, a similar number of solutions and prospects are on the horizon. This review seeks to explore the changing trends and challenges in liver transplantation and highlight possible solutions and future directions.

Association Between Fast-Track Extubation After Orthotopic Liver Transplant, Postoperative Vasopressor Requirement, and Acute Kidney Injury

OBJECTIVES

Acute kidney injury is a significant cause of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplant. Early extubation after liver transplant may have a beneficial effect on postoperative renal function. This may be the result of reduction in vasopressor-mediated vasoconstriction used to counteract the hypotension associated with sedative use and the effects of positive-pressure ventilation. Previous studies explored advantages of early extubation after liver transplant but focused on resource usage rather than clinical benefit. This study was designed to determine the association between fast-track extubation and reduction in postoperative vasopressor requirement and whether this had any association with acute kidney injury incidence or renal replacement therapy requirement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from 144 orthotopic liver transplants. A propensity-matched case-control analysis was conducted on a subgroup of 33 patients who were fast-track extubated and with 33 propensity score-matched control patients who were not. The primary outcome was median days of postoperative vasopressor use, and secondary outcomes included incidence of acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy requirement, and critical care admission duration.

RESULTS

The fast-track extubation group had a shorter postoperative vasopressor requirement (0 vs 2 days; P < .01) and a reduced need for renal replacement therapy (3% vs 21.2%; P = .05). Median critical care admission duration (3 vs 4 days; P = .03) and hospital admission duration (14 vs 19 days; P = .04) were shorter in the fast-track extubation group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to reveal a significant association between fast-track extubation and reduced postoperative vasopressor requirement. Additionally, this was associated with a trend toward reduced renal replacement requirement after liver transplant. It suggests that early extubation may not just be a resource benefit to an institution but may convey a clinical benefit to patients through a reduction in organ failure and requirement for organ support.

Practical model to identify liver transplant recipients at low risk of postoperative haemorrhage, bile leakage and ascites

Background

This study aimed to identify a subgroup of recipients at low risk of haemorrhage, bile leakage and ascites following liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

Factors associated with significant postoperative ascites (more than 10 ml/kg on postoperative day 5), bile leakage and haemorrhage after LT were identified using three separate multivariable analyses in patients who had LT in 2010–2019. A model predicting the absence of all three outcomes was created and validated internally using bootstrap procedure.

Results

Overall, 944 recipients underwent LT. Rates of ascites, bile leakage and haemorrhage were 34.9, 7.7 and 6.0 per cent respectively. The 90-day mortality rate was 7.0 per cent. Partial liver graft (relative risk (RR) 1.31; P = 0.021), intraoperative ascites (more than 10 ml/kg suctioned after laparotomy) (RR 2.05; P = 0.001), malnutrition (RR 1.27; P = 0.006), portal vein thrombosis (RR 1.56; P = 0.024) and intraoperative blood loss greater than 1000 ml (RR 1.39; P = 0.003) were independently associated with postoperative ascites and/or bile leak and/or haemorrhage, and were introduced in the model. The model was well calibrated and predicted the absence of all three outcomes with an area under the curve of 0.76 (P = 0.001). Of the 944 patients, 218 (23.1 per cent) fulfilled the five criteria of the model, and 9.6 per cent experienced postoperative ascites (RR 0.22; P = 0.001), 1.8 per cent haemorrhage (RR 0.21; P = 0.033), 4.1 per cent bile leak (RR 0.54; P = 0.048), 40.4 per cent severe complications (RR 0.70; P = 0.001) and 1.4 per cent 90-day mortality (RR 0.13; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

A practical model has been provided to identify patients at low risk of ascites, bile leakage and haemorrhage after LT; these patients could potentially qualify for inclusion in non-abdominal drainage protocols.

Enhanced recovery after low- and medium-risk liver transplantation. A single-center prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Few studies have fully applied an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol to liver transplantation (LT). Our aim was to assess the effects of a comprehensive ERAS protocol in our cohort of low- and medium-risk LT patients.

METHODS

The ERAS protocol included pre-, intra-, and post-operative steps. During the five-year study period, 181 LT were performed in our institution. Two cohorts were identified: low risk patients (n = 101) had a laboratory model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 20 points or less at the time of LT, received a liver from a donor after brain death, and had a balance of risk score of 9 points or less; medium-risk patients (n = 15) had identical characteristics except for a higher MELD score (21-30 points). In addition, we analyzed the remaining patients (n = 65) who were transplanted over the same study period separately using the ERAS protocol.

RESULTS

The low-risk cohort showed a low need for packed red blood cells transfusion (median: 0 units) and renal replacement therapy (1%), as well as a short length of stay both in the intensive care unit (13 h) and in the hospital (4 days); morbidity during one-year follow-up, and probability of surviving to one year (89.30%) and five years (76.99%) were in line with well-established reference data. Similar findings were observed in the medium-risk cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-center prospective observational cohort study provides evidence that ERAS is feasible and safe for low- and medium-risk LT.

Definition and Prospective Assessment of Functional Recovery After Liver Transplantation: A New Objective Consensus-Based Metric for Safe Discharge

Standardized discharge criteria are critical to reduce premature discharge and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. No such criteria exist for patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). To achieve a consensus-based checklist of criteria for safe patient discharge after LT, this mixed-method study included the following: a systematic literature review and expert discussion to draft a first checklist of post-LT discharge criteria, defining patient recovery and indications for hospital discharge (functional recovery); an exploratory online electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) study; a single-center pilot study to test checklist feasibility; and a final e-Delphi study with an extended interdisciplinary expert panel to validate the final checklist. The first round provided a 10-point discharge checklist with 5 patient-centered items derived from discharge criteria after liver surgery and 5 graft-centered items derived from expert discussion. The restricted panel (9 experts) e-Delphi provided 100% consensus after the second round, with slight modifications to the criteria. During the pilot study, 19 of 45 (42.2%) patients included fulfilled the complete checklist (100% of 10 items) after median (IQR) 16 (8-21) days (functional recovery) and a length of stay of 20 (9-24) days. The item with the lowest completion rate was minimum serum tacrolimus level in the target on 2 consecutive blood samples (n = 21; 47%), achieved at 13 (9-15) days. The extended panel (66 experts) e-Delphi provided 95%-98% consensus after the third round, with slight modifications of the criteria. This study provided substantial consensus on discharge criteria after LT. We anticipate that these criteria will be useful in clinical practice to guide patient discharge and increase the comparability of results between future studies.

Proceedings of the 25th Annual Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society

The 25th Annual Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society was held in Toronto, Canada, from May 15 to 18, 2019. Surgeons, hepatologists, anesthesiologists, critical care intensivists, radiologists, pathologists, and research scientists from all over the world came together with the common aim of improving care and outcomes for liver transplant recipients and living donors. Some of the featured topics at this year's conference included multidisciplinary perioperative care in liver transplantation, worldwide approaches to organ allocation, donor steatosis, and updates in pediatrics, immunology, and radiology. This report presents excerpts and highlights from invited lectures and select abstracts, reviewed and compiled by the Vanguard Committee of International Liver Transplantation Society. This will hopefully contribute to further advances in clinical practice and research in liver transplantation.

Gender-related differences in the performance of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) to predict septic shock after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

The study aims to identify whether gender differences exist in the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score to the extent of affecting its predictive accuracy for septic shock after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A retrospective study of 612 patients undergoing PCNL was performed. The SOFA scores of male and female groups were compared to identify any gender differences. The ROC curve was used to find differences between the original and adjusted SOFA scores. Postoperative septic shock developed in 21 (3.43%) cases. A marginally significant discrepancy in median SOFA scores between genders was discovered in a subgroup of patients < 40 years old (p = 0.048). A gender difference existed in the SOFA score after PCNL, with greater proportion of high scores in female patients (p = 0.011). Male patients had a higher proportion of ≥ 2 sub-score in hepatic and renal systems than female patients, caused by their higher preoperative bilirubin and creatinine (p < 0.05). An adjusted SOFA score was created to replace the original postoperative SOFA score with the perioperative changed values of bilirubin and creatinine. Performance of the adjusted SOFA score for predicting septic shock was comparable with the original SOFA score (AUC 0.987 vs. 0.985, p = 0.932). Under the premise of ensuring 100% sensitivity, the adjusted SOFA score reduced the 43.7% (31/71) false-positive rate for predicting septic shock compared with the original SOFA score. In conclusion, the gender should not be neglected when applying SOFA score for patients after PCNL. The adjusted SOFA score eliminates negative effects caused by gender differences in predicting septic shock.

Enhanced recovery after surgery and practical application to liver transplantation

There is a growing support for the use of protocols that incorporate multiple steps aimed at reducing the time patients require to regain health. A recurring limitation is the variable outcomes of these protocols with more or less success at the sites at which they are instituted. This review examines the essential building blocks needed to launch a successful ERAS protocol. It addresses why there are differences in outcome measures between centers such as the length of stay and the cost of care even if the protocols and patient populations are similar.

Abdominal Organ Transplantation: Noteworthy Literature in 2018

A PubMed search revealed 1382 articles on pancreatic transplantation, 781 on intestinal transplantation, more than 7200 on kidney transplantation, and more than 5500 on liver transplantation published between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. After narrowing the list down to human studies, 436 pancreatic, 302 intestinal, 1920 liver, and more than 2000 kidney transplantation studies were screened for inclusion in this review.

Perioperative Management of the Liver Transplant Recipient

Perioperative management of the liver transplant recipient is a team effort that requires close collaboration between intensivist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, hepatologist, nephrologist, other specialists, and hospital staff before and after surgery. Transplant viability must be reassessed regularly and particularly with each donor organ. Regular discussions with patient and family facilitate realistic determinations of goals based on patient aspirations and clinical realities. Early attention to hemodynamics with optimal resuscitation and judicious vasopressor support, respiratory care designed to minimize iatrogenic injury, and early renal support is key. Preoperative and postoperative nutritional support and physical rehabilitation should remain a focus.