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Pavlidis ET, Katsanos G, Kofinas A, Tsoulfas G, Galanis IN, Pavlidis TE. Critical considerations for the management of acute abdomen in transplant patients. World J Transplant 2024; 14:93944. [PMID: 38947966 PMCID: PMC11212590 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.93944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of solid organ transplantations performed annually is increasing and are increasing in the following order: Kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, small bowel, and uterine transplants. However, the outcomes of transplants are improving (organ survival > 90% after the 1st year). Therefore, there is a high probability that a general surgeon will be faced with the management of a transplant patient with acute abdomen. Surgical problems in immunocompromised patients may not only include graft-related problems but also nongraft-related problems. The perioperative regulation of immunosuppression, the treatment of accompanying problems of immunosuppression, the administration of cortisol and, above all, the realization of a rapidly deteriorating situation and the accurate evaluation and interpretation of clinical manifestations are particularly important in these patients. The perioperative assessment and preparation includes evaluation of the patient's cardiovascular system and determining if the patient has hypertension or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or if the patient has had any coagulation mechanism abnormalities or thromboembolic episodes. Immunosuppression in transplant patients is associated with the use of calcineurin inhibitors, corticosteroids, and antiproliferation agents. Many times, the clinical picture is atypical, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment and leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Multidetector computed tomography is of utmost importance for early diagnosis and management. Transplant recipients are prone to infections, especially specific infections caused by cytomegalovirus and Clostridium difficile, and they are predisposed to intraoperative or postoperative complications that require great care and vigilance. It is necessary to follow evidence-based therapeutic protocols. Thus, it is required that the clinician choose the correct therapeutic plan for the patient (conservative, emergency open surgery or minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic or even robotic surgery).
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios T Pavlidis
- The 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Georgios Katsanos
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Center for Research and Innovation in Solid Organ Transplantation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kofinas
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Center for Research and Innovation in Solid Organ Transplantation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsoulfas
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Center for Research and Innovation in Solid Organ Transplantation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Ioannis N Galanis
- The 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Theodoros E Pavlidis
- The 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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Shafiekhani M, Azadeh N, Ashrafzadeh K, Esmaeili M, Nikoupour H. Serial transverse enteroplasty and nipple valve construction, two life saving techniques for patients with short bowel syndrome, a report of 5 cases. BMC Surg 2021; 21:446. [PMID: 34969388 PMCID: PMC8717644 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-021-01454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various abdominal pathologies end up with surgical resection of small intestine. When the small intestine remnant is too short for adequate fluid and micronutrients absorption, short bowel syndrome is diagnosed. The disabling condition needs a multidisciplinary approach to design parenteral nutrition, care for thrombotic, hepatic and infectious complications and gradually wean the patient from parenteral nutrition. Various surgical techniques have been introduced to increase absorptive mucosa and enhance the intestinal adaptation process. Serial transverse enteroplasty and nipple valve reconstruction are among the procedures, which will be discussed in the current article. Case presentation Herein, we presented 5 cases of short bowel syndrome as a consequence of abdominal laparotomies, patients were referred to our center to receive parenteral nutrition and to be prepared for the final autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction or intestinal transplantation, if indicated. Conclusion Patient’s age, performance status and bowel remnant length determines the appropriate technique for autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction. Serial transverse enteroplasty is designed to increase bowel’s length by creating zigzag patterns through dilated bowel loops. Presence of ileocecal valve is crucial to delay intestinal transit time and to prevent colonic bacterial transfer to ileum. Patient’s with ileocecal valve loss benefit from creating an artificial valve, namely, nipple valve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Shafiekhani
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nazanin Azadeh
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kiarash Ashrafzadeh
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Esmaeili
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Nikoupour
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Defining the Burden of Emergency General Surgery in Transplant Patients: A Nationwide Examination. J Surg Res 2019; 245:315-320. [PMID: 31421379 PMCID: PMC10182896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant patients are at the risk of serious sequelae from medical and surgical intervention. The incidence and burden of emergency general surgery (EGS) in transplant patients are scarcely known. This study aims to identify predictors of outcomes in transplant patients with EGS needs. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2007-2011) was queried for adult patients (aged ≥16 y) who underwent abdominal visceral transplantation. These were further queried for a secondary diagnosis of an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-defined EGS condition. Outcome measures included mortality, complications, length of stay, and cost of care. Propensity scores were used to match patients across baseline characteristics. Multivariate analysis was used to further adjust propensity score quintiles and hospital-level characteristics. RESULTS A total of 35,573 transplant patients were identified. Of these, 30% (n = 10,676) developed an EGS condition. Most common EGS conditions were resuscitation (7.7%), intestinal obstruction (7.3%), biliary conditions (3.9%), and hernias (3.2%). Patients with public insurance, those in the highest income quartile, and those treated at larger hospitals had a lower likelihood of developing an EGS condition (P < 0.05). Patients with an EGS condition had a ninefold higher likelihood of mortality and a threefold higher likelihood of developing complications (odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 9.21 [1.80-10.89] and 3.17 [3.02-3.34], respectively). Transplant patients after EGS had a longer risk-adjusted length of stay and cost of index hospitalization (Absolute difference [95% CI]: 12.70 [12.14-13.26] and $57,797 [55,415-60,179], respectively]). CONCLUSIONS Transplant patients fare poorly after developing an EGS condition. The results of this study will help in identifying at-risk patients and determining outcomes.
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Wang YM, Li K, Dou XG, Bai H, Zhao XP, Ma X, Li LJ, Chen ZS, Huang YC. Treatment of AECHB and Severe Hepatitis (Liver Failure). ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B 2019. [PMCID: PMC7498915 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1603-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This chapter describes the general treatment and immune principles and internal management for AECHB and HBV ACLF, including ICU monitoring, general supportive medications/nutrition/nursing, immune therapy, artificial liver supportive systems, hepatocyte/stem cell, and liver transplant, management for special populations, frequently clinical complications and the utilization of Chinese traditional medicines.Early clinical indicators of severe hepatitis B include acratia, gastrointestinal symptoms, a daily increase in serum bilirubin >1 mg/dL, toxic intestinal paralysis, bleeding tendency and mild mind anomaly or character change, and the presence of other diseases inducing severe hepatitis. Laboratory indicators include T-Bil, PTA, cholinesterase, pre-albumin and albumin. The roles of immune indicators (such as IL-6, TNF-α, and fgl2), gene polymorphisms, HBV genotypes, and gene mutations as early clinical indicators. Intensive Care Unit monitor patients with severe hepatitis include intracranial pressure, infection, blood dynamics, respiratory function, renal function, blood coagulation function, nutritional status and blood purification process. Nursing care should not only include routine care, but psychological and special care (complications). Nutrition support and nursing care should be maintained throughout treatment for severe hepatitis. Common methods of evaluating nutritional status include direct human body measurement, creatinine height index (CHI) and subject global assessment of nutrition (SGA). Malnourished patients should receive enteral or parenteral nutrition support. Immune therapies for severe hepatitis include promoting hepatocyte regeneration (e.g. with glucagon, hepatocyte growth factor and prostaglandin E1), glucocorticoid suppressive therapy, and targeting molecular blocking. Corticosteroid treatment should be early and sufficient, and adverse drug reactions monitored. Treatments currently being investigated are those targeting Toll-like receptors, NK cell/NK cell receptors, macrophage/immune coagulation system, CTLA-4/PD-1 and stem cell transplantation. In addition to conventional drugs and radioiodine, corticosteroids and artificial liver treatment can also be considered for severe hepatitis patients with hyperthyreosis. Patients with gestational severe hepatitis require preventive therapy for fetal growth restriction, and it is necessary to choose the timing and method of fetal delivery. For patients with both diabetes and severe hepatitis, insulin is preferred to oral antidiabetic agents to control blood glucose concentration. Liver toxicity of corticosteroids and immune suppressors should be monitored during treatment for severe hepatitis in patients with connective tissue diseases including SLE, RA and sicca syndrome. Patient with connective tissue diseases should preferably be started after the antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues. An artificial liver can improve patients’ liver function; remove endotoxins, blood ammonia and other toxins; correct amino acid metabolism and coagulation disorders; and reverse internal environment imbalances. Non-bioartificial livers are suitable for patients with early and middle stage severe hepatitis; for late-stage patients waiting for liver transplantation; and for transplanted patients with rejection reaction or transplant failure. The type of artificial liver should be determined by each patient’s condition and previous treatment purpose, and patients should be closely monitored for adverse reactions and complications. Bio- and hybrid artificial livers are still under development. MELD score is the international standard for choosing liver transplantation. Surgical methods mainly include the in situ classic type and the piggyback type; transplantation includes no liver prophase, no liver phase or new liver phase. Preoperative preparation, management of intraoperative and postoperative complications and postoperative long-term treatment are keys to success. Severe hepatitis belongs to the categories of “acute jaundice”, “scourge jaundice”, and “hot liver” in traditional Chinese medicine. Treatment methods include Chinese traditional medicines, acupuncture and acupoint injection, external application of drugs, umbilical compress therapy, drip, blow nose therapy, earpins, and clysis. Dietary care is also an important part of traditional Chinese medicine treatment.
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Lee IS, Park SH, Choi SJ, Shim Y, Ahn SJ, Kim KW, Kim KK, Jeong YM, Choe YH. Diagnostic Performance of Multidetector Computerized Tomography in the Detection of Abdominal Complications Early and Late After Liver Transplantation: A 10-Year Experience. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:3673-3680. [PMID: 30577254 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) is considered to be a fast noninvasive diagnostic technique for the evaluation of postoperative complications in patients with liver transplantation (LT). However, its role has not been fully established in the diagnosis for detecting complications after liver transplantation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MDCT for detecting abdominal complications in the early and late periods after LT. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 75 patients who had undergone LT from March 2006 to January 2010, followed by MDCT from March 2006 to November 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the timing after LT: within the first 3 months (early period) or ≥3 months after LT (late period). We evaluated vascular, biliary, and other complications on MDCT. Angiography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography were used as reference standards. RESULTS We initially found 77 complications in 45 patients (60.0%) with the use of MDCT. After comparison with the reference standards, 83 complications were diagnosed in 49 patients (65.3%). Forty-seven complications (34 vascular, 10 biliary, 3 other complications) were diagnosed in 33 patients (44.0%) during the early period, and 36 complications (6 vascular, 20 biliary, 10 other complications) were detected in 27 patients (36.0%) in the late period. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for diagnosing overall complications were, respectively, 93.6%, 90.2%, and 92.0% in the early period (for vascular complications: 97.1%, 92.6%, and 94.3%,; for biliary complications: 80.0%, 100%, and 97.7%) and 77.8%, 98.1%, and 89.8% in the late period (for vascular complications: 83.3%, 100%, and 98.9%; for biliary complications: 65.0%, 98.6%, and 90.9%). CONCLUSIONS Although MDCT in the late period should be interpreted with caution in patients with suspected biliary complication, MDCT is a reliable diagnostic technique for the identification of early and late abdominal complications after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Lee
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - S H Park
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.
| | - S J Choi
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Y Shim
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - S-J Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - K W Kim
- Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - K K Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Y M Jeong
- Department of Radiology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Y H Choe
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Hepatic sinusoidal dilatation refers to the enlargement of the hepatic capillaries. Most of the time this condition is caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction, which results in vascular stasis and congestion of hepatic parenchyma. In this setting, hepatic sinusoidal dilatation can be related to pericardial disease, heart failure, compression or thrombosis of the hepatic veins or inferior vena cava (i.e., Budd-Chiari syndrome) or central veins/sinusoids involvement (i.e., sinusoidal obstruction syndrome). Nevertheless, some extrahepatic inflammatory conditions (such as pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, pneumonia, pancreatitis, intestinal bowel disease, and others) may be associated with hepatic sinusoidal dilatation without concurrent venous outflow obstruction. On contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging, hepatic sinusoidal dilatation is typically characterized by a mottled, reticular enhancement of the liver, usually referred to as "mosaic" pattern. Other hepatic and extrahepatic imaging features, such us the dilatation of the hepatic veins or the presence of ascites, can help in identifying the cause of sinusoidal dilatation.
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