Prevention and treatment of hepatic artery dissection in donors and recipients during liver transplantation / 器官移植

Hepatic artery reconstruction is one of the key procedures in liver transplantation. Accidental dissection of the hepatic artery to be reconstructed caused by donor and recipient factors or surgical factors will disrupt the surgical plan, increase the difficulty of arterial reconstruction, significantly prolong the operation time, increase the risk of postoperative arterial stenosis and thrombosis and probably lead to acute allograft failure, which requires emergency surgical interventions or even secondary liver transplantation. Understanding of how to avoid dissection of the artery to be anastomosed during liver transplantation and corresponding treatment will contribute to preventing the incidence of artery-related complications during liver transplantation and improving clinical prognosis of liver transplant recipients. In this article, the causes, prevention and treatment of hepatic artery dissection and hepatic artery reconstruction in donors and recipients during liver transplantation were illustrated.

Effect of hepatic artery reconstruction techniques on prognosis of liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the effect of different techniques of hepatic artery reconstruction on postoperative hepatic artery complications and clinical prognosis in liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 140 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. All recipients were divided into the conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group (n=123) and special hepatic artery reconstruction group (n=17) according to hepatic artery reconstruction methods. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical indexes, the incidence of postoperative hepatic artery complications and survival rate were compared between two groups. Results The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels at postoperative 1 d, total bilirubin (TB) at postoperative 7 d and prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) at postoperative 30 d in special hepatic artery reconstruction group were higher than those in conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time, anhepatic phase, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion volume of red blood cells, cold or warm ischemia time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the length of hospital stay and postoperative blood flow of liver allograft between two groups (all P > 0.05). In the conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group, 5 recipients developed hepatic artery complications, whereas no hepatic artery complications occurred in the special hepatic artery reconstruction group, with no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). In the special hepatic artery reconstruction group, the 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates were equally 82.4%, compared with 85.0%, 78.9% and 75.6% in the conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions When hepatic artery variations and (or) lesions are detected in donors and recipients, use of special hepatic artery reconstruction may effectively restore the hepatic arterial blood flow of liver allograft after liver transplantation, and will not affect the incidence of hepatic artery complications and survival rate of the recipients following liver transplantation.

Transabdominal pericardial anastomosis of suprahepatic vena cava and right atrium in liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated with liver cancer: a case report with surgical video / 器官移植

Objective To summarize clinical experience of transabdominal pericardial anastomosis of suprahepatic vena cava of the donor and right atrium of the recipient in liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) complicated with liver cancer. Methods Clinical data of a BCS patient complicated with liver cancer undergoing transabdominal pericardial anastomosis of suprahepatic vena cava and right atrium in liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Results The hepatic vein and suprahepatic vena cava were partially occluded in the patient. Liver transplantation was completed by transabdominal pericardial anastomosis of suprahepatic vena cava and right atrium with beating-heart. In addition, due to pathological changes of the recipient's hepatic artery, splenic artery of the recipient was cut off, distal ligation was performed, and the proximal end was reversed and anastomosed with the common hepatic artery of the donor liver, and the reconstruction of hepatic artery was completed. The surgery was successfully performed. At approximately postoperative 1 week, the function of the liver allograft was gradually restored to normal, and no major complications occurred. The patient was discharged at postoperative 25 d. No signs of BCS recurrence was reported after 8-month follow-up. Conclusions It is safe and feasible to treat BCS by liver transplantation with transabdominal pericardial anastomosis of suprahepatic vena cava and right atrium. BCS patients complicated with liver cancer obtain favorable prognosis.

Difference of clinical efficacy between surgical magnifying glass and surgical microscope assisted hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To compare the difference of clinical efficacy between surgical magnifying glass and surgical microscope assisted hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods Clinical data of 272 donors and recipients undergoing LDLT were retrospectively analyzed. According to different patterns of hepatic artery reconstruction, all recipients were divided into the magnifying glass group (n=189) and microscope group (n=83). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hepatic artery reconstruction site, diameter of anastomosis, incidence of postoperative complications and survival rate of recipients were statistically compared between two groups. Results Compared with the microscope group, the operation time, hepatic artery reconstruction time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less in the magnifying glass group (all P < 0.001). The most common site of hepatic artery reconstruction was the right hepatic artery in two groups, and the diameter of anastomosis was (2.1±0.9) mm in the magnifying glass group and (2.1±0.8) mm in the microscope group, with no statistical significance between two groups (P > 0.05). The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates of recipients in the magnifying glass group were 88%, 86% and 85%, which did not significantly differ from 89%, 87% and 86% in the microscope group (all P > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications did not significantly differ between two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions The efficacy and safety of hepatic artery reconstruction in LDLT under surgical magnifying glass are equivalent to those under surgical microscope, with less operation workload and intraoperative blood loss. For experienced transplantation surgeons, it is recommended to perform hepatic artery reconstruction assisted by surgical magnifying glass.

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy combined with hepatic artery reconstruction in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To study the combined use of ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) with hepatic artery reconstruction in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with hepatic arterial involvement.Methods The clinical data of 7 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent ALPPS combined with hepatic arterial resection and reconstruction were analyzed retrospectively.The technical points and the perioperative management were analyzed.Methods At the first stage,the relationship between the tumor and the vessels were explored,the portal vein of the part of the liver to be resected was ligated and the liver was transected with a CUSA (Cavitron Ultrasound Surgical Aspirator).Then the bile duct was cut and a hepaticojejunostomy was completed.Finally,under ultrasound guidance,a bile duct drainage tube was inserted transhepatically into the part of the liver which was to be resected.Two to three weeks later,and after enough hypertrophy of the liver remnant size was confirmed,tumor resection was completed with reconstruction of the hepatic artery.Results Seven patients underwent the second stage operation,with no perioperative death.Six patients developed pulmonary infection and were treated successfully with conservative treatment.Two patients developed postoperative bile leak with secondary abdominal infection.One patient developed postoperative hepatic artery thrombosis secondary to biliary tract infection.Conclusion ALPPS combined with hepatic artery reconstruction was safe and feasible in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with hepatic arterial involvement.

Staged Repair of Anomalous Origin of the Right Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta in a Low Birth Weight Infant : A Surgical Option for the Relief of the Postoperative Right Pulmonary Artery Stenosis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A premature boy was born after 35 weeks gestation (1,561 g in weight) with a diagnosis of anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AORPA) and perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD). The fourteenth day after birth, banding of the right pulmonary artery was performed as a palliative operation. At the age of 5 months (3.9 kg in weight), the right pulmonary artery branched from the ascending aorta, and was anastomosed to a flap made by the lateral wall of the main pulmonary artery with pericardial patch augmentation. VSD patch closure was performed concomitantly. Severe stenosis of the right pulmonary artery compressed by the ascending aorta and left pulmonary hypertension were revealed 3 weeks after the repair. At the age of 11 months, a surgical relief of the right pulmonary artery stenosis was performed. Transection of the ascending aorta provided an excellent exposure of the right posterior pulmonary artery. After patch plasty of the stenotic pulmonary artery, the divided ascending aorta was restored using a strip form patch on 4/5 circle of its posterior wall to extend the aorta and widen the space for the right pulmonary artery. This technique preserves growth potential of the ascending aorta. There are few reports of surgical repair of AORPA with VSD in low birth weight infants. We presented here a case with surgical relief of post-operative right pulmonary artery stenosis. Long term observation of repaired right pulmonary artery, and requiring residual slight hypertension of the left pulmonary artery.

Combined anterograde and retrograde method exposing porta hepatis for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma invading porta hepatis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To explore the surgical safety and clinical efficacy of combined anterograde and retrograde method exposing porta hepatis for the treatment of the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma invading porta hepatis.Methods The retrospective descriptive study was conducted.The clinicopathological data of 3 patients with left intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma invading porta hepatis who were admitted to the Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from February 2015 to May 2016 was collected.All the 3 patients underwent left hemihepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy after preoperative lab and imaging examinations and the evaluations of liver function and residual liver volume.The surgical procedures followed as:anterograde dissection of porta hepatis,exposure of hilar plate,left hemihepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy,right artery resection and reconstruction,hilar cholangioplasty and bilioenteric anastomosis.Observation indicators included:(1) surgical situations:operation time,time of hepatic artery~ anastomosis and volume of intraoperative blood loss;(2) postoperative pathological examinations;(3) postoperative situations:postoperative complications (biliary fistula,hemorrhage,abnormal liver function,gastroplegia) and postoperative chemotherapy;(4) follow-up:postoperative patients' survival and carcinoma occurrence.Follow-up was performed to by outpatient examination up to December 2016.The follow-up included clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain,chills,fever and jaundice,liver function and tumor marker examination,and color ultrasound Doppler or abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed to detect carcinoma recurrence.Measurement data was represented as average (range).Results (1) Surgical situations:all the 3 patients underwent successful left hemihepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy using combined antegrade and retrograde method exposing porta hepatis,including 1 combined with right hepatic artery resection and reconstruction,without perioperative death.The average operation time,average time of hepatic artery anastomosis and average volume of intraoperative blood loss of 3 patients were 493 minutes (range,430-570 minutes),11 minutes and 526 mL (range,450-600 mL),respectively.(2) Postoperative pathological examination showed 3 patients were diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma,2 with nerve bundles invaded and 2 with No.12 lymph node metastasis,with negative margins of bile duct and hepatic artery.(3) Postoperative situations:3 patients are not complicated with biliary fistula and gastroplegia.One patient with postoperative liver dysfunction after right artery resection and reconstruction underwent anti-infection,hepatoprotection and anti-hepatic encephalopathy therapies,and then was improved and discharged from hospital at 4 weeks postoperatively.The other 2 patients recovered steadily without complications such as hypohepatia,and then respectively discharged from hospital at 17 and 20 days postoperatively.All the 3 patients underwent chemotherapy of gemcitabine combined with S-1 for 8 courses at week 4 or 5 postoperatively.(4) Follow-up:all the 3 patients were followed up for 7-20 months,with good general conditions and normal liver function and without cholangitis symptoms.One patient received right artery reconstruction,and CT reexamination at postoperative month 3 showed fine imaging of right hepatic artery.There was no sign of carcinoma recurrence.Conclusion The combined anterograde and retrograde method exposing porta hepatis for the treatment of the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma invading porta hepatis can increase the radical resection rate and surgical safety.

Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of advanced thyroid carcinoma invading common carotid artery / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To investigate the application of carotid artery resection and reconstruction in surgical management of thyroid carcinoma with carotid artery involvement.Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 10 patients whose common carotid arteries were invaded by thyroid carcinoma.All patients underwent tumor en bloc resection and carotid arteries reconstruction.Patients were evaluated by muhidisciplinary team and surgeries were cooperated by general surgeons,orthopedists and vascular surgeons.The perioperative complications and surgical outcomes were also recorded and analyzed.Results No patient had complications of central nervous system.One patient suffered Horner syndrome and one presented hoarseness postoperative.Two patients had wound infection,two patients presented carcinoma recurrence and two patients presented distant metastasis during the follow-up.Conclusion En bloc resection of tumor and carotid artery reconstruction is a feasible modality in treatment of thyroid carcinoma with carotid artery invasion.

Retrospective analysis of operative methods and complications in 29 patients with carotid body tumor / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the operative methods and complications for surgical resection of carotid body tumor (CBT). Method:Clinical data of 29 patients underwent CBT resection from Jan 2007 to Apr 2015 were retrospectively studied. Result:Five out of 29 patients got bilateral CBT, the others had unilateral lesions, totally 34 CBT resection were performed. Tumor completely dissected without carotid artery clamping and reconstruction in 18 procedures, tumor resection combined with external carotid artery resection in 16 procedures, 9 out of these 16 procedures combined with internal carotid artery resection. The internal carotid artery was reconstructed with autologous greater saphenous vein in 4 procedures, with artificial graft in 3 procedures, and internal carotid artery ligation without reconstruction in 2 procedures. There was no patient death during perioperative period, cerebral infarction happened in 1 patient and cranial nerve injury occurred in 12 cases. Conclusion:Carotid artery resection and reconstruction is very common during CBT resection, surgeon must be familiar with the methods of carotid artery reconstruction, and the most common complication of carotid body tumor resection is the cranial nerve injury.

Bypass reconstruction of hepatic artery using gastro-duodenal artery in radical operation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of hepatic artery bypass reconstruction using gastroduodenal artery in radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma,and to provide assistance for surgeons applying artery reconstruction technique correctly in radical operation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods 9 cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with hepatic artery invasion wcrc subjected to radical resection combined with tumor invaded hepatic artery resection and reconstruction.Hepatic artery bypass reconstruction was performed by end-to end anastomosis,using the gastroduodenal artery interposition graft.The clinical data of these patients were reviewed retrospectively.Results All tumors of these cases with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were involved right hepatic artery,and the in volvement length was not less than 2 cm.The artery reconstruction was one-time successfully per formed in all cases.The median time required for anastomosis was (23.0±3.1) min.No postoperative complications,the dysfunction of gastrointestinal peristalsis or abnormal gastric drainage volume for example,related to the gastro-duodenal artery resection was observed.None of the patients devel oped any complications related to the arterial bypass reconstruction in the follow-up period,which was confirmed by abdominal CT scan.Conclusion Hepatic bypass reconstruction using gastro duodenal artery graft decreases the morbidity related to artery reconstruction and has little effect on gastrointes tinal function,which is the optimal choice for arterial reconstruction in radical operation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

The protective effect of intercostal artery reconstruction for spinal cord in thoracoabdominal aorta replacement / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analysis the role of intercostal artery reconstruction in spinal cord protection for patients with extent thoracoabdominal aotic aneurysm (TAAA) repair.MethodsFrom August 2003 to August 2010,extent Crawford Ⅱ TAAA repair were performed in 81 consecutive patients with mean age (39.4 ± 10.3) years and 61 (75.3％)were males.All the procedures were performed under profound hypothermia with interval cardiac arrest.Patientswere opened with a thoracoabdominal incision.Extracorporeal circulation was instituted with two arterial cannulae and a single venous cannula in the right atrium.T6 to T12 intercostal arteries and L1,2 lumbar arteries were formed to a neo-intercostal artery in place and were connected to an 8mm branch for keeping spinal cord blood perfusion.Visceral arteries were joined into a patch and anastomosed to the end of the main graft.Left renal artery was anastomosed to an 8mm branch or joined to the patch.The other 10mm branches were anastomosed to iliac arteries.ResultsWith 100％ follow-up,early mortality was 7.4％ (6/81),one patient was dead result from cerebral hemorrhage,three from renal failure,one from heart failure because of myocardial infarction and one from rupture of cliac artery dissection.Postoperative spinal cord deficits was 3.7％ (3/81),temporary paraplegia were observed in 2 patients and paraparesis occurred in 1 patient,but all of them were without bladder or rectum deficits.Neo- intercostal arteries were clogged in 12 patients within follow-up,and two of those patients with Marfan syndrome underwent pseudoaneurysm after intercostal arteries reconstruction.The mean survival time in this group is (54.22 ± 3.03 )months (95％ CI:44.37 months,59.90 months)with survival rate 92.37％ after 1 year,89.02％ after 2 years,85.54％ after 5 years.Three patient were dead with long term follow-up,one were resulted from cerebral hemorrhage at 20th month,one from rupture of ascending aorta at 23rd month and the last from rupture of aorta ulcer.ConclusionIntercostal artery reconstruction is a reliable method in spinal cord protection for patients with TAAA repair.It is a feasible method with acceptable surgical risks and satisfactory results.It can achieve long term result with less risk of spinal cord deficits and good quality of daily life.

Effect of Microsurgery Training Program for Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Liver Transplantation

PURPOSE: During liver transplantation (LT), complications of the hepatic artery have been decreased because of microsurgery in reconstruction of hepatic artery has been widely adopted. However, in an early step of the LT program, hepatic artery reconstruction generally tends to be done with the help of a micro-surgeon from the the plastic surgery in most of Korean medical centers. In our center, we also have done reconstruction of the hepatic artery using a microscope and the skills of a plastic surgeon. We did this between Feb, 2005 and Jun, 2008 for liver transplantations. The increased the need for micro-surgeons in liver surgery as increased the cases of liver transplantation steadily. After training general surgeons of the surgical department who had no experience with microsurgery, we invested in the micro-surgery of hepatic artery reconstruction. Here we report the result of that investment. METHODS: Liver transplant patients (n=176) were enrolled between Feb, 2005 and Jul, 2009. Between Jul, 2008 and Jul, 2009, 28 cases of reconstruction of the hepatic artery were done by a general surgeon who had micro-surgery training. Before training in hepatic artery reconstruction, the general surgeon spent 3 months being introduced to micro-surgery in the micro animal laboratory. Because the training was repeated, the surgeon became skilled in doing artery anastomosis using rat's abdominal aorta. At the same time, we trained a plastic surgeon to do hepatic artery reconstruction during liver transplantation as the first assistant. From Jul, 2008 to the present time, the general surgeon was exclusively in charge of hepatic artery reconstruction during liver transplantation. Hepatic artery reconstruction was done using a microscope. Stitching was done using 8-0 or 9-0 nylon, and an interrupted end-to-end anastomosis was done. After hepatic artery reconstruction, artery flow was confirmed by ultrasonic doppler. For group A patients, left lobe grafts were used in 33, right lobe grafts in 73, dual grafts in 6, and whole liver grafts in 36. RESULTS: For group B patients, left lobe grafts were used in 1 and right lobe grafts in 21, while whole liver grafts were used in 6. In Group A, hepatic artery complications occurred in 5 cases (3.3%), and in Group B such complications did not occur (0%). There was no statistical difference (p=0.312). CONCLUSION: For hepatic artery reconstruction, during micro-surgery under a surgical microscope, it is thought that it is best to invest in a general surgeon who has been trained in micro-surgery. We suggest that a general surgeon is suitable for hepatic artery reconstruction after only a short time of micro surgery training.

Hepatic Artery Reconstruction Using the Right Gastroepiploic Artery for Hepatic Artery Inflow in a Living Donor Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Securing the source of hepatic artery inflow is essential for living donor liver transplantation. However, sometimes, the hepatic arteries of the recipients are in poor condition for a good anastomosis in living donor liver transplantation; problems include severe arteriosclerosis, intimal dissection, and significant intimal injuries caused by previous transarterial procedures. In these conditions, the right gastroepiploic artery has generally been the preferred artery because of its anatomical location, size and length. Here, a case of successful hepatic artery reconstruction is reported using the right gastroepiploic artery in living donor liver transplantation. The recipient's hepatic arterial intima was severely injured by multiple transarterial chemoembolization and unsuitable for reconstruction. Instead, the right gastroepiploic artery was anastomosed to the hepatic artery of the graft. Arterial blood flow was satisfactory on Doppler ultrasonography during the operation, and complications related to the hepatic artery were not detected during the follow-up period. Therefore, the right gastroepiploic artery may be considered as a suitable alternative for hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation.

Effects of hepatic artery reconstruction in rat with orthotopic liver transplantation on ultrastructure of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells and biliary complications / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To observe the effects of hepatic artery reconstruction in rat with orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)on ultrastructure changes of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells after ischemia reperfusion iniury and postoperative biliary complications. Methods Male SD rats were divided into sham operation group (SO),OLT with hepatic artery reconstruction group(HA)and OLT without hepatic artery reconstruction group (NA).The liver tissue samples were collected at 0.5,3,6,12,24,36,48 hours after ischemia reperfusion in both HA grouD and NA group.The uhrastructure of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells was observed by transmission electron microscope,and the morphometric analysis by the computer image analysis system.The postoperative biliary complications were also observed.Results In HA group and NA group,the injury of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells aggravated gradually along with the reperfusion.The uhrastructure changes,such as enlarged mitochondria,blurred or disappeared cristae and decreased number of microvilli,were most significant at 24 hours and then recovered gradually.The mitochondrial average area and average perimeter were increased and the mitochondrial numerical densitv was decreased gradually along with the reperfusion.At 24,36,48 hours,the mitochondrial average area and average perimeter in NA group were significantly greater than those in HA group(t=-3.566,-7.780,-4.730,-4.610,-2.599,-5.730,P＜0.05).The average numerial density of mitochondia in NA group was significantly less than that in HA group at 36,48 hours(t=-4.619,4.000,P＜0.05).The incidence rate of biliary complications in HA group is significantly lower than that in NA group(x2=4.286,P＜0.05).Conclusions Hepatic artery reconstruction in rat with OLT has an protective effect on the uhrastructure of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells after ischemia reperfusion.It is beneficial to the recovery of intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells and can reduce the incidence rate of biliary complications.

Reconstruction of hepatic artery in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation: a report of 50 cases / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experience in hepatic artery reconstruction in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation(ALDLT).Methods Fifty patients underwent ALDLT in our hospital from January 2002 to July 2006.All the hepatic a~ery reconstructions were done under surgical microscope.ResultsTwo patients(4%)presented with hepatic artery thrombosis.All the patients were followed up for 2 to 52 months (median,9 months),and no hepatic artery stenosis nor hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm occurred.The 1-year survival rate was 92%(46/50).Conclusions Systematic evaluation of hepatic artery reconstruction and use of microsurgical technique are key to the reduction of complications of hepatic artery reconstruction in ALDLT.