Long-term efficacy of subtotal splenectomy due to portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients

In situ subtotal spleen resection combined with selective pericardial devascularization for the treatment of portal hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypersplenism and esophageal varices bleeding are the major complications of portal hypertension (PHT). In recent years, increasing attention has been given to spleen preservation operations. The mode and long-term effects of subtotal splenectomy and selective pericardial devascularization for PHT remain controversial.

AIM

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of subtotal splenectomy combined with selective pericardial devascularization for the treatment of PHT.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with PHT who underwent subtotal splenectomy not preserving the splenic artery or vein combined with selective pericardial devascularization in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from February 2011 to April 2022. Fifteen propensity score-matched patients with PHT who underwent total splenectomy at the same time served as the control group. The patients were followed for up to 11 years after surgery. We compared the postoperative platelet levels, perioperative splenic vein thrombosis, and serum immunoglobulin levels between the two groups. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography was used to evaluate the blood supply and function of the residual spleen. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, evacuation time, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The postoperative platelet level of patients in the subtotal splenectomy group was significantly lower than that in the total splenectomy group (P < 0.05), and the postoperative portal system thrombosis rate in the subtotal splenectomy group was also much lower than that in the total splenectomy group. The levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) showed no significant differences after surgery compared with before surgery in the subtotal splenectomy group (P > 0.05), but serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM levels decreased dramatically after total splenectomy (P < 0.05). The operation time in the subtotal splenectomy group was longer than that in the total splenectomy group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the amount of intraoperative blood loss, evacuation time, or hospital stay between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Subtotal splenectomy not preserving the splenic artery or vein combined with selective pericardial devascularization is a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients with PHT, not only correcting hypersplenism but also preserving splenic function, especially immunological function.

Individualized total laparoscopic surgery based on 3D remodeling for portal hypertension: A single surgical team experience

Background and aims

Portal hypertension (PHT) is common in end-stage cirrhosis, and variceal bleeding is the main complication associated with mortality. Surgery is usually performed in patients with PHT with a high risk of variceal bleeding in China. This study aimed to introduce an individualized and precise total laparoscopic surgical procedure based on 3D remodeling for PHT.

Methods

From March 2013 to December 2018, 146 patients with cirrhotic PHT underwent a laparoscopic surgical procedure in our department. An individualized 3D remodeling evaluation was carried out for surgical planning.

Results

The operation time was 319.96 ± 91.53 min. Eight of 146 patients were converted to open surgery. Acute portal vein system thrombosis occurred in 10 patients (6.85%). During the first year, 11 patients (8.15%) experienced rebleeding and two (1.48%) died. 18 patients (13.33%) experienced rebleeding and three died, giving a 3-year mortality rate of 3.66%. Compared with preoperatively, the portal vein showed significant postoperative decreases in diameter, flow velocity, and flow amount, while the hepatic artery showed significant postoperative increases in diameter, flow velocity, and flow amount. A 3D liver volume evaluation found that 19 of 21 patients had a significantly increased liver volume postoperatively, and a significantly decreased MELD score.

Conclusion

This retrospective study introduced a safe, feasible, and effective individualized surgical procedure. Our results show that this surgical treatment may not only act as an effective symptomatic treatment for PHT to prevent esophageal and gastric hemorrhage, but also as an etiological treatment to increase liver function and long-term survival.

Tuftsin: A Natural Molecule Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continuously progresses despite the application of a variety of vaccines. Therefore, it is still imperative to find effective ways for treating COVID-19. Recent studies indicate that NRP1, an important receptor of the natural peptide tuftsin (released from IgG), facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we found 91 overlapping genes between tuftsin targets and COVID-19-associated genes. We have demonstrated that tuftsin could also target ACE2 and exert some immune-related functions. Molecular docking results revealed that tustin could combine with ACE2 and NRP1 in stable structures, and their interacted regions cover the binding surfaces of S1-protein with the two receptors. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, we confirmed that tuftsin can bind ACE2 and NRP1 directly. Importantly, using SPR-based competition assay we have shown here that tuftsin effectively prevented the binding of SARS-CoV-2 S1-protein to ACE2. Collectively, these data suggest that tuftsin is an attractive therapeutic candidate against COVID-19 and can be considered for translational as well as clinical studies.

Splenectomy ameliorates portal pressure and anemia in animal models of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension

PURPOSE

Portal hypertension (PH)-associated splenomegaly is caused by portal venous congestion and splanchnic hyperemia. This can trigger hypersplenism, which favors the development of cytopenia. We investigated the time-dependent impact of splenectomy on portal pressure and blood cell counts in animal models of non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic PH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six rats underwent either partial portal vein ligation (PPVL), bile duct ligation (BDL), or sham operation (SO), with subgroups undergoing additional splenectomy. Portal pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, blood cell counts and hemoglobin concentrations were evaluated throughout 5 weeks following surgery.

RESULTS

Following PPVL or BDL surgery, the animals presented a progressive rise in portal pressure, paralleled by decreased mean arterial pressure and accelerated heart rate. Splenectomy curbed the development of PH in both models (PPVL: 16.25 vs. 17.93 ​mmHg, p ​= ​0.083; BDL: 13.55 vs. 15.23 ​mmHg, p ​= ​0.028), increased mean arterial pressure (PPVL: +7%; BDL: +9%), and reduced heart rate (PPVL: -10%; BDL: -13%). Accordingly, splenectomized rats had lower von Willebrand factor plasma levels (PPVL: -22%; BDL: -25%). Splenectomy resulted in higher hemoglobin levels in PPVL (14.15 vs. 13.08 ​g/dL, p ​< ​0.001) and BDL (13.20 vs. 12.39 ​g/dL, p ​= ​0.097) animals, and significantly increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (PPVL: +9%; BDL: +15%). Thrombocytopenia only developed in the PPVL model and was alleviated in the splenectomized subgroup. Conversely, BDL rats presented with thrombocytosis, which was not affected by splenectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Splenectomy improves both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic PH, and ameliorates the hyperdynamic circulation. Hypersplenism related anemia and thrombocytopenia were only significantly improved in the non-cirrhotic PH model.

Is omentectomy necessary in the treatment of benign or malignant abdominal pathologies? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The omentum is an organ that is easily sacrificed during abdominal surgery. The scope of omentectomy and whether a routine omentectomy should be performed are still unknown.

AIM

To review the literature in order to determine the physiological functions of the omentum and the roles it plays in pathological events in order to reveal the necessity for removal and preservation of the omentum.

METHODS

A clinical review of the English language literature based on the MEDLINE (PubMed) database was conducted using the keywords: “abdomen”, “gastrointestinal”, “tumor”, “inflammation”, “omental flap”, “metastasis”, “omentum”, and “omentectomy”. In addition, reports were also identified by systematically reviewing all references in retrieved papers.

RESULTS

The omentum functions as a natural barrier in areas where pathological processes occur in the abdominal cavity. The omentum limits and controls inflammatory and infectious pathologies that occur in the abdomen. It also aids in treatment due to its cellular functions including lymphatic drainage and phagocytosis. It shows similar behavior in tumors, but it cannot cope with increasing tumor burden. The stage of the disease changes due to the tumor mass it tries to control. Therefore, it is considered an indicator of poor prognosis. Due to this feature, the omentum is one of the first organs to be sacrificed during surgical procedures. However, there are many unknowns regarding the role and efficacy of the omentum in cancer.

CONCLUSION

The omentum is a unique organ that limits and controls inflammatory processes, foreign masses, and lesions that develop in the abdominal cavity. Omental flaps can be used in all anatomical areas, including the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. The omentum is an organ that deserves the title of the abdominal policeman. It is generally accepted that the omentum should be removed in cases where there is tumor invasion. However, the positive or negative contribution of omental resection in the treatment of abdominal pathologies should be questioned.

Is simultaneous partial splenectomy during pediatric liver transplantation safe and effective for severe hypersplenism? A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous splenectomy during liver transplantation is indicated for patients with cirrhosis complicated by severe hypersplenism, but disastrous procedure-related complications remain a special concern. Simultaneous partial splenectomy was adopted in pediatric liver transplant recipients with severe hypersplenism-related pancytopenia at our institution.

METHODS

A prospective, single-center analysis of 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and severe hypersplenism, who underwent liver transplantation between January 2015 to December 2019, was conducted. Patient characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with simultaneous partial splenectomy (n = 13) and those without (n = 8).

RESULTS

Simultaneous partial splenectomy significantly increased platelet and leukocyte counts in the early postoperative period, without increasing operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.64, P = 0.44, P = 0.26, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage (P = 0.38), pneumonia (P = 0.33), cholangitis (P = 0.38), thrombotic complications (P = 1.00), cytomegalovirus infection (P = 0.53), Epstein-Barr virus infection (P = 0.20) and acute rejection (P = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous partial splenectomy during liver transplantation could serve as a feasible alternative to splenectomy in selected patients with severe hypersplenism, which can achieve a satisfactory long-term hematological response, but avoid untoward complications of splenectomy.

Simultaneous partial splenectomy during liver transplantation for advanced cirrhosis patients combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism

BACKGROUND

The most effective treatment for advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension is liver transplantation (LT). However, splenomegaly and hypersplenism can persist even after LT in patients with massive splenomegaly.

AIM

To examine the feasibility of performing partial splenectomy during LT in patients with advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism.

METHODS

Between October 2015 and February 2019, 762 orthotopic LTs were performed for patients with end-stage liver diseases in Tianjin First Center Hospital. Eighty-four cases had advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism. Among these patients, 41 received partial splenectomy during LT (PSLT group), and 43 received only LT (LT group). Patient characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative hypersplenism (2/41, 4.8%) and recurrent ascites (1/41, 2.4%) in the PSLT group was significantly lower than that in the LT group (22/43, 51.2%; 8/43, 18.6%, respectively). Seventeen patients (17/43, 39.5%) in the LT group required two-stage splenic embolization, and further splenectomy was required in 6 of them. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the PSLT group (8.6 ± 1.3 h; 640.8 ± 347.3 mL) were relatively increased compared with the LT group (6.8 ± 0.9 h; 349.4 ± 116.1 mL). The incidence of postoperative bleeding, pulmonary infection, thrombosis and splenic arterial steal syndrome in the PSLT group was not different to that in the LT group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous PSLT is an effective treatment and should be performed in patients with advanced cirrhosis combined with severe splenomegaly and hypersplenism to prevent postoperative persistent hypersplenism.

Partial splenectomy: Who, when and how. A systematic review of the 2130 published cases

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

In order to avoid consequences of total splenectomy (including severe postsplenectomy sepsis), partial splenectomy (PS) is increasingly reported. Without guidelines and indications concerning a rarely-indicated procedure, a review of literature should be an asset.

METHODS

A systematic review of all PSs from 1960 to December 2017 was performed, with special focus on surgical indications, sites of resection, approaches and techniques of vascular dissection and parenchymal section/hemostasis of the spleen, perioperative morbidity/mortality, including complications compelling to perform total splenectomy.

RESULTS

Among 2130 PSs, indications for resection were hematological disease in 1013 cases and nonhematological conditions in 1078, including various tumors in 142 and trauma in 184. Parenchymal transection was performed using several techniques through the years, most frequently after having induced partial ischemia by splenic hilum vascular dissection/ligation. 371 laparoscopic/robotic PSs were reported. Rescue total splenectomy was required in 75 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although good results are probably overestimated by such a retrospective review, PS should be considered as a procedure associated with a low morbidity/mortality. Nevertheless, severe complications are also reported, and the need of total splenectomy should not to be minimized. Laparoscopic/robotic procedures are increasingly performed, with good results and rare conversions.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Partial spleen embolization reduces the risk of portal hypertension-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients not eligible for TIPS implantation

Introduction

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a severe and life-threatening complication among patients with portal hypertension (PH). Covered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the treatment of choice for patients with refractory or recurrent UGIB despite pharmacological and endoscopic therapy. In some patients, TIPS implantation is not possible due to co-morbidity or vascular disorders. Spleen embolization (SE) may be a promising alternative in this setting.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 9 patients with PH-induced UGIB who underwent partial SE between 2012 and 2016. All patients met the following criteria: (i) upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage with primary or secondary failure of endoscopic interventions and (ii) TIPS implantation not possible. Each patient was followed for at least 6 months after embolization.

Results

Five patients (56%) suffered from cirrhotic PH, 4 patients (44%) from non-cirrhotic PH. UGIB occured in terms of refractory hemorrhage from gastric varices (3/9; 33%), hemorrhage from esophageal varices (3/9; 33%), and finally, hemorrhage from portal-hypertensive gastropathy (3/9; 33%). None of the patients treated with partial SE experienced re-bleeding episodes or required blood transfusions during a total follow-up time of 159 months, including both patients with cirrhotic- and non-cirrhotic PH.

Discussion

Partial SE, as a minimally invasive intervention with low procedure-associated complications, may be a valuable alternative for patients with recurrent PH-induced UGIB refractory to standard therapy.

Splenectomy before adult liver transplantation: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

A considerable number of patients with portal hypertension (PHT) have to undergo splenectomy because they do not meet the requirements for liver transplantation (LT) or cannot find a suitable liver donor. However, it is not known whether pre-transplantation splenectomy may create occult difficulties for patients who require LT in future.

METHODS

We analyzed 1059 consecutive patients who underwent adult liver transplantation (ADLT). Patients with pre-transplantation splenectomy Sp(+) and without splenectomy Sp(-) were compared using a propensity score analysis to create the best match between groups.

RESULTS

There were no differences between patients in group Sp(+) and group Sp(-) with respect to the main post-operative infections (12.20% vs. 15.85%, P = 0.455), and the incidence of major complications (6.10% vs. 10.98%, P = 0.264). The post-operative platelet count was significantly higher in group Sp(+) (P = 0.041), while group Sp(-) had a higher rate of post-operative thrombocytopenia (91.46% vs. 74.39%, P = 0.006) and early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (23.20% vs. 10.98%, P = 0.038). The 5-year overall survival rates were similar in groups Sp(-) and Sp(+) (69.7% vs. 67.6%, P = 0.701).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with Sp(-), the risk of infection and post-operative complications in group Sp(+) was not increased, while group Sp(-) had a higher rate of post-operative EAD. Moreover, pre-transplantation splenectomy is very effective for the prevention of thrombocytopenia after LT. Pre-transplantation splenectomy is recommended in cases with risky PHT patients without appropriate source of liver for LT.