Does Liver Resection Remain a Viable Option in Patients With Pyogenic Liver Abscess? A Single-Center Experience

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) are relatively rare but often fatal if left untreated. Antibiotic therapy combined with percutaneous procedures has replaced surgery as the cornerstone of treatment. However, open surgical drainage or liver resection may be a last resort. This study aimed to review our experience in treating PLA, with a focus on the conditions requiring partial liver resection as the last viable curative option. Medical records of patients with PLA admitted to Jordan Hospital between October 2014 through October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Medical and demographic data of all 43 patients admitted to our facility with a diagnosis of PLA were extracted. We reviewed these patients and extracted the cases that required surgical intervention. Four (three males and one female) of the 43 patients with PLA required surgical intervention. The underlying causes of liver abscesses were as follows: one traumatic due to shrapnel injury from an explosion, one following chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma, and two patients with no apparent etiology. All patients were diagnosed with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast. Two patients had negative cultures. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics, and all underwent CT- or ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage or aspiration. All four patients required partial hepatic resection due to treatment failure or inaccessible percutaneous procedures with clinical improvement. Although antimicrobial and interventional therapy remains the primary treatment option in PLA, the surgical option with open surgical drainage or partial liver resection remains viable and curative in selected patients.

Ischemic Reperfusion Injury After Liver Transplantation: Is There a Place for Conservative Management?

Ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) after liver transplantation is a common cause of early allograft dysfunction with high mortality. The purpose of this case report series is to highlight an unusual clinical course in which complete recovery can occur following the identification of severe hepatic IRI post-transplantation and the implications of this finding on management strategies in patients with IRI post-transplant. Here, we include three cases of severe IRI following liver transplantation that are putatively resolved without retransplantation or definitive therapeutic intervention. All patients recovered until their final follow-up visits to our institution and developed no significant complications from their injury throughout the course of patient care by our institution after discharge from the hospital.

Unexpected long-term survival of Stage IV pancreatic cancer patient with synchronic liver metastases after multimodal therapy including upfront surgery

We report the case of a 56-year-old male with pancreatic cancer and 25 liver metastases. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy with 11 metastasectomies in the left liver lobe. Histological examination demonstrated a moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma with pT3N0M1, Stage IVb. Three weeks later, we performed transarterial chemoembolization for the right lobe of the liver, and after 6 weeks we started systemic chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX. After 31 months, computer tomography examination showed increases in size of the remaining lesions at segment VII/VIII of the right lobe. All liver metastases were surgically removed and a new chemotherapy was initiated. Nevertheless, after 40 months the patient developed two brain metastases. One was surgically resected and the smaller lesion was treated by gamma knife. Unfortunately, the patient died 42 months after the first presentation. Conclusively, in very selected patients with synchronic liver metastasis, multimodal treatment including repeated surgery, TACE and chemotherapy may prolong survival.

Hepatic and portal vein transection by vascular stapler in open living donor hepatectomy – A retrospective cohort study

Background

In an effort to increase donor safety in living donor liver transplantation, the utilization of vascular staplers for the division of the right portal and hepatic veins in patients undergoing right lobe liver donation for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was implemented. In here we report our experience with vascular staplers in patients undergoing LDLT and evaluate the subsequent feasibility and safety for donors.

Material and methods

17 cases of living donor liver transplant were retrospectively analyzed. The right portal vein was transected directly at the bifurcation of the main portal vein, the right hepatic vein was resected directly at the wall of the inferior vena cava using a vascular stapler device.

Results

We registered a complication rate of 41.2% (7 donors). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, grade II and grade III complications were each observed in 5.9% and grade IIIb complications in 29.4%, whereas catastrophic bleeding, complications with residual disability or the necessity of re-laparatomy did not occur. Upon 6 weeks, all donors were able to return to their previous occupation in fully recovered condition.

Conclusions

The utilization of vascular staplers in donors during open LDLT presents an encouraging alternative to manual over-sewing of vascular stumps. Apart from its timesaving aspect, the technique reduces the potential risk of life-threatening clamp slippage with subsequent uncontrolled blood loss.

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Portal or hepatic vein injuries are severe complications in liver transplant.

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Vascular staplers were used in an effort to increase donor safety.

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Hepatic or portal vein injuries or bleeding did not occur when using staplers.

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Vascular staplers may be a safe alternative to manual vascular sewing.

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Their use may be timesaving and reduce the risk of clamp slippage.

Role of biliary complications in chronic graft rejection after living donor liver transplantation

Postoperative biliary complications remain a substantial challenge after living donor liver transplantation, especially due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation.

Early Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Living Donor Liver Transplant: A 13-Year Single-Center Experience in Jordan

OBJECTIVES

Early hepatic artery thrombosis is a serious complication that may follow living donor liver transplant. Acute graft loss and patient morbidity and mortality are possible consequences. The therapeutic algorithm includes surgical or interventional revascularization, conservative approaches, or retransplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 155 patients who underwent living donor liver transplant at our transplant center from 2004 to 2020, there were 5 who developed hepatic artery thrombosis. From our 13- year experience, we herein present their demographic and clinical characteristics, radiological imaging findings, perioperative courses, and the postoperative follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients displayed advanced liver disease with a Child-Pugh score of C and a mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 32. Underlying causes for end-stage liver disease included hepatitis B and C infection and cryptogenic liver cirrhosis. The mean patient age was 49 years; 2 patients were female. Living donor liver transplant was performed with donor tissue from immediate kin, according to Jordanian allocation rules. The diagnosis of hepatic artery thrombosis was made by Doppler ultrasonography and confirmed via computed tomography. After surgical revision of the anastomosis, our first patient experienced thrombotic recurrence. All patients received interventional catheterization with local thrombolysis and subsequently developed rethrombosis. Despite prevalent thrombosis, 4 patients achieved long-term survival without further deterioration of liver function. Cumulative 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were 80%, 80%, and 60%, respectively. Spontaneous recanalization of the hepatic artery was observed in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable long-term outcomes are achievable in patients with persistent hepatic artery thrombosis. When retransplant is not feasible and interventional approaches fail, conservative treatment with careful observation of liver function should be implemented. Attentive observation of collateral circulation toward the liver, distal of the thrombosis, may be beneficial to both graft and patient survival.

Living Donor Liver Transplant in Patients With Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Single-Center Experience at Our University Hospital

OBJECTIVES

Budd-Chiari syndrome is an infrequent, but potentially fatal, hepatic condition with the clinical manifestation of obstructed venous drainage. This may lead to progressive hepatic congestion, portal hypertension, and, ultimately, liver failure. If medical, interventional, and surgical approaches are not effective, liver transplant offers a rescue modality. The primary objective of this study was to report the perioperative and, above all, the vascular challenges associated with living donor liver transplant in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed demographic and clinical characteristics of 6 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome who underwent living donor liver transplant at our transplant center from April 2004 to July 2020. We also evaluated all data regarding perioperative course, surgical outcome, and the postoperative follow-up period.

RESULTS

All patients displayed advanced liver disease with a Child-Pugh score C. The mean calculated Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 32. The causes of Budd-Chiari syndrome were factor V Leiden thrombophilia in 1 patient, myeloproliferative disorder in 3 patients, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in 1 patient, and a protein C deficiency in 1 patient. The mean age of patients was 40 years. One of the 6 patients was female. All patients had living donor liver transplant from immediate kin according to Jordanian allocation rules. The mean graft-to-recipient weight ratio was 0.9, and the median follow-up period was 89 months. Cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year-survival rates were 84%, 67%, and 67%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Good survival rates are achievable with living donor liver transplant for patients with advanced Budd-Chiari syndrome, particularly by means of posterior cavoplasty for enlargement of the cava orifice. Therefore, in countries with insufficient deceased donor programs, such as Jordan, living donor liver transplant may be a lifesaving therapeutic possibility.

Thrombolysis in Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism Following Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Postoperative pulmonary embolism following liver transplantations is still one of the most fatal complications, especially during the early postoperative phase. The use of a thrombolytic agent such as the recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) is considered a contraindication early after major abdominal surgery such as liver transplantation. However, thrombolysis after major surgery in the early postoperative period carries a substantial risk of surgical site hemorrhage. CASE REPORT A 55-year-old patient presented with a hepatic mass diagnosed as a combined cholangio/hepatocellular carcinoma. Following the criteria of the University of San Francisco, California (UCSF) for liver transplantation, the case was selected for liver transplantation. The patient received neoadjuvant therapy. After the liver transplantation, on the second postoperative day, an acute, severe dyspnea with sudden onset occurred on the surgical ward. A computed tomography angiography showed a drawn-out embolus, which sprawled into both pulmonary main arteries and occluded them subtotally. A thrombolysis with rtPA was started. Within the first 60 minutes of administration of rtPA, the circulation stabilized effectively, so that epinephrine could be tapered down to zero and the patient was promptly extubated. About 6 hours after administration of rtPA, a sudden and pronounced bleeding via one of the intraperitoneal drains occurred, hemoglobin concentration dropped from 9.7 g/dL to 6.4 g/dL. After immediate re-laparotomy, circulation and hemoglobin concentration were absolutely stable. CONCLUSIONS Even with anticipated high risk of bleeding, thrombolysis with rtPA can be used as a life-savings treatment in a case of pulmonary embolism after liver transplantation.

Severe acute alcoholic hepatitis and liver transplant: A never-ending mournful story

Severe acute alcoholic liver disease (SAAH) unresponsive to medical therapy shows one-year-mortality rates of up to 90%. Most transplant centers request six months of alcohol abstinence prior to transplantation, the so-called "6-month rule." This regulation is not based on strong evidence, repeatedly making it a topic of controversial debates. The majority of patients with SAAH will die before fulfilling the 6-month rule. Therefore, liver transplantation (LT) protocols are becoming more flexible towards the rigid abstinence regulation, especially concerning SAAH patients. We conducted a literature review regarding LT in SAAH and its outcomes, including post-transplant mortality and recidivism. We studied available data on PubMed from 2011 and onwards whilst including articles dealing with genetic components, medical therapy and historic snapshots of alcoholism. Emerging studies recommend LT in SAAH not responding to medical therapies even without realizing the required abstinence period, since the majority of these patients would die within 6 months. SAAH without response to medical therapy has one-year-mortality rates of up to 90%. The 6-month rule is not based on strong evidence and is repeatedly a topic of controversial debates. There is genetic linkage to alcoholism and medical therapy is not as effective as estimated, yet. The 6-months-regulation has not shown to evidently decrease the risk of recidivism post-LT, which is a lifesaving treatment in SAAH patients. Insisting on rigid sobriety rules results in excluding patients with a low risk of recidivism from being transplanted. Moreover, the genetic linkage of alcoholism must be recognized.

A Case of Live Donor Liver Transplantation in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure with Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Donor and Recipient with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Patient: Female, 47

Final Diagnosis: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Symptoms: Liver failure • pneumonia • renal failure

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Live donor liver transplantation

Specialty: Transplantology

First right lobe living-donor hepatectomy after sleeve gastrectomy

Background

Obesity presents one of the leading causes of many chronic liver disorders and injuries. Nowadays, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) demonstrates a challenging issue for the global health system. NASH can progress to life-threatening conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular or cholangio carcinoma. Currently, NASH cirrhosis is a major indication for liver transplant (LT).

Case presentation

We present the case of a 37 year-old male who has lost 74 kg after undergoing successful laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) four years ago. Recently, he underwent right hepatectomy in the course of living-donor liver transplantation for his sick father in our clinic. Before the SG was conducted four years ago, his weight was at 157 kg and his Body Mass Index (BMI) at 49 kg/m². At that time, Ultrasound examination showed severe fatty liver changes and intraoperative inspection of the liver was consistent with that observation. At the time of surgery, he weighed 83 kg and his BMI was at 27 kg/m². An effective weight reduction after bariatric surgery might protect NASH patients from further deterioration of their medical condition.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, we report the first successful case of a right lobe living-donor hepatectomy in a patient who previously underwent successful laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

First Left Hepatic Trisectionectomy Including Segment One with New Associated Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation with Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) Modification: How To Do It?

BACKGROUND Associated Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation with Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) leads to rapid hepatic hypertrophy and decreases incidence of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with a marginal future liver remnant. Various procedural ALPPS modifications were previously described. Here, we present the first case of a new ALPPS modification, carrying out a left hepatic trisectionectomy with segment 1. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with locally advanced sigmoid adeno-carcinoma and extensive left liver metastases extending to segment V and VIII, who received state-of-the-art systemic conversion chemotherapy. Preoperative CT volumetric scan demonstrated a FLR/TLV (Future Liver Remnant/Total Liver Volume) of 22%. A left hepatic trisectionectomy procedure was conducted using our new ALPPS modification. Sufficient hepatic hypertrophy of FLR was reached with a volume increase of 100%. The period between the 2 stages was 7 days. The patient underwent left trisectionectomy and left colectomy with tumor-free margins. All dissected lymph nodes were tumor-negative. The surgical intra- and postoperative course was uneventful. Medically, the patient acquired an Acinetobacter infection, with severe sepsis and acute renal injury. After 3 dialysis sessions, the renal function recovered completely. Afterwards, the patient recovered slowly, and reintroduction ambulation and oral feeding was prolonged. Later on, the patient received Xeloda 1500 mg twice daily as adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The new ALPPS modification leads to a sufficient hypertrophy of FRL within 1 week, allowing left hepatic trisectionectomy with tumor-free FRL. Despite the challenging complications, the new ALPPS modification might represent an alternative procedure for use when the classic ALPPS procedure is not applicable. Further studies are required.

Rapid Virological Response After Early Treatment with a Combined Therapy of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir in HCV Genotype 4 After Living Donor Liver Transplantation in a HCC Downstaged Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Patient: Male, 54

Final Diagnosis: HCC with portal vein

Symptoms: Liver failure

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Hepatitis c treatment • hcc tratment

Specialty: Transplantology

Combination Therapy of Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir in Recurrent HCV Genotype 4 After Liver Retransplantation: Case Report

BACKGROUND

The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is evolving rapidly. Many studies have been completed during the last 2 years, with more studies still in progress. The management of recurring HCV infection following liver organ transplantation remains very challenging, especially for HCV genotype 4 (GT-4). More research is needed in this area.

CASE REPORT

We report on a patient with a recurring HCV infection and fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis following liver retransplantation, who was successfully treated with a combination therapy of simeprevir and sofosbuvir without interferon/ribavirin. As far as we know, this is the first reported case of this kind.

CONCLUSIONS

This information may be of importance and inform future management of patients with recurrent HCV infections following liver transplantation.

Six month abstinence rule for liver transplantation in severe alcoholic liver disease patients

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the second most common diagnosis among patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). The recovery results of patients transplanted for ALD are often at least as good as those of patients transplanted for other diagnoses and better than those suffering from hepatitis C virus, cryptogenic cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. In the case of medically non-responding patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis or acute-on chronic liver failure, the refusal of LT is often based on the lack of the required alcohol abstinence period of six months. The obligatory abidance of a period of abstinence as a transplant eligibility requirement for medically non-responding patients seems unfair and inhumane, since the majority of these patients will not survive the six-month abstinence period. Data from various studies have challenged the 6-mo rule, while excellent survival results of LT have been observed in selected patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis not responding to medical therapy. Patients with severe advanced ALD should have legal access to LT. The mere lack of pre-LT abstinence should not be an obstacle for being listed.

Interposed abdominal compression-cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resuscitation outcome during asystole and electromechanical dissociation

BACKGROUND

Coronary perfusion pressure has been shown to be a significant determinant of return of spontaneous circulation from cardiac arrest during asystole and electromechanical dissociation. The addition of interposed abdominal compression to otherwise standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases coronary perfusion pressure in animal and human models.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Accordingly, we conducted a randomized prospective study of 143 consecutive patients experiencing cardiac arrest in a large university-affiliated teaching hospital in whom the initial arrest rhythm was asystole or electromechanical dissociation. Patients were randomized to receive either interposed abdominal compression-CPR or standard CPR. The two end points studied were return of spontaneous circulation and 24-hour survival. In addition, we studied the complications associated with interposed abdominal compression-CPR. Sixty-nine men and 74 women with a mean age of 64 years (range, 19-97 years) were studied. The overall rate of return of spontaneous circulation was 38%. Return of spontaneous circulation was significantly greater in the group receiving interposed abdominal compression-CPR compared with the group receiving standard CPR (49% versus 28%, p = 0.01). At 24 hours, there was a significantly greater number of patients alive in the experimental group than in the control group (33% versus 13%, p = 0.009). We found no complication directly related to the procedure of interposed abdominal compression in a small subset of patients who died and underwent necropsy.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the addition of interposed abdominal compression may be a useful adjunct to otherwise standard CPR that can improve resuscitation outcome of patients experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrest from asystole and electromechanical dissociation.