Postoperative Low Absolute Lymphocyte Counts may Predict Poor Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Liver Resection / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) have been reported as one of worse prognostic factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ALCs on the outcomes of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC within the Milan criteria following liver resection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria who received liver resection between January 2007 and June 2013 were reviewed, and perioperative ALCs were carefully monitored. All potential risk factors were statistically analyzed by uni- and multi-variate analyses. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal ALCs cut-off value to predict HCC recurrence after liver resection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 221 patients were enrolled in the current study. During the follow-up period, 106 patients experienced recurrence, and 38 patients died. Multivariate analysis suggested microvascular invasion (MVI), a tumor grade ≥2, and a low postoperative ALCs in the 1st postoperative month increased the incidence of postoperative recurrence, besides, MVI, intraoperative transfusion, and a low postoperative ALCs in the 1st postoperative month were associated with poor overall survival (OS). An ROC analysis showed that a cut-off value of 1.5 × 109/L for ALCs in the 1st postoperative month predicted postoperative recurrence. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS rates of patients with low postoperative ALCs were 34.5% and 64.8%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of patients with high postoperative ALC (58.5% for RFS and 86.5% for OS).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Low ALCs in the 1st postoperative month may be associated with high recurrence incidence and poor OS for patients with HBV-related HCC within the Milan criteria after liver resection.</p>

Can living donor liver transplantation offer similar outcomes to deceased donor liver transplantation using expanded selection criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma?

To compare the outcomes of living donor liver transplantation [LDLT] versus deceased donor liver transplantation [DDLT] for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] in different selection criteria. Data of patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation between 2005 and 2013 at our center were reviewed. Clinical data of LDLT recipients and DDLT recipients were compared. The postoperative recurrence-free survival [RFS] rate and overall survival [OS] rate after LDLT versus DDLT were compared in the Milan recipients, the University of California, San Francisco [UCSF] recipients, the up-to-seven recipients, the Hangzhou recipients and the Chengdu recipients. Data of 255 patients were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Seventeen DDLT recipient and 9 LDLT recipients died during the perioperative period. Among the remaining 229 recipients [N[LDLT]=66, N[DDL]T=163], 96 patients met the Milan criteria, 123 recipients met the UCSF criteria, 135 patients met the up-to-seven criteria, 216 patients met the Hangzhou criteria, and 229 recipients met the Chengdu criteria. The overall RFS and OS rates of the Milan recipients, the UCSF recipients, the up-to-seven recipients, the Hangzhou recipients and the Chengdu recipients after LDLT and DDLT were all similar. Using well-studied selection criteria, LDLT offers similar outcomes to DDLT for patient with HCC, even using expanded selection criteria

Combined indocyanine green test and standard remnant liver volume to predict post-hepatectomy hepatic insufficiency for the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the safety line to avoid the post-hepatectomy hepatic insufficiency by combining indocyanine green test by pulse dye-densitometry (PDD-ICG) and standard remnant liver volume (SRLV).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-five hepatic cancer patients undergone hepatectomy from March 2007 to February 2008 were included. According to the liver function decompensatory grades after operation, the relationship between ICG retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) and standard remnant liver volume by linear regression were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 60 cases with slight hepatic insufficiency, 12 cases with moderate hepatic insufficiency, and 3 cases with severe hepatic insufficiency. There were no difference in age [(50 +/- 13) years old and (53 +/- 9) years old], prothrombin time [(13.6 +/- 1.0) s and (13.5 +/- 1.0) s], international normalized ratio (1.09 +/- 0.10 and 1.06 +/- 0.10) between slight hepatic insufficiency group and moderate and severe hepatic insufficiency group (P > 0.05). And there were difference in K value (0.20 +/- 0.04 and 0.17 +/- 0.03), ICGR15 (6 +/- 4 and 9 +/- 4), SRLV [(545 +/- 93) ml and (398 +/- 82) ml] between two groups (P < 0.05). Compared ICG test and standard remnant liver volume of the patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency after operation, the liner relationship was found (R = 0.640, P = 0.025), and the regression equation was: standard remnant liver volume (ml/m(2)) = 1594.6 x ICGR15 + 265.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PDD-ICG test and standard remnant liver volume are effective to estimate hepatic function reserve of patient undergone hepatectomy.</p>

Transdiaphragmatic exposure for direct atrioatrial anastomosis in liver transplantation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Liver transplantation in Budd-Chiari syndrome remains controversial; however, some improved techniques lead to better results. We report medium-term follow-up results of liver transplantation with atrioatrial anastomosis for Budd-Chiari syndrome and explore the indications of liver transplantation with atrioatrial anastomosis for patients with end stage liver disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine patients (six Budd-Chiari syndromes, one end stage hepatolithiasis, one hepatocellular carcinoma and one incurable alveolar echinococcosis) underwent liver transplantation with atrioatrial anastomosis in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 1999 to 2006. Eight liver transplants used cadaveric orthotopic livers and one a living donor liver. The operative technique was transdiaphragmatic exposure for direct atrioatrial anastomosis and replacement of inferior vena cava by cryopreserved vena cava graft with the help of venovenous bypass.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All liver transplantations were successful. Two patients contracted pulmonary infection and acute rejection took place in another case. With proper treatment, all patients recovered well and had good quality of life. To date, they have been followed up for more than 24 months. The only death followed recurrence of hepatic carcinoma three years after liver transplantation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transdiaphragmatic exposure for direct atrioatrial anastomosis and the cryopreserved vena cava graft replacement of inferior vena cava are possible for patients with end stage liver disease thus extending the indications of liver transplantation.</p>

Evaluation of the effect of living donor liver transplantation on the treatment of severe hepatitis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of living donor liver transplantation on the treatment of severe hepatitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>18 patients with severe hepatitis received liver transplantation (transplanted severe hepatitis group), 28 patients with sever hepatitis received non surgical treatment (non-transplanted severe hepatitis group), and 30 patients with end stage liver cirrhosis (without cancer) received liver transplantation (transplanted cirrhosis group). The vital sign, blood coagulation, and renal function were monitored during operation. After liver transplantation, patients received immunosuppressive therapy (including tacrolimus or cyclosporine A, mycophenolate, mofetil and corticosteroids), intensive care, antiviral therapy (including lamivudine and HBIg) and other treatments (including restoration of liver function and prevention of blood coagulation). Pre-operation data, operation procedure, liver function, renal function and the operation complications of three groups were compared, and survival rate at 1, 6 and 12 months after operation was followed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in the operation time, warm ischemia time, hypothermic ischemia time and Graft-to-recipient weight ratio between the two transplantation groups. The blood loss volume and blood transfusion volume in the transplanted severe hepatitis group were higher than that those in the cirrhosis transplantation group (t = 0.001, 0.004). The levels of TBil, ALT and AST at day 7 after operation were (100.5 +/- 96.4)mumol/L, (215.3 +/- 195.7) U/L , (209.8 +/- 188.6) U/L in the transplanted severe hepatitis group, and (53.3 +/- 31.9)mumol/L, (56.3 +/- 22.1) U/L, (51.3 +/- 13.5) U/L in the transplanted cirrhosis group (t = 0.017, 0.021, 0.004). However, there was no significant difference in the levels of Alb and Cr between these two groups (P > 0.05). Survival rate was 88.89%, 83.33% 83.33% in the transplanted severe hepatitis group, and 96.67%, 93.33% 93.33% in the transplanted cirrhosis group at 1, 6 and 12 months after transplantation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Living donor liver transplantation is one of effect ways for the treatment of severe hepatitis.</p>

Outcomes of adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation: a single center experience / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Since January 2002, adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (AALDLT) has gained increasing popularity in China in response to the shortage of cadaveric donor livers. This study presents a detailed analysis of the outcomes of AALDLT in a single center.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 70 patients underwent AALDLT at our center between January 2002 and January 2007. Among these, 67 patients received a right lobe graft without the middle hepatic vein and 3 patients received dual grafts. Three-dimensional volumetric computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging with angiography and cholangiography were performed preoperatively. Recipient operation time, intraoperative transfusion requirement, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, liver function tests, coagulation tests and surgical outcomes were routinely investigated throughout this study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All donors survived the procedure with an overall complication rate of 15.3%. Overall recipient 1-year survival and complication rates were 87.1% and 34.2%, respectively. Among the 70 cases, average graft recipient weight ratio was 0.94% (0.72% - 1.43%) and average graft volume/standard liver volume ratio was 46.42% (31.74% - 71.68%). All residual liver volumes exceeded 35%. Liver function and coagulation recovered rapidly within the first 7 days after transplantation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AALDLT is a safe procedure for the donors and an effective therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. Patient selection and timely decision-making for transplantation are essential in achieving good outcomes. With accumulation of experience in surgery and clinical management, timely feedback and proper modification, we foresee better outcomes in the future.</p>

Augmented hepatic regeneration of living donor liver graft by intraportal insulin administration / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of postoperative intraportally administration of insulin on hepatic regeneration in adult patients underwent living donor right lobe liver transplantation (LDLT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 2005 to September 2007, 15 right lobe LDLT adult recipients voluntarily receiving posttransplant intraportal insulin administration, without postoperative vascular and bile duct complications, without immune rejection, with more than 1 month survival and complete clinical data were enrolled in this study as intraportal insulin-therapy group (Group I). Another consecutive 15 right lobe LDLT adult recipients meeting the upwards referred criteria were enrolled in as non-insulin-therapy control group (Group NI). Recipients in Group I were treated postoperatively with intraportal insulin infusion, as follows: a 18-gauge catheter was inserted into right gastro-omental vein during surgery, regular insulin was administered just after the operation at the rate of 2 units/hour for 7 days. Liver function and serum insulin level were measured at before-operative day 1, postoperative day (POD) 7 and 30. Graft volume (GV) were measured during operation, and at POD 7 and 30.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate defined as ratio of POD 7 GV/operation GV in Group I was higher than that of Group NI [(186.1 +/- 35.4)% vs. (160.6 +/- 22.1)%, P < 0.05]. The rate defined as ratio of POD 7 GRWR/operation GRWR was also higher in Group I than Group NI [(179.0 +/- 35.8) % vs. (156.6 +/- 18.5%, P < 0.05], whereas significant differences were not appeared between two groups in terms of regeneration rates at POD 30. Serum levels of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in Group I were lower than that in Group NI at POD 7 (P < 0.05). Significant differences were not presented between two groups in terms of post-transplant serum insulin levels and total insulin dosage by subcutaneous administration and venous injection (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results suggest that intraportal insulin administration could augment liver graft regeneration during the first postoperative week.</p>

Portal vein flow rate used as a early predictor of portal vein thrombosis after periesophagastric devascularization / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the predictive value of portal vein flow rate preoperative for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after periesophagastric devascularization in hepatitis B cirrhosis-related portal hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2007 to July 2008, 45 patients with portal hypertension caused by hepatitis B cirrhosis were performed splenectomy with peri-esophagogastric devascularization in the same medical group in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The portal vein flow rate and the diameter of portal vein were measured with doppler sonography respectively before and after the operation. At the same time, the level of PT and PLT were detected. The weight of spleens were measured after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirteen cases suffered from PVT postoperatively. Portal vein flow rate was significantly lower in patients with PVT postoperation than that in patients without PVT (P < 0.01). In patients with PVT (n = 13) postoperation, the preoperative portal vein flow rate was (19.5 +/- 5.3) cm/s. Among the 13 cases, there were 12 cases whose flow rate were lower than 25 cm/s, and 1 case whose flow rate was 32. 3 cm/s; In patients without PVT (n = 32), the preoperative portal vein flow rate was (9.6 +/- 8.0) cm/s. In patients with lower rate (n = 17), the incidence rate of PVT was 70.6%; in patients with higher rate (n = 28), the incidence rate of PVT was 3.6%. The incidence rate of PVT in patients with lower rate was significantly lower than patients with higher rate (P < 0.01). The diameter of portal vein in patients with PVT was significantly wider than patients without PVT. The diameter of portal vein was negative correlative with the portal vein flow rate. The value 25 cm/s was of diagnostic efficiency, the sensitivity was 92.3%, and specificity was 70.6%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The portal vein flow rate preoperative can be used as an early predictor of portal vein thrombosis after periesophagastric devascularization in hepatitis B cirrhosis-related portal hypertension to give a guide to clinical work.</p>

Evaluation of living donor liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the donor risks and potential recipient benefits of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2002 to December 2006, a total of 27 LDLT for HCC patients were performed in our center, of which 25 received right lobe grafts and 2 received dual grafts. The clinical and follow-up data of these 27 recipients and 29 donors were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 29 donors, the overall complication rate was 17.24% (5 cases). Two cases (6.90%) experienced major complications (one with intra-abdominal bleeding and one with portal vein thrombosis) and three cases (10.34%) experienced minor ones (fat necrosis and infection of the surgical skin wound in one, pleural effusion in another and transient chyle leakage in the third). All donors were fully recovered and returned to their previous work. No recipients developed small-for-size syndrome. The overall HCC patients survival rate at 1- and 3-years was 84.01% and 71.40%, respectively, similar to that of patients undergoing LDLT for various nonmalignant diseases during the same period (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although further study is needed to fully assess the risks and benefits of LDLT for the HCC patients and donors, our present results preliminarily suggest that LDLT offers an acceptable chance and duration of survival in patients with HCC, and it is a relatively safe procedure.</p>

Excision and reconstruction of anomalous portal venous branching in adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the techniques for excision and reconstruction of anomalous portal venous branches (APVB) in adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation (A-A RL LDLT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2002 to April 2007, 70 cases of A-A RL LDLT were performed. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography of the donor revealed the configurations of hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic vein. Nine donors had anomalous portal venous branching (APVB). The APVB were type II (trifurcation) in 7 cases and type III in two. Except the excision of APVB with a common opening by a narrow bridge of main portal vein tissue in one type II donor, all the right APVB were transected on the principal of donor priority: right APVB being excised approximately 2-3 mm from the confluence while leaving the donor's portal vein intact. In type II APVB, the donor portal venous branches were transected with separate two openings and reconstructed as double anastomoses in 4 cases, with separate two openings joined as a common orifice at the back table and reconstructed as single anastomoses in 2 cases, and with one common opening with narrow-bridge of tissue and reconstructed as single anastomoses in 1 case. In type III APVB, the APVB were transected with separate two openings and were reconstructed by double anastomoses in 1 case and by a new technique named U-shaped vein graft interposition in the another one.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no vascular complications such as portal vein stricture or thrombosis, hepatic artery stricture or thrombosis and hepatic vein outflow stricture in all 9 recipients transplanted with grafts with APVB. Only the type II APVB donor undergoing a excision of APVB with a common opening by a narrow bridge of main portal vein tissue developed portal vein thrombosis on the third postoperative day and underwent thrombectomy followed by repair with vein patch plasty. The velocity of blood flow in the U-graft was normal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is feasible and safe of APVB excision on the principal of donor priority and reconstruction including double anastomoses and the novel U-graft interposition in A-A RL LDLT, and has a good outcome without increasing the management difficulty.</p>

Hepatic arterial reconstruction and complications management in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the experience of hepatic arterial reconstruction and its management of complications in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (A-A LDLT) using right lobe liver grafts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2002 to July 2006, 50 of A-A LDLT using right lobe liver grafts were performed. All arterial anastomosis were performed to protect the donor hepatic arterial supply, in which donor right hepatic artery was sutured to recipient right hepatic artery in 24 patients, to recipient proper hepatic artery in 12 patients, to recipient left hepatic artery in 3 patients, to recipient common hepatic artery in 2 patients, to recipient aberrant right hepatic artery arising from superior mesenteric artery in 2 patients. Interpositional bypass using autogenous saphenous vein was performed between donor right hepatic artery and recipient common hepatic artery in 2 patients. Bypass was done between donor right hepatic artery and recipient abdominal aorta using autogenous saphenous vein in 2 patients and using stored cadaveric iliac vessels in 2 patients respectively. The diameter of donor right hepatic artery is between 1.5-2.5 mm, microsurgical technique was used under the magnified lobe of 3.5 times and operative microscope of 5-10 times.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In these series, hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 2 recipients on 1st and 7th days following A-A LDLT (4%), which were revascularized with autogenous saphenous vein between donor right hepatic artery and recipient abdominal aorta immediately, HAT in 1 recipient occurred one and a half month following A-A LDLT, but no symptom was presented. No hepatic artery stenosis and aneurysm occurred during follow-up period. No death related to hepatic artery complications occurred. All recipients were followed up from 2 to 52 months (mean follow-up 9 months). 1-year survival rate was 92%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Proper anastomotic vessel choose and use of microsurgical technique in hepatic arterial reconstruction would reduce significantly the incidence of hepatic artery complications and provide an excellent graft survival following A-A LDLT.</p>

Establishment of formula predicting adult standard liver volume for liver transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a favorable formula of estimation adult standard liver volume (SLV) based on the data of living donors for liver transplantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2005 to December 2007, 90 Adult-to-Adult living donor liver transplantation were performed. The donors' anthropometric data of gender, year, body weight and body height was collected prospectively. The total liver volume (TLV) of 90 living donors was measured by computed tomography. The correlation between TLV and several factors including body weight index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were analyzed. Then multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was performed and a new equation predicting SLV to improve approximate TLV was determined. TLV was then compared with the estimation standard liver volume (ESLV) calculated using our formula and published formulas in literature previously.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the subjects had a mean body weight of (62.4 +/- 8.7) kg. The mean total liver volume was (1319.1 +/- 167.0) ml. There were positively correlated between TLV and body weight (BW), which could be expressed in the equation: TLV (ml) = 12.5 x BW (kg) + 536.4 (r(2) = 0.43, P < 0.01). Compared TLV with ELSV, which were calculated using previously published formulas based on the anthropometric data of the 90 subjects, the difference was be statistically significant.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A new simple formula is established that might be a more suitable to calculate TLV in Chinese adults.</p>

Hepatic venous outflow reconstruction in adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation without middle hepatic vein / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>It is difficult and challenging to reconstruct hepatic venous outflow in adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) without the middle hepatic vein (MHV). Excessive perfusion of the portal vein and venous outflow obstruction will lead to acute congestion of the graft, ultimately resulting in primary nonfunction. Although various reconstruction patterns have been explored in many countries, there is currently no clear consensus. In this study we describe a technique to prevent "chocking" of the graft at the outflow anastomosis with the inferior vena cava (IVC) in LDLT using right lobe graft without the MHV.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 55 recipients undergoing LDLT using right lobe grafts without the MHV or reconstruction of hepatic venous outflow. The donor's right hepatic vein (RHV) was anastomosed with a triangular opening of the recipient IVC; the inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV), if large enough, was anastomosed directly to the IVC. The great saphenous vein (GSV) was used for reconstruction of significant MHV tributaries.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No deaths occurred in any of the donors. Of the 55 recipients, complications occurred in 6, including hepatic vein stricture (1 case), small-for-size syndrome (1), hepatic artery thrombosis (1), intestinal bleeding (1), bile leakage (1), left subphrenic abscess and pulmonary infection (1). A total of three patients died, one from small-for-size syndrome and two from multiple system organ failure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The multiple-opening vertical anastomosis was reconstructed with hepatic vein outflow. This technique alleviates surgical risk of living donors, ensures excellent venous drainage, and prevents vascular thromboses and primary nonfunction.</p>

A new model for survival assessment based on the Chinese liver transplantation patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a new model for liver transplantation recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and validate the feasibility of it.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 1999 to June 2005, clinical data of 130 liver cancer patients who accepted liver transplantation were collected. Screening the pretransplant factors correlated with post-transplant survival using COX proportional-hazards regression, and establishing the assessment model. Finally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) were used to compare the validity of the new model with MELD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Screened by the COX model, serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, alphafetoprotein, sodium and the number of tumor nodule were significantly related with post-transplant survival. The new model with these four variables had greater ability to assess post-transplant recipients' outcomes, however, the MELD had not evaluation capacity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The established new model has a better ability to assess the risk of post-transplant mortality.</p>

Clinical study of adult to adult living donor liver transplantation: a report of 56 cases / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the ways to ensure the safety of donors and recipients in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (A-ALDLT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2002 to September 2006, 56 A-ALDLT were performed in our division, including 52 cases of right lobe graft were obtained without medial hepatic vein (MHV) and 4 cases of dual grafts (1 case using two left lobes, 3 cases using 1 right and 1 left lobe). The most common diagnoses were hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (62.5%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (30.4%) in recipients. Among them, 10 cases scored more than 25 with the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system. Triphasic liver computed tomography were used for reconstruction of hepatic vessels and to calculate total liver and right liver volumes in donors. Various innovative surgical techniques were adopted too.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From the 58 living donors, 55 right lobes and 3 left lobes were obtained. The 55 right lobe grafts were obtained without medial hepatic vein, weighed 400 approximately 860 g (median 550 g). The ratio of graft volume to recipient standard liver volume ranged from 31.7% to 71.7% (median 45.4%). All donors' remnant liver volumes were over 35% of the total liver volume. There was no donor mortality, but 7 (12.5%) donors experienced complications. Of the 56 recipients, with a follow-up period of 2 approximately 52 months (median 11 months), 15 (26.8%) developed complications and 4 (7.2%) died within 3 months post operation. The 1-year actual survival rate was 92.8%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>When preoperative CT volume shows remnant liver volume is greater than 35% of the total liver volume, and graft volume to recipient's standard liver volume ratio is over 40%, A-ALDLT using right lobe graft is a safe procedure for both donors and recipients, otherwise the dual graft liver transplantation should be considered.</p>

Liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B patients with lamivudine monotherapy or lamivudine combined with individualized low-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin treatment / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving either lamivudine monotherapy or lamivudine combined with individualized low-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 111 liver transplant recipients with CHB were divided not randomly into two groups according to the availability of HBIG before liver transplantation (LT). Thirty-two patients received lamivudine monotherapy (100 mg/d) and 79 patients received lamivudine (100 mg/d) combined with individualized low-dose HBIG (intramuscular administration) to maintain the titer of antibody to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (anti-HBs) not less than 100 U/L. The patients were followed-up for a median time of 32 months (1 to 88 months).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the lamivudine monotherapy group, 5 patients hepatitis B relapsed (3/5 developed YMDD mutants of HBV), with 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates of 7.1%, 14.3% and 17.9% and survival rates of 87.5%, 84.4% and 74.6%. In the lamivudine and HBIG combination therapy group, 2 patients hepatitis B relapsed (2/2 developed YMDD mutants of HBV), with 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates of 0, 1.8% and 5.7% (P < 0.01) and survival rates of 83.5%, 80.9% and 77.6% (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared with lamivudine monotherapy, lamivudine combined with individualized low-dose HBIG can further reduce the recurrence risk of hepatitis B in liver transplant recipients. This combined therapy could be used as a rational strategy for prophylaxis of hepatitis B recurrence in such patients.</p>

An analysis of long term prophylaxis of virus recurrence with antiviral treatment in HBV infected liver transplant recipient patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>No optimal prophylactic protocol of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) combined with nucleos(t)ide analogue for HBV recurrence has been established yet. By investigating the alterations of HBV markers in HBV related liver disease patients, recipients of a liver transplant, under lamivudine or/and HBIG prophylaxis, we aim to explore the possible HBV recurrence mechanism involved and to find a new option in the prophylaxis of HBV recurrence and to tailor individualized therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serial liver biopsy specimens and sera were obtained intraoperationally and at definite time points during follow-up. ELISA and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, HBV DNA fluorescent quantification, immunohistochemistry staining and HBV DNA in situ hybridization were performed. Alterations of HBV markers in specimens of 96 liver transplant recipients were investigated retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 17 cases had HBV recurrence (median 37 months) which occurred in the follow-up period after liver transplantation. The overall actual HBV recurrence rate at 2 years was 22% with a significant difference between that of the active and inactive groups (P<0.05); 82.4% HBV recurrence took place within the first 3 years after the operation, and the recurrence ratio of first 3 years to 3 years later after transplantation was 4.7 (P<0.01). The HBV DNA positive patients accounted for 78.6% of the total number of recurrences within the first 3 years. HBcAb and HBeAb positive rates went down with time, but their positivity remained.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBV recurrence happens after liver transplantation. In inactive HBV replicative patients with strictly combined prophylaxis and availability of other medications and using 3 years after liver transplantation as a point of time, we think that tapering down the dosage of HBIG and tailoring individualized treatment methods based on virological and immunological situations of each recipient are worth trying.</p>

Modifications of surgical technique in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report the authors' experience with adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using right lobe liver grafts performed by a modified technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March to June 2005, 13 patients underwent living donor liver transplantation using right lobe grafts. Among these, one patient received two left lobes from his two elder sisters, one received a right lobe from his mother and a left lobe from a cadaveric donor. All patient underwent a modification designed to improve the reconstruction of right hepatic vein, the reconstruction the tributaries of the middle hepatic vein by interpositioning a vein grafts, and the anastomosis of the hepatic arteries and bile ducts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no severe complications and deaths found in donors. Four complications occurred in recipients including hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 1), bile leakage (n = 1), left subphrenic abscess (n = 1) and pulmonary infection (n = 1). The patient with pulmonary infection died of multiple organ failure (MOF). All patients underwent direct anastomosis of right hepatic vein and inferior vena cava (IVC), 5 cases plus the reconstructions of right inferior hepatic vein, and the other 5 cases plus the reconstruction of the tributaries of the middle hepatic vein by interpositioning a vein graft to provide sufficient venous outflow. The graft and recipient weight ratio (GRWR) were between 0.72% and 1.24%, among these, 9 cases < 1.0% and 2 cases < 0.8%, and there was no "small-for-size syndrome" occurred.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>With modifications of surgical technique, especially the reconstruction of hepatic vein to provide sufficient venous outflow, living donor liver transplantation in adults using right lobe liver grafts can become a relatively safe procedure and prevent the "small-for-size syndrome".</p>

Using vein grafts in living donor liver transplantation / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the use of vein grafts in adult-to-adult (AA) living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), we transplanted recipient vena saphena magna grafts for drainage of the paramedian portion of the right lobe liver grafts without a middle hepatic vein in LDLT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2002 to March 2006, 26 patients underwent A-A LDLT, and recipient saphenous vein grafts were used for revascularization of veins and arteries such as: tributaries of the middle hepatic vein from V5, V8; right inferior hepatic vein; injured portal vein; and hepatic artery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total outflow reconstruction ratio of V5, V8 and right inferior hepatic vein was 76.9% (20/26), the ratio of one-vein reconstruction was 57.7%, and the ratio of two-vein reconstruction was 19.2%. Reconstruction patterns and cases were demonstrated as follows: V5 (n=3), V8 (n=2), V5 and V8 (n=3), V5 and right inferior hepatic vein (n=1), V8 and right inferior hepatic vein (n=1), right inferior hepatic vein (n=10), injured portal vein of the donor (n=1). Total ratio of hepatic artery bypass grafting was 11.5% (3/26), anastomosis between hepatic artery and abdominal aorta (n=2), and anastomosis between hepatic artery and hepatic artery (n=1). Doppler ultrasound showed no thrombosis and the blood flowed smoothly and without venous outflow obstruction during the 2 to 48 months follow-up period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Reconstruction of V5 or V8 outflow and hepatic artery bypass grafting using vena saphena magna of the recipients can provide sufficient venous outflow and prevent the small-for-size syndrome and solve hepatic artery complications. This approach can be recommended.</p>

Safety of donor of right lobe graft in living donor liver transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety of donors of right lobe graft.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively studied 13 living donors of right lobe graft from January 2002 to June 2005. The right lobe grafts were obtained by transecting the liver on the right side of the middle hepatic vein. Liver transection was done by using an ultrasonic dissector without inflow vascular occlusion. The standard liver volume and the ratio of left lobe volume to the standard liver volume were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean blood loss was 490 ml. The mean blood transfusion was 440 ml. In the perioperative period the mean albumin administered was 85 g. One donor had portal vein trifurcation, two had a right posterior bile duct and a right anterior bile duct draining into the left bile duct, respectively. One had bile ducts from left lateral and left internal segment and right duct draining into common hepatic duct. On postoperative day 1 the donors' liver functions were found impaired to some extent, but all the indices rapidly returned to the normal level at the end of the first week. Postoperative complications included 1 case of abdominal bleeding, 2 wound steatosis and 1 chyle leak. There was no donor mortality. All donors are well and have returned to their previous occupations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The donation of right lobe graft for adult living donor liver transplantation is safe provided that the patency of the remnant hepatic vasculature and bile duct is ensured, the volume of the remnant liver exceeds 30% of the total liver volume, and there is no injury to the remnant liver.</p>