Innovative Technique Avoiding Bleeding After Reperfusion in Living Donor Liver Transplant Using a Modified Right Lobe Graft

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is a valuable therapeutic option for overcoming the deceased donor shortage. Modified right lobe graft (MRLG) keeps the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk with the remnant liver to improve donor safety. Hemostasis in the MHV tributary reconstruction can be tricky; surgical stitches and energy coagulation are ineffective. Fibrin glues are excellent vascular sealants but are poor in maintaining hemostasis in an active hemorrhage or preventing resection surface-related complications after liver resection. We propose applying fibrin sealant during back table graft preparation to seal the hepatic edge and MHV reconstruction to avoid bleeding after graft revascularization.

METHODS

Our retrospective cohort study included all adult patients undergoing LDLT between August 2017 and December 2021. During the back table procedure, we performed the reconstruction of the inferior right hepatic vein and/or MHV tributaries from segment 5 (V5) and segment 8 (V8) using a vein harvested from a nonrelated deceased donor. Before initiating the hepatic graft implantation, we applied fibrin sealant in the resected parenchyma, especially in the V5 and V8 anastomosis, to seal the hepatic edge and hepatic vein reconstruction.

RESULTS

No bleeding was identified in the hepatic edge, and blood product transfusion was unnecessary for any recipients after reperfusion.

CONCLUSION

In LDLT using MRLG with MHV reconstruction, the fibrin sealant, when applied on the raw hepatic surface, and vascular reconstruction during back table graft preparation avoided bleeding after graft revascularization.

Fibrin Sealant for Prevention of Bile Leakage After Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Incision: Outcome of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: There are several methods used to extract common bile duct (CBD) stones encountered during cholecystectomy. Intraoperative cholangiotomy, cholangioscopy, and laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) are techniques that allow removal of stones from the CBD during the index procedure. However, bile leakage following CBD exploration is a common problem. The aim of this study was to assess whether fibrin sealant applied to the duct incision is safe. Methods: Patients planned for laparoscopic gallstone surgery at the Department of Surgery, Enköping Hospital, were included in the study. In cases where perioperative cholangiography showed CBD stones, LCBDE was performed through a longitudinal incision in the CBD. Randomization between closure of the incision with polyglactin sutures or with fibrin sealant was performed. After all the stones had been removed and the incision closed according to the allocation, an abdominal drain was placed close to the incision. A T tube was placed in the CBD or a straight tube into cystic duct for eventual postoperative cholangiogram. The patient and the surgeon assessing the postoperative course were blinded to the randomized allocation. Results: Altogether 51 patients were included from December 2012 to July 2016. Mean operative time was 188 minutes in the fibrin sealant group and 214 minutes in the suture group (P = .159). There was no significant difference between groups in bile flow in the abdominal drainage tube or in the CBD drain during the three first postoperative days. The time to removal of the abdominal drain did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Although the present study lacks the statistical power to prove a benefit from fibrin sealant, it indicates that closure of the incision may be an option to reduce the risk for leakage. Further studies are required to confirm this. The study was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov September 5, 2015 (NCT02545153).

A meta-analysis evaluating the intra-operative use of collagen-fibrin sealants during inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy: A new direction in reducing post-operative morbidity or another disappointment?

BACKGROUND

The intra-operative application of collagen-fibrin sealants (CFS) has emerged as a promising intervention to reduce post-operative morbidity associated with inguino-femoral lymph node dissection (IFLND).

AIM

The purpose of this systematic review was to ascertain the efficacy and safety of CFS to reduce lymphatic morbidity after IFLND.

DESIGN

We systematically searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Database to identify all registered articles pertaining to the use of CFS during IFLND spanning the period Jan 1975 to April 2020. A direct-comparison meta-analysis was performed. Odds ratios (OR), standartised mean difference (SMD) and 95%| confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effect model.

RESULTS

A total of six randomised control trials (RCTs) and four observational studies were included in this study. The studies were characterised by significant clinical heterogeneity. The meta-analysis of RCTs showed that the application of CFS did neither decrease the length of drainage [SDM -0.55 (95% CI -1.34 to 0.23), p = 0.17] nor the amount of drained output [SMD 0.46 (95% CI -0.29 to 1.20), p = 0.23]. No significant different was found concerning the incidence of lymphocele(s) formation [OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.56-1.65), p = 0.88] or other wound complications. The safety profile of CFS was favourable.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the use of CFS was not associated with difference in the incidence of lymphatic morbidity related to IFLND. In light of the limited data available and the high inter-study heterogeneity, this evidence should be interpreted with caution. More high quality RCTs are warranted to draw firmer conclusions.

Haemostatic Efficacy of Topical Agents During Liver Resection: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials

BACKGROUND

Hepatic resection carries a high risk of parenchymal bleeding both intra- and post-operatively. Topical haemostatic agents are frequently used to control bleeding during hepatectomy, with multiple products currently available. However, it remains unknown which of these is most effective for achieving haemostasis and improving peri-operative outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review and random-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised trials investigating topical haemostatic agents in hepatic resection was performed. Interventions were analysed by grouping into similar products; fibrin patch, fibrin glue, collagen products, and control. Primary outcomes were the rate of haemostasis at 4 and 10 min.

RESULTS

Twenty randomized controlled trials were included in the network meta-analysis, including a total of 3267 patients and 7 different interventions. Fibrin glue and fibrin patch were the most effective interventions for achieving haemostasis at both 4 and 10 min. There were no significant differences between haemostatic agents with respect to blood loss, transfusion requirements, bile leak, post-operative complications, reoperation, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Amongst the haemostatic agents currently available, fibrin patch and fibrin glue are the most effective methods for reducing time to haemostasis during liver resection, but have no effect on other peri-operative outcomes. Topical haemostatic agents should not be used routinely, but may be a useful adjunct to achieve haemostasis when needed.

Costs Analysis of Fibrin Sealant for Prevention of Anastomotic Leakage in Lower Colorectal Surgery

Introduction

Postoperative anastomotic leaks remain a common and serious complication of colorectal surgeries and are a major cause of mortality and morbidity of these procedures. Anastomotic leaks (AL) have been extensively studied; however, there has been no significant reduction in their prevalence over time. In addition, there is a significant economic burden from AL attributed to the need for repeat surgery, radiologic intervention and lengthened hospital stay. We conducted a comparative cost analysis of patients undergoing colorectal surgery with anastomosis, with the application of fibrin sealant (FS) to the sutured anastomosis versus not treating the sutured anastomosis with FS.

Methods

The deterministic decision-tree model was populated with clinical data including operating room time, hospitalization days, occurrence of AL, need for revision surgery, blood products and radiologic interventions to treat the AL in lower colorectal surgery. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify appropriate studies with these variables.

Results

The average cost per case treated lower colorectal surgery with fibrin sealant glue 10 mL Tisseel^® and those not treated with a fibrin sealant after suturing the anastomoses was €3233 and €4130, respectively, for resource expenses paid by the healthcare system. This would suggest potential savings of €897 per surgery, achieved through the application of FS to the sutured anastomosis for preventing AL following colorectal surgery.

Conclusion

Application of FS to the sutured anastomosis in lower colorectal surgery resulted in a decrease in post-operative AL, and cost savings based on a reduction in hospitalization days, a reduction needing: revision surgery, radiologic intervention and blood products to treat AL.

Histopathological effects of modern topical sealants on the liver surface after hepatectomy: an experimental swine study

The present study aimed to determine the impact of different sealant materials on histopathological changes to the liver surface after liver resection. Thirty-six landrace pigs underwent left anatomical hemihepatectomy and were assigned to a histopathological control group (HPC, n = 9) with no bleeding control, a clinically simulated control group (CSC, n = 9) with no sealant but bipolar cauterization and oversewing of the liver surface, and two treatment groups (n = 9 each) with a collagen-based sealant (CBS) or a fibrinogen-based sealant (FBS) on resection surface. After postoperative day 6, tissue samples were histologically examined. There were no significant differences in preoperative parameters between the groups. Fibrin production was higher in sealant groups compared with the HPC and CSC groups (both p < 0.001). Hepatocellular regeneration in sealant groups was higher than in both control groups. A significantly higher regeneration was seen in the FBS group. Use of sealants increased the degree of fibrin exudation at the resection plane. Increased hepatocellular necrosis was seen in the CBS group compared with the FBS group. The posthepatectomy hepatocellular regeneration rate was higher in the FBS group compared with the CBS group. Randomized studies are needed to assess the impact of sealants on posthepatectomy liver regeneration in the clinical setting.

A Prospective, Randomized, Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Fibrin Sealant Grifols as an Adjunct to Hemostasis as Compared to Cellulose Sheets in Hepatic Surgery Resections

BACKGROUND

Local hemostatic agents have a role in limiting bleeding complications associated with liver resection.

METHODS

In this randomized, phase III study, we compared the efficacy and safety of Fibrin Sealant Grifols (FS Grifols) with oxidized cellulose sheets (Surgicel®) as adjuncts to hemostasis during hepatic resections. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving hemostasis at target bleeding sites (TBS) within 4 min (T₄) of treatment application. Secondary efficacy variables were time to hemostasis (TTH) at a later time point if re-bleeding occurs and cumulative proportion of patients achieving hemostasis by time points T₂, T₃, T₅, T₇, and T₁₀.

RESULTS

The rate of hemostasis by T₄ was 92.8% in the FS Grifols group (n = 163) and 80.5% in the Surgicel® group (n = 162) (p = 0.01). The mean TTH was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the FS Grifols group (2.8 ± 0.14 vs. 3.8 ± 0.24 min). The rate of hemostasis by T₂, T₅, and T₇ was higher and statistically superior in the FS Grifols group compared to Surgicel®. No substantial differences in adverse events (AE) were noted between treatment groups. The most common AEs were procedural pain (36.2 vs. 37.7%), nausea (20.9 vs. 23.5%), and hypotension (14.1 vs 6.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

FS Grifols was safe and well tolerated as a local hemostatic agent during liver resection surgeries. Overall, data demonstrate that the hemostatic efficacy of FS Grifols is superior to Surgicel® and support the use of FS Grifols as an effective local hemostatic agent in these surgical procedures.