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Cillo U, Lauterio A, Furlanetto A, Canitano N, Polacco M, Buscemi V, De Carlis R, Boetto R, D'Amico FE, Bassi D, De Carlis L, Gringeri E. Full-left/Full-right Liver Splitting With Middle Hepatic Vein and Caval Partition During Dual Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion. Transplantation 2024; 108:1417-1421. [PMID: 38755751 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Split liver transplantation is a valuable means of mitigating organ scarcity but requires significant surgical and logistical effort. Ex vivo splitting is associated with prolonged cold ischemia, with potentially negative effects on organ viability. Machine perfusion can mitigate the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury by restoring cellular energy and improving outcomes. METHODS We describe a novel technique of full-left/full-right liver splitting, with splitting and reconstruction of the vena cava and middle hepatic vein, with dual arterial and portal hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion. The accompanying video depicts the main surgical passages, notably the splitting of the vena cava and middle hepatic vein, the parenchymal transection, and the venous reconstruction. RESULTS The left graft was allocated to a pediatric patient having methylmalonic aciduria, whereas the right graft was allocated to an adult patient affected by hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS This technique allows ex situ splitting, counterbalancing prolonged ischemia with the positive effects of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion on graft viability. The venous outflow is preserved, safeguarding both grafts from venous congestion; all reconstructions can be performed ex situ, minimizing warm ischemia. Moreover, there is no need for highly skilled surgeons to reach the donor hospital, thereby simplifying logistical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Cillo
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Lauterio
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Furlanetto
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Canitano
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Polacco
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Buscemi
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Carlis
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Boetto
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Enrico D'Amico
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Domenico Bassi
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Luciano De Carlis
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Gringeri
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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2
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Parente A, Kasahara M, De Meijer VE, Hashimoto K, Schlegel A. Efficiency of machine perfusion in pediatric liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00359. [PMID: 38619390 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the only life-saving procedure for children with end-stage liver disease. The field is however heterogenic with various graft types, recipient age, weight, and underlying diseases. Despite recently improved overall outcomes and the expanded use of living donors, waiting list mortality remains unacceptable, particularly in small children and infants. Based on the known negative effects of elevated donor age, higher body mass index, and prolonged cold ischemia time, the number of available donors for pediatric recipients is limited. Machine perfusion has regained significant interest in the adult liver transplant population during the last decade. Ten randomized controlled trials are published with an overall advantage of machine perfusion techniques over cold storage regarding postoperative outcomes, including graft survival. The concept of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) was the first and only perfusion technique used for pediatric liver transplantation today. In 2018 the first pediatric candidate received a full-size graft donated after circulatory death with cold storage and HOPE, followed by a few split liver transplants after HOPE with an overall limited case number until today. One series of split procedures during HOPE was recently presented by colleagues from France with excellent results, reduced complications, and better graft survival. Such early experience paves the way for more systematic use of machine perfusion techniques for different graft types for pediatric recipients. Clinical reports of pediatric liver transplants with other perfusion techniques are awaited. Strong collaborative efforts are needed to explore the effect of perfusion techniques in this vulnerable population impacting not only the immediate posttransplant outcome but the development and success of an entire life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Parente
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mureo Kasahara
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vincent E De Meijer
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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3
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Dos Santos S, Tzedakis S, Jeddou H. Liver split right lobe-left lobe in situ (with video). J Visc Surg 2024; 161:154-155. [PMID: 38331699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Dos Santos
- Service de chirurgie hépatobiliaire et digestive, CHU de Rennes, université de Rennes 1, 35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes, 35065 Rennes, France.
| | - Stylianos Tzedakis
- Groupe hospitalier Cochin-Port-Royal, DMU cancérologie et spécialités médico-chirurgicales, service de chirurgie digestive, hépatobiliaire et endocrinienne, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Heithem Jeddou
- Service de chirurgie hépatobiliaire et digestive, CHU de Rennes, université de Rennes 1, 35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes, 35065 Rennes, France
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Brüggenwirth IM, Lantinga VA, Lascaris B, Thorne AM, Meerdink M, de Kleine RH, Blokzijl H, van den Berg AP, Reyntjens KM, Lisman T, Porte RJ, de Meijer VE. Prolonged hypothermic machine perfusion enables daytime liver transplantation - an IDEAL stage 2 prospective clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 68:102411. [PMID: 38235423 PMCID: PMC10789636 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Liver transplantation is traditionally performed around the clock to minimize organ ischemic time. However, the prospect of prolonging preservation times holds the potential to streamline logistics and transform liver transplantation into a semi-elective procedure, reducing the need for nighttime surgeries. Dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (DHOPE) of donor livers for 1-2 h mitigates ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves transplant outcomes. Preclinical studies have shown that DHOPE can safely extend the preservation of donor livers for up to 24 h. Methods We conducted an IDEAL stage 2 prospective clinical trial comparing prolonged (≥4 h) DHOPE to conventional (1-2 h) DHOPE for brain-dead donor livers, enabling transplantation the following morning. Liver allocation to each group was based on donor hepatectomy end times. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of all serious adverse events (SAE) within 30 days after transplantation. The primary feasibility endpoint was defined as the number of patients assigned and successfully receiving a prolonged DHOPE-perfused liver graft. Trial registration at: WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, number NL8740. Findings Between November 1, 2020 and July 16, 2022, 24 patients were enrolled. The median preservation time was 14.5 h (interquartile range [IQR], 13.9-15.5) for the prolonged group (n = 12) and 7.9 h (IQR, 7.6-8.6) for the control group (n = 12; p = 0.01). In each group, three patients (25%; 95% CI 3.9-46%, p = 1) experienced a SAE. Markers of ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress in both perfusate and recipients were consistently low and showed no notable discrepancies between the two groups. All patients assigned to either the prolonged group or control group successfully received a liver graft perfused with either prolonged DHOPE or control DHOPE, respectively. Interpretation This first-in-human clinical trial demonstrates the safety and feasibility of DHOPE in prolonging the preservation time of donor livers to enable daytime transplantation. The ability to extend the preservation window to up to 20 h using hypothermic oxygenated machine preservation at a 10 °C temperature has the potential to reshape the landscape of liver transplantation. Funding University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M.A. Brüggenwirth
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Veerle A. Lantinga
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca Lascaris
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Adam M. Thorne
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Meerdink
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben H. de Kleine
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aad P. van den Berg
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Koen M.E.M. Reyntjens
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ton Lisman
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J. Porte
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent E. de Meijer
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- UMCG Comprehensive Transplant Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Lau NS, Ly M, Dennis C, Ewenson K, Ly H, Huang JL, Cabanes-Creus M, Chanda S, Wang C, Lisowski L, Liu K, Kench J, McCaughan G, Crawford M, Pulitano C. Liver splitting during normothermic machine perfusion: a novel method to combine the advantages of both in-situ and ex-vivo techniques. HPB (Oxford) 2023; 25:543-555. [PMID: 36858919 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Split liver transplantation permits the transplant of two recipients using a single donor liver. Liver splitting can be performed using the ex-vivo technique (more convenient), or the in-situ technique (shorter cold ischaemic time). We aimed to develop a technique for liver splitting during normothermic machine perfusion which combines the advantages of both techniques and permits graft assessment prior to transplant. METHODS Human livers declined for transplantation were perfused at 36 °C using a modified-commercial perfusion machine. We developed a six-step method to split whole livers into left lateral segment grafts and extended right grafts. Both partial livers were then perfused on separate machines for individual assessment. RESULTS Using our technique, 10 whole livers were successfully split during normothermic perfusion resulting in 20 partial grafts. Apart from a single graft which failed due to a technical error, all grafts survived for 24-h after splitting. Survival was demonstrated by lactate clearance, bile production and synthesis of coagulation factors. CONCLUSIONS Liver splitting during normothermic machine perfusion has the potential to revolutionise split liver transplantation. We describe a novel technique that reliably achieves two grafts from a single donor liver. This raises the possibility of semi-elective transplantation, and sophisticated graft assessment prior to implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngee-Soon Lau
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Ly
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Claude Dennis
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kasper Ewenson
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hayden Ly
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Joanna L Huang
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumon Chanda
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Chuanmin Wang
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Military Institute of Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ken Liu
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - James Kench
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey McCaughan
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael Crawford
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Carlo Pulitano
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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6
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Kanani T, Isherwood J, Issa E, Chung WY, Ravaioli M, Oggioni MR, Garcea G, Dennison A. A Narrative Review of the Applications of Ex-vivo Human Liver Perfusion. Cureus 2023; 15:e34804. [PMID: 36915839 PMCID: PMC10008027 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ex-vivo perfusion describes the extra-corporeal delivery of fluid to an organ or tissue. Although it has been widely studied in the context of organ preservation and transplantation, it has also proven to be an invaluable tool in the development of novel models for translational pre-clinical research. Here, we review the literature reporting ex-vivo human liver perfusion experiments to further understand current perfusion techniques and protocols together with their applications. A computerised search was made of Ovid, MEDLINE, and Embase using the search words "ex-vivo liver or hepatic perfusion". All relevant studies in English describing experiments using ex-vivo perfusion of human livers between 2016 and 2021, inclusive, were included. Of 21 reviewed studies, 19 used ex-vivo human liver perfusion in the context of allogeneic liver transplantation. The quality and size of the studies varied considerably. Human liver perfusion was almost exclusively limited to whole organs and "split" livers, although one study did describe the successful perfusion of tissue sections following a partial hepatectomy. This review of recent literature involving ex-vivo human liver perfusion demonstrates that the technique is not limited to whole liver perfusion. Split-liver perfusion is extremely valuable allowing one lobe to act as a control and increasing the number available for research. This review also highlights the present lack of any reports of segmental liver perfusion. The discarded donor liver is a scarce resource, and the successful use of segmental perfusion has the potential to expand the available experimental models to facilitate pre-clinical experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Kanani
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, GBR
| | - John Isherwood
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, GBR
| | - Eyad Issa
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, GBR
| | - Wen Y Chung
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, GBR
| | - Matteo Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, ITA
| | - Marco R Oggioni
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, GBR
| | - Giuseppe Garcea
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, GBR
| | - Ashley Dennison
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, GBR
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Rossignol G, Muller X, Hervieu V, Collardeau-Frachon S, Breton A, Boulanger N, Lesurtel M, Dubois R, Mohkam K, Mabrut JY. Liver transplantation of partial grafts after ex situ splitting during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion-The HOPE-Split pilot study. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1576-1587. [PMID: 35582790 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Partial liver grafts from ex situ splitting are considered marginal due to prolonged static cold storage. The use of ex situ hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) may offer a strategy to improve preservation of ex situ split grafts. In this single-center pilot study, we prospectively performed ex situ liver splitting during HOPE (HOPE-Split) for adult and pediatric partial grafts over a 1-year period (November 1, 2020 to December 1, 2021). The primary safety endpoint was based on the number of liver graft-related adverse events (LGRAEs) per recipient, including primary nonfunction, biliary complications, hepatic vascular complications, and early relaparotomies and was compared with consecutive single-center standard ex situ split transplantations (Static-Split) performed from 2018 to 2020. Secondary endpoints included preservation characteristics and early outcomes. Sixteen consecutive HOPE-Split liver transplantations (8 HOPE-Split procedures) were included and compared with 24 Static-Splits. All HOPE-Split grafts were successfully transplanted, and no graft loss nor recipient death was encountered during the median follow-up of 7.5 months (interquartile range, 5.5-12.5). Mean LGRAE per recipient was similar in both groups (0.31 ± 0.60 vs. 0.46 ± 0.83; p = 0.78) and split duration was not significantly increased for HOPE-Split (216 vs. 180 min; p = 0.45). HOPE-Split grafts underwent perfusion for a median of 125 min, which significantly shortened static cold storage (472 vs. 544 min; p = 0.001), whereas it prolonged total ex vivo preservation (595 vs. 544 min; p = 0.007) and reduced neutrophil infiltration on reperfusion biopsies (p = 0.04) compared with Static-Split. This clinical pilot study presents first feasibility and safety data for transplantation of partial liver grafts undergoing ex situ split during HOPE and suggests improved preservation compared with static ex situ splitting. These preliminary results will allow to set up large-scale trials on the use of machine perfusion in pediatric and split-liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Rossignol
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052 UMR 5286, Lyon, France.,ED 340 BMIC, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France.,Department of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Femme Mere Enfant University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Muller
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052 UMR 5286, Lyon, France.,ED 340 BMIC, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Valérie Hervieu
- Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | | | - Antoine Breton
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Natacha Boulanger
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Mickaël Lesurtel
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052 UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Rémi Dubois
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Femme Mere Enfant University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Kayvan Mohkam
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052 UMR 5286, Lyon, France.,Department of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Femme Mere Enfant University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Mabrut
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052 UMR 5286, Lyon, France.,ED 340 BMIC, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
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8
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Widmer J, Eden J, Carvalho MF, Dutkowski P, Schlegel A. Machine Perfusion for Extended Criteria Donor Livers: What Challenges Remain? J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175218. [PMID: 36079148 PMCID: PMC9457017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the renaissance of dynamic preservation techniques, extended criteria donor (ECD) livers reclaimed a valuable eligibility in the transplantable organ pool. Being more vulnerable to ischemia, ECD livers carry an increased risk of early allograft dysfunction, primary non-function and biliary complications and, hence, unveiled the limitations of static cold storage (SCS). There is growing evidence that dynamic preservation techniques—dissimilar to SCS—mitigate reperfusion injury by reconditioning organs prior transplantation and therefore represent a useful platform to assess viability. Yet, a debate is ongoing about the advantages and disadvantages of different perfusion strategies and their best possible applications for specific categories of marginal livers, including organs from donors after circulatory death (DCD) and brain death (DBD) with extended criteria, split livers and steatotic grafts. This review critically discusses the current clinical spectrum of livers from ECD donors together with the various challenges and posttransplant outcomes in the context of standard cold storage preservation. Based on this, the potential role of machine perfusion techniques is highlighted next. Finally, future perspectives focusing on how to achieve higher utilization rates of the available donor pool are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Widmer
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Eden
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mauricio Flores Carvalho
- Hepatobiliary Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Philipp Dutkowski
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centre of Preclinical Research, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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9
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Rossignol G, Muller X, Mohkam K, Dubois R, Lesurtel M, Mabrut JY. Full left/full right liver graft ex situ split during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14284. [PMID: 35437884 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ex vivo split liver transplantation in pediatric recipients has shown inferior results compared with whole grafts. One factor among others contributing to split grafts being considered as marginal is the prolonged static cold storage time related to ex vivo liver splitting. End ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion is a validated strategy to improve outcomes of marginal whole grafts and may thus also benefit split liver grafts. METHOD We present the first case of full left/full right split procedure performed during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion. RESULTS We present a standardized surgical two-step approach where parenchymal transection was performed during end ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion via the portal vein to shorten static cold storage duration. Both split grafts were successfully transplanted in a 4-year-old pediatric and a 38-year-old adult recipient. Despite high-risk procedure (retransplantation), extended donor criteria including a prolonged cardiac arrest and high donor risk index (2,25), both grafts showed early recovery of hepatic function and low serum transaminase release. At 6 months, both recipients were alive with a normal liver biology and a functioning graft. CONCLUSION Although challenging, full left/full right liver split procedure during end ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion can be successfully performed and is a promising strategy to improve post-transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Rossignol
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Femme Mere Enfant University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052, UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Muller
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052, UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Kayvan Mohkam
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Femme Mere Enfant University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052, UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Remi Dubois
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Femme Mere Enfant University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Mickaël Lesurtel
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052, UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Mabrut
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.,The Lyon Cancer Research Centre, INSERM U1052, UMR 5286, Lyon, France
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10
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Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion for Transplantation of a Pediatric Extended Right Lobe: Report of the First Case. Transplantation 2022; 106:e322-e323. [PMID: 35616916 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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11
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Bardallo RG, da Silva RT, Carbonell T, Palmeira C, Folch-Puy E, Roselló-Catafau J, Adam R, Panisello-Rosello A. Liver Graft Hypothermic Static and Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) Strategies: A Mitochondrial Crossroads. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5742. [PMID: 35628554 PMCID: PMC9143961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Marginal liver grafts, such as steatotic livers and those from cardiac death donors, are highly vulnerable to ischemia-reperfusion injury that occurs in the complex route of the graft from "harvest to revascularization". Recently, several preservation methods have been developed to preserve liver grafts based on hypothermic static preservation and hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) strategies, either combined or alone. However, their effects on mitochondrial functions and their relevance have not yet been fully investigated, especially if different preservation solutions/effluents are used. Ischemic liver graft damage is caused by oxygen deprivation conditions during cold storage that provoke alterations in mitochondrial integrity and function and energy metabolism breakdown. This review deals with the relevance of mitochondrial machinery in cold static preservation and how the mitochondrial respiration function through the accumulation of succinate at the end of cold ischemia is modulated by different preservation solutions such as IGL-2, HTK, and UW (gold-standard reference). IGL-2 increases mitochondrial integrity and function (ALDH2) when compared to UW and HTK. This mitochondrial protection by IGL-2 also extends to protective HOPE strategies when used as an effluent instead of Belzer MP. The transient oxygenation in HOPE sustains the mitochondrial machinery at basal levels and prevents, in part, the accumulation of energy metabolites such as succinate in contrast to those that occur in cold static preservation conditions. Additionally, several additives for combating oxygen deprivation and graft energy metabolism breakdown during hypothermic static preservation such as oxygen carriers, ozone, AMPK inducers, and mitochondrial UCP2 inhibitors, and whether they are or not to be combined with HOPE, are presented and discussed. Finally, we affirm that IGL-2 solution is suitable for protecting graft mitochondrial machinery and simplifying the complex logistics in clinical transplantation where traditional (static preservation) and innovative (HOPE) strategies may be combined. New mitochondrial markers are presented and discussed. The final goal is to take advantage of marginal livers to increase the pool of suitable organs and thereby shorten patient waiting lists at transplantation clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel G. Bardallo
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (R.G.B.); (T.C.)
| | - Rui T. da Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Universidade Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.T.d.S.); (C.P.)
- Experimental Pathology Department, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)-IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (E.F.-P.); (J.R.-C.)
| | - Teresa Carbonell
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (R.G.B.); (T.C.)
| | - Carlos Palmeira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Universidade Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal; (R.T.d.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Emma Folch-Puy
- Experimental Pathology Department, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)-IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (E.F.-P.); (J.R.-C.)
| | - Joan Roselló-Catafau
- Experimental Pathology Department, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)-IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (E.F.-P.); (J.R.-C.)
| | - René Adam
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AP-PH, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Arnau Panisello-Rosello
- Experimental Pathology Department, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)-IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (E.F.-P.); (J.R.-C.)
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AP-PH, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Villejuif, France;
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12
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de Ville de Goyet J, Boillot O. Letter to the editor: Liver splitting during ex-situ perfusion: Do not count your chickens before they are hatched…. Hepatology 2022; 75:1344. [PMID: 35028954 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean de Ville de Goyet
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Pediatric Abdominal Diseases and Abdominal TransplantationISMETTPalermoItaly
| | - Olivier Boillot
- Department of Liver DiseasesEdouard Herriot University HospitalLyonFrance
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13
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Parente A, Tirotta F, Ronca V, Schlegel A, Muiesan P. Donation after Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation in Paediatric Recipients. TRANSPLANTOLOGY 2022; 3:91-102. [DOI: 10.3390/transplantology3010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Waiting list mortality together, with limited availability of organs, are one of the major challenges in liver transplantation (LT). Especially in the paediatric population, another limiting factor is the scarcity of transplantable liver grafts due to additional concerns regarding graft size matching. In adults, donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver grafts have been used to expand the donor pool with satisfactory results. Although several studies suggest that DCD livers could also be used in paediatric recipients with good outcomes, their utilisation in children is still limited to a small number of reports. Novel organ perfusion strategies could be used to improve organ quality and help to increase the number of DCD grafts utilised for children. With the current manuscript, we present the available literature of LT using DCD grafts in paediatric recipients, discussing current challenges with the use of these livers in children and how machine perfusion technologies could be of impact in the future.
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14
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Sneiders D, van Dijk ABRM, Polak WG, Mirza DF, Perera MTPR, Hartog H. Full-left-full-right split liver transplantation for adult recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transpl Int 2021; 34:2534-2546. [PMID: 34773303 PMCID: PMC9300103 DOI: 10.1111/tri.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Full-left-full-right split liver transplantation (FSLT) for adult recipients, may increase the availability of liver grafts, reduce waitlist time, and benefit recipients with below-average body weight. However, FSLT may lead to impaired graft and patient survival. This study aims to assess outcomes after FSLT. Five databases were searched to identify studies concerning FSLT. Incidences of complications, graft- and patient survival were assessed. Discrete data were pooled with random-effect models. Graft and patient survival after FSLT were compared with whole liver transplantation (WLT) according to the inverse variance method. Vascular complications were reported in 25/273 patients after FSLT (Pooled proportion: 6.9%, 95%CI: 3.1-10.7%, I2 : 36%). Biliary complications were reported in 84/308 patients after FSLT (Pooled proportion: 25.6%, 95%CI: 19-32%, I2 : 44%). Pooled proportions of graft and patient survival after 3 years follow-up were 72.8% (95%CI: 67.2-78.5, n = 231) and 77.3% (95%CI: 66.7-85.8, n = 331), respectively. Compared with WLT, FSLT was associated with increased graft loss (pooled HR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.24-3.61, P = 0.006, n = 189) and patient mortality (pooled HR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.17-2.81, P = 0.008, n = 289). FSLT was associated with high incidences of vascular and biliary complications. Nevertheless, long-term patient and graft survival appear acceptable and justify transplant benefit in selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Sneiders
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Department of Surgery, Division of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anne-Baue R M van Dijk
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Department of Surgery, Division of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wojciech G Polak
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Department of Surgery, Division of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Darius F Mirza
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Hermien Hartog
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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15
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van Leeuwen OB, Porte RJ. Ex situ machine preservation of donor livers for transplantation: HOPE for all? Br J Surg 2021; 108:1139-1141. [PMID: 34476463 PMCID: PMC10364854 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) reduces ischaemia–reperfusion injury of donor livers and thereby improves outcomes after transplantation. End-ischaemic normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) enables assessment of hepatobiliary viability and selection of livers that would otherwise have been declined for transplantation. We advocate the combined use of (dual) HOPE and NMP for livers that are considered high risk, but may still be transplanted safely after ex situ resuscitation and assessment of hepatobiliary viability. Combined dual HOPE–NMP has the potential to substantially decrease the high rates of deceased donor liver discard.
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Affiliation(s)
- O B van Leeuwen
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - R J Porte
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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16
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Chan KM, Hung HC, Lee JC, Wu TH, Wang YC, Cheng CH, Lee CF, Wu TJ, Chou HS, Lee WC. A review of split liver transplantation with full right/left hemi-liver grafts for 2 adult recipients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27369. [PMID: 34596151 PMCID: PMC8483827 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation has become a routine operation in many transplantation centers worldwide. However, liver graft availability fails to meet patient demands. Split liver transplantation (SPLT), which divides a deceased donor liver into 2 partial liver grafts, is a promising strategy for increasing graft availability for transplantation and ameliorating organ shortage to a certain degree. However, the transplantation community has not yet reached a consensus on SPLT because of the variable results. Specifically, SPLT for 2 adult recipients using full right/left hemi-liver grafts is clinically more challenging in terms of surgical technique and potential postoperative complications. Therefore, this review summarizes the current status of SPLT, focusing on the transplantation of adult recipients. Furthermore, the initiation of the SPLT program, donor allocation, surgical aspects, recipient outcomes, and obstacles to developing this procedure will be thoroughly discussed. This information might help provide an optimal strategy for implementing SPLT for 2 adult recipients among current transplantation societies. Meanwhile, potential obstacles to SPLT might be overcome in the near future with growing knowledge, experience, and refinement of surgical techniques. Ultimately, the widespread diffusion of SPLT may increase graft availability and mitigate organ donation shortages.
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17
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Ex Vivo Liver Splitting and Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion: Technical Refinements of a Promising Preservation Strategy in Split Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2021; 105:e89-e90. [PMID: 34291769 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Mitochondrial Reprogramming—What Is the Benefit of Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion in Liver Transplantation? TRANSPLANTOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/transplantology2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although machine perfusion is a hot topic today, we are just at the beginning of understanding the underlying mechanisms of protection. Recently, the first randomized controlled trial reported a significant reduction of ischemic cholangiopathies after transplantation of livers donated after circulatory death, provided the grafts were treated with an endischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE). This approach has been known for more than fifty years, and was initially mainly used to preserve kidneys before implantation. Today there is an increasing interest in this and other dynamic preservation technologies and various centers have tested different approaches in clinical trials and cohort studies. Based on this, there is a need for uniform perfusion settings (perfusion route and duration), and the development of general guidelines regarding the duration of cold storage in context of the overall donor risk is also required to better compare various trial results. This article will highlight how cold perfusion protects organs mechanistically, and target such technical challenges with the perfusion setting. Finally, the options for viability testing during hypothermic perfusion will be discussed.
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