HLA incompatible combined liver-kidney transplantation: dynamics of antibody modulation revealed by a novel approach to HLA antibody characterisation.

This case report confirms the utility of simultaneous liver transplantation in allowing successful kidney transplantation in the face of preformed, high levels of DSA, which would under normal circumstances be associated with hyperacute rejection and kidney graft failure. Antibody characterisation in terms of epitope specificity is more accurate and informative than antibodies described as "antigen-specific" and we suggest a method for identifying and tracking these antibodies; i.e. follow the epitope reaction not the antigen reactions. We consider that this will give a better insight into the behaviour and pathogenicity of HLA-specific sera. In the case presented here this approach has revealed some novel features of the post transplant antibody response in a sensitised recipient. These illustrate three phenomena which challenge current dogmas; an early resynthesis of DSA does not necessarily cause AMR, high levels of DSA can spontaneously modulate, and measurement of antibodies in terms of antigen specificity can give misleading results.

Outcomes comparing a pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

BACKGROUND: The advantage of a pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) over a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is not clear. AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the pancreatic fistula (PF, defined according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula classification) rate and other complications between both methods. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 424 [median: 65 years (17-83)] patients who underwent PG (239, 56.4%) and PJ (185, 43.6%) reconstruction between January 2005 and December 2009. RESULTS: PF occurred in 55 (23.5%) in the PG and 30 (16.2%, P= 0.067) patients in the PJ group. Grade A PF occurred in 19 (7.9%), B in 22 (9.2%) and C in 14 (5.8%) in the PG compared with 5 (2.7%), 12 (6.5%) and in 13 (7.0%), respectively, in the PJ group. The median hospital was 10 days in both groups. The morbidity was higher in the PG group (108, 45.2 vs. 62, 33.5%, P= 0.015). However, there was no significant difference in the 90-day mortality between both groups (PG-17, 7.0% vs. PJ-16, 8.6%, P= 0.558). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the overall PF rate, hospital stay and overall mortality between PG and PJ reconstruction methods. However, the grade A PF rate was higher in the PG group.

Is it time to extend liver acceptance criteria for controlled donors after cardiac death?

BACKGROUND: Donation after cardiac death (DCD) has reemerged as potential way to increase donor liver availability. Earlier, programs with DCD liver transplantation used conservative donor criteria to allow safe results. Successful initial outcomes allowed extended DCD criteria to address transplant demand. METHODS: A total of 63 DCD liver grafts were used during the study period in carefully selected recipients. These were divided into two groups: "Standard" DCD within conservative criteria (n=33; age ≤60 years, body mass index <30 kg/m(2), donor warm ischemia time ≤30 min, and cold ischemia time ≤8 hr) and "Extended" DCD beyond these criteria (n=30). We compared donor and recipient characteristics and postoperative outcomes, including patient and graft survival. RESULTS: Both groups had satisfactory initial function; liver graft function at 1, 7, and 30 days after liver transplantation were similar. Median follow-up period was 25 and 18.5 months for Standard and Extended criteria DCD grafts, respectively, with 1-year patient and graft survival of 88% and 82% for the Standard group vs. 90% and 90% for the Extended. Overall, 8 of 63 (13%) patients developed biliary complications; however, the incidence was not different between the Standard and Extended groups. Seven early deaths occurred, four and three in the Standard and Extended groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Recipients of DCDs beyond conventional acceptance criteria have equivalent early outcomes to standard DCD grafts. With careful selection of donors and recipients, these grafts can be safely used to expand the donor pool.

Hepatic resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, non-sarcoma metastasis: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to analyse the outcome after hepatic resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, non-sarcomatous (NCNNNS) metastatic tumours and to identify the factors predicting survival. METHODS: All patients who underwent hepatic resection for NCNNNS metastatic tumours between September 1996 and June 2009 were included. Patients' demographics, clinical and histopathological parameters, overall survival and the factors predicting survival were analysed. RESULTS: In all, 65 patients underwent hepatic resection for metastasis. The most common site of a primary tumour was the kidney (24 patients). Fifteen patients had synchronous tumours. Fifty patients had major liver resections and 22 patients had bilobar disease. The median number of liver lesions resected was 1 and the median maximum diameter of the metastasis was 6 cm. A R0 resection was performed in 51 patients. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival from the time of metastasectomy was 72.9%, 47.9% and 25.6%, respectively, with a median survival of 19 months. The presence of a tumour of greater than 6 cm (P= 0.048) and a positive resection margin (P= 0.04) were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION: Hepatic resection for metastasis from NCNNNS tumours can offer acceptable long-term survival in selected patients. To offer a chance of a cure a R0 resection must be performed.

Preoperative localisation and surgical management of insulinoma: single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The majority of insulinomas are benign, small and intrapancreatic. Preoperative localisation is important to plan the surgical management. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed our data on the preoperative imaging, type of surgery and histopathological features of the operated patients with an insulinoma from January 1993 to March 2010. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect the predictive factors for survival following surgery. RESULTS: Forty patients were operated on for insulinoma, of which 33 were benign and 7 were malignant. The sensitivity of preoperative computed tomogram scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound, for localising the lesions was 62, 82 and 94%, respectively. Enucleation was performed in 21 (52.5%) patients, and remaining had pancreatic resection. Hepatic resection was performed in 2 and liver transplantation in 1 patient. Morbidity and perioperative mortality was 17 (42.5%) and 1 (2.7%), respectively. The overall 5- and 10-year survival was 89 and 86.5%, respectively. The presence of metastases was found to be an independent predictor of poor survival on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Preoperative computed tomogram/magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound are sensitive in localizing the majority of insulinomas. Surgery offers a good long-term survival, even in patients with malignant insulinoma.

Specialist early and immediate repair of post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy bile duct injuries is associated with an improved long-term outcome.

INTRODUCTION: A majority of bile duct injuries (BDI) sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy require formal surgical reconstruction, and traditionally this repair is performed late. We aimed to assess long-term outcomes after repair, focusing on our preferred early approach. METHODS: A total of 200 BDI patients [age 54(20-83); 64 male], followed up for median 60 (5-212) months were assessed for morbidity. Factors contributing to this were analyzed with a univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 112 (56%) patients were repaired by specialist hepatobiliary surgeons [timing of repair: immediate, n = 28; early (<21 days), n = 43; and late (>21 days) n = 41], whereas 45 (22%) underwent repair by nonspecialist surgeons before specialist referral [immediate, n = 16; early, n = 26 and late, n = 03]. Outcomes after immediate and early repairs were comparable to late repairs when performed by specialists [recurrent cholangitis:11%, 12%, and 10%; P = 0.96, NS; re-stricture:18%,5%, and 29%; P = 0.01; nonsurgical intervention: 14%, 5%, and 24%; P<0.03; redo surgery: 4%, 2%, and 5%; P = 0.81, NS; overall morbidity: 21%, 14%, and 39%; P<0.02]. On multivariate analysis, immediate and early repairs done by nonspecialist surgeons were independent risk factors (P < 0.05) for recurrent cholangitis [50% and 27%], re-stricturing (75% and 61%), redo reconstructions (31% and 61%), and overall morbidity (75% and 84%). CONCLUSION: Immediate and early repair after BDI results in comparable, if not better long-term outcomes compared to late repair when performed by specialists.

Pre-operative stenting is associated with a higher prevalence of post-operative complications following pancreatoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Whilst there are theoretical benefits from pre-operatively draining the biliary tree prior to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), the current literature does not support this intervention. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between pre-operative stenting, bactibilia and outcome in a large United Kingdom tertiary referral practice. METHODS: Patients undergoing PD were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The presence or absence of a stent prior to PD, and the results of bile cultures taken at PD were related to the subsequent post-operative course and the development of complications. RESULTS: 280 patients underwent PD for periampullary malignancies, all of whom presented with jaundice. 118 patients were stented prior to referral (98 ERCP, 20 PTC). Bile cultures were positive more frequently in the stent group (83% vs. 55%; p = 0.000002) and bactibilia was more common after ERCP than PTC (83% vs. 56%; p = 0.006). The overall prevalence of complications was 54% in the stented and 41% in the non-stented group (p = 0.03) with statistical significance achieved for pancreatic leak (p = 0.013) and haemorrhagic complications (p = 0.03). Comparing stent with no stent, there as no difference in the 30-day mortalities (8.5% vs. 6.8%; p = 0.6) or the 1-year mortality rates (35% vs. 28%; p = 0.21). Mortality rates in the infection versus no infection groups were comparable at 30 days (8.5% vs. 5.5%; p = 0.21), and at 1 year (30.7% vs. 26.4%; p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative stent insertion prior to PD is associated with increased morbidity but not mortality and this is greatest for stents placed at ERCP.

Primary hepatic sarcomas in children--a single-center experience over 19 years.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Primary hepatic sarcomas are rare and account for about 13% of primary hepatic neoplasms. There are few reported series of pediatric hepatic sarcomas, and the aim was to review our experience. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of cases managed from 1988 to 2007 by the pediatric liver unit in Birmingham, UK, was conducted. RESULTS: Nineteen children were identified. These presented with sudden abdominal pain (n = 6), obstructive jaundice (n = 3), incidental mass (n = 3), and chronic pain/distension (n = 3). Vascular involvement was identified in 3, and 6 had pulmonary metastases. Three patients had primary resection, and 3 only a biopsy. Thirteen had a biopsy followed by chemotherapy and resection. Surgery included extended hepatectomy (n = 11), hepatectomy (n = 3), and nonanatomical resections (n = 2). There was 1 major intraoperative complication. Median inpatient stay was 7 days. One biliary leak developed 4 weeks postoperatively. Five of the 16 patients who underwent resection of the primary tumor died. Eleven were alive at a median follow-up of 3 years. CONCLUSION: This is a challenging group of patients. Local control remains pivotal to successful treatment. Good results can be achieved in a specialist center with multidisciplinary approach.

Adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil plus folinic acid vs gemcitabine following pancreatic cancer resection: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Adjuvant fluorouracil has been shown to be of benefit for patients with resected pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine is known to be the most effective agent in advanced disease as well as an effective agent in patients with resected pancreatic cancer. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether fluorouracil or gemcitabine is superior in terms of overall survival as adjuvant treatment following resection of pancreatic cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: The European Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer (ESPAC)-3 trial, an open-label, phase 3, randomized controlled trial conducted in 159 pancreatic cancer centers in Europe, Australasia, Japan, and Canada. Included in ESPAC-3 version 2 were 1088 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who had undergone cancer resection; patients were randomized between July 2000 and January 2007 and underwent at least 2 years of follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either fluorouracil plus folinic acid (folinic acid, 20 mg/m(2), intravenous bolus injection, followed by fluorouracil, 425 mg/m(2) intravenous bolus injection given 1-5 days every 28 days) (n = 551) or gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion once a week for 3 of every 4 weeks) (n = 537) for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was overall survival; secondary measures were toxicity, progression-free survival, and quality of life. RESULTS: Final analysis was carried out on an intention-to-treat basis after a median of 34.2 (interquartile range, 27.1-43.4) months' follow-up after 753 deaths (69%). Median survival was 23.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.1-25.0) months for patients treated with fluorouracil plus folinic acid and 23.6 (95% CI, 21.4-26.4) months for those treated with gemcitabine (chi(1)(2) = 0.7; P = .39; hazard ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.81-1.08]). Seventy-seven patients (14%) receiving fluorouracil plus folinic acid had 97 treatment-related serious adverse events, compared with 40 patients (7.5%) receiving gemcitabine, who had 52 events (P < .001). There were no significant differences in either progression-free survival or global quality-of-life scores between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with the use of fluorouracil plus folinic acid, gemcitabine did not result in improved overall survival in patients with completely resected pancreatic cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00058201.

Liver retransplantation in adults: a single-centre, 25-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Retransplantation is the only form of treatment for patients with irreversible graft failure. The aim of this study was to analyse a single centre's experience of the indications for and outcomes of retransplantation. METHODS: A total of 196 patients who underwent liver retransplantation using 225 grafts, between January 1982 and July 2007, were included in the study. The following parameters were analysed: patient demographics; primary diagnosis; distribution of retransplantation over different time periods; indications for retransplantation; time interval to retransplantation, and overall patient and graft survival. RESULTS: Of the 2437 primary orthotopic liver transplantations, 196 patients (8%) required a first regraft, 23 patients (1%) a second regraft and six patients (0.25%) a third regraft. Autoimmune hepatitis was the most common primary diagnosis for which retransplantation was required (12.7% of primary transplantations). The retransplantation rate declined from 12% at the beginning of our programme to 7.6% at the end of the study period. The most common indication for retransplantation was hepatic artery thrombosis (31.6%). Nearly two-thirds of the retransplantations were performed within 6 months of the primary transplantation. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year patient survival rates following first retransplantation were 66%, 61%, 57% and 47%, respectively. Five-year survival after second retransplantation was 40%. None of the patients have yet survived 3 years after a third regraft. Donor age of < or =55 years and a MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) score of < or =23 were associated with better outcome following retransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: First retransplantation was associated with good longterm survival. There was no survival benefit following second and third retransplantations. A MELD score of < or =23 and donor age of < or =55 years correlated with better outcome following retransplantation.

Surgical complications after intestinal transplantation in infants and children--UK experience.

UNLABELLED: Surgical complications have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality following intestinal transplantation (ITx). Birmingham Children's Hospital commenced intestinal transplantation in 1993 and the following surgical strategies evolved: (a) pretransplant abdominal tissue expanders, 1998; (b) combined en-bloc reduced liver and intestinal transplantation (CRLITx), 1998; (c) staged abdominal closure, 2001; (d) preservation of graft duodenal artery, 2005. AIM: An internal audit was performed to document the surgical complications after ITx and to evaluate strategies in the management and prevention of complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records from January 1993 to June 2007 was conducted to identify surgical complications, evaluate management strategies, and report outcome following ITx. RESULTS: Forty-six children underwent 49 ITx (9 isolated intestinal, 39 combined liver and intestinal [CLITx], and 1 multivisceral transplant). Twenty three children had CRLITx since 1998, although there were none before 1997. The median donor: recipient weight ratio in CLITx was 2.2:1 (range, 0.67:1-6.70:1). Twenty-six children experienced 29 (59%) surgical complications: portacaval shunt thrombosis (n = 2, none alive); graft duodenal stump leakage (n = 3, 2 alive); spontaneous bowel perforation(n = 6, 2 alive); sub-acute bowel obstruction (n = 6, all alive); abdominal compartment syndrome ([ACS], n = 4, 2 alive); pancreatic leak (n = 3, 2 alive); biliary complications (n = 22, 17 alive ) failed staged abdominal closure with wound sepsis requiring skin grafting into the bowel (n = 1, alive), wound dehiscence (n = 1, alive), anastomotic leak (n = 1, alive) and intra-abdominal bleeding (n = 1,alive), primary nonfunction (n = 1, 1 died). Following the complications of ACS in children with primary abdominal closure and graft duodenal stump leaks in 2004, we modified our strategies in 2005 to include staged abdominal closure with recipient to donor weight mismatch, and preservation of the gastroduodenal artery during donor organ procurement in addition to pre transplant abdominal tissue expansion. Fifteen children with recipient and donor weight mismatch subsequently required staged closure of the abdomen and none of them developed ACS. Twelve children had gastroduodenal artery preserved and none developed graft duodenal stump leaks. Twenty-four of the 46 (52%) are alive 6 months to 10 years post transplant. CONCLUSION: Evolving strategies may avoid or reduce surgical complications commonly seen after intestinal transplantation and thus contribute to an improved outcome.

Detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma using circulating fragments of fibrinogen.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer in the early, potentially curable, stages. METHODS: We have used SELDI profiling to analyze serum from 75 patients with pancreatic cancer and 61 patients with nonmalignant pancreaticobiliary diseases. RESULTS: A peak in the SELDI spectra corresponding to a 53 residue fragment of the α-chain of fibrinogen is remarkably elevated in approximately 50% of the cancer patients. In addition, fibrinogen degradation products were measured using the DR-70 assay. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the SELDI-detected fibrinogen fragment, DR-70 and CA19-9 were 0.65, 0.75 and 0.86, respectively. Class prediction models using combinations of these markers did not increase the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared with CA19-9. The novel fibrinogen fragment was not elevated to the same extent in other malignancies but was elevated in some patients with benign pancreatic disease. CONCLUSION: Both the SELDI-detected fragment of fibrinogen and DR-70 are significantly elevated in the serum of pancreatic cancer patients. However, they do not seem to improve pancreatic cancer detection over CA19-9 alone.

Pulmonary thromboembolism in liver transplantation: a retrospective review of the first 25 years.

The evidence on the state of 'haemostasis' at the time of liver transplantation (LT) is conflicting, with recent publications that suggest a hypercoagulable state, in contrast to traditionally held views. These findings raise the issue of thrombo-embolic complications after LT, an area of interest which has received little attention in recent published literature. We therefore conducted a retrospective review of our experience of 3000 liver transplants over 25 years. Our prospective transplant database was reviewed to find all patients who were suspected to have had a pulmonary embolism (PE) during or following LT. Paediatric transplants were excluded. A part of this database was cross referenced against hospital records to corroborate its accuracy. Clinical records of all these patients were reviewed and relevant aspects collated and analyzed. Following exclusion of the paediatric recipients, 2 149 adults were reviewed to find 36 patients in whom a PE was suspected (median age 49), 21 of whom were within 90 days of transplant (median duration 22 days). PE was ruled out in 10, unconfirmed in two, confirmed in eight patients; and in one, air embolism was found. All PEs occurred in hospital, but aetiology of liver failure was varied. Of note, two patients died of an on-table PE and one patient of chronic rejection/disease recurrence (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis). The remaining five are still alive (median survival of 65 months). Although thromboprophylaxis is now routine in our unit, its use in these patients could not be confirmed from records available. Fifteen PE were suspected and confirmed after 90 days from transplant (six within, and nine out with the first year). Acute PE in the setting of LT has an incidence rate in our series of 0.37% that would appear to be lower than previously reported and lower than one would expect after a 'major complex' category operation. This potentially suggests that the overall haemostatic function in these patients is still weighted towards hypocoagulation with the resultant risk of excessive bleeding. Aetiology of liver disease did not seem to confer a higher risk in our series. The prognosis after post-operative PE appears good although sudden death due to an on-table embolism is a rare but significant risk.

Primary liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis: a comparative analysis of the European Liver Transplant Registry.

The principal aim of this study was to compare the probability of and potential risk factors for death and graft loss after primary adult and pediatric liver transplantation in patients undergoing transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) to those in patients undergoing transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; used as the reference group) or alcoholic cirrhosis (used as an example of a nonautoimmune liver disease). The 5-year survival of patients undergoing transplantation for AIH (n = 827) was 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67-0.77]. This was similar to that of patients undergoing transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis (0.74, 95% CI = 0.72-0.76, n = 6424) but significantly worse than that of patients undergoing transplantation for PBC (0.83, 95% CI = 0.80-0.85, n = 1588). Fatal infectious complications occurred at an increased rate in patients with AIH (hazard ratio = 1.8, P = 0.002 with PBC as the reference). The outcome of pediatric AIH patients was similar to that of adult patients undergoing transplantation up to the age of 50 years. However, the survival of AIH patients undergoing transplantation beyond the age of 50 years (0.61 at 5 years, 95% CI = 0.51-0.70) was significantly reduced in comparison with the survival of young adult AIH patients (0.78 at 18-34 years, 95% CI = 0.70-0.86) and in comparison with the survival of patients of the same age group with PBC or alcoholic cirrhosis. In conclusion, age significantly affects patient survival after liver transplantation for AIH. The increased risk of dying of infectious complications in the early postoperative period, especially above the age of 50 years, should be acknowledged in the management of AIH patients with advanced-stage liver disease who are listed for liver transplantation. It should be noted that not all risk factors relevant to patient and graft survival could be analyzed with the European Liver Transplant Registry database.

Benign disease and unexpected histological findings after pancreaticoduodenectomy: the role of endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the incidence and outcome of pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with a pre-operative benign diagnosis and in patients who had an unexpected diagnosis of benign disease following resection. We have also compared how the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has altered our pre-operative assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and April 2006, 499 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Data were collected prospectively. A further 85 patients between 2006 and 2008 had a different diagnostic approach (after imaging these patients have been also studied by EUS-FNA). RESULTS: Overall, 78 (15.6%) patients had no malignant disease on final histology. Out of 459 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for presumed malignancy, 49 (10.6%) had benign disease (sensitivity, 97%; positive predictive value, 89%). In a further 40 patients with a pre-operative benign diagnosis, we found 11 cases (27%) of malignancy (sensitivity, 37%; negative predictive value, 72%). Following the introduction of EUS-FNA, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic work were 92% and 75%, respectively (positive predictive value, 93%; negative predictive value, 63%). The median follow-up was 35 months (range, 1-116 months). CONCLUSIONS: Prior to the introduction of EUS-FNA, a significant number of patients, in whom pancreaticoduodenectomy is carried out for suspected benign disease, turn out to have an underlying malignancy. The use of EUS-FNA has improved the specificity of diagnostic work-up.

A reaudit of specialist-managed liver trauma after establishment of regional referral and management guidelines.

BACKGROUND: An earlier liver trauma audit (52 patients) noted that 50% were surgically managed at referring hospitals with a high morbidity and mortality, after which a regional referral and management algorithm was implemented in 2001. This study aims to reaudit specialist-managed liver trauma outcomes. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 99 patients (68 male) treated for liver injury (LI) between 2001 and 2008. Patient characteristics, management, and outcome results of these were compared with the results of previous audit. LI severity was determined by computed tomography, operative findings, and classified according to liver Organ Injury Scale. RESULTS: As implementation of guidelines, referrals increased from 5.2 patients/yr to 14.1 patients/yr, while LI profile was unchanged. Fewer patients were managed surgically with lower surgical intervention at referring hospitals (26 of 52 [50%] vs. 29 of 77 [38%]; p = 0.2). There has been a decrease in liver resection rates (14 of 26 [54%] vs. 3 of 37 [8%]; p = 0.0001]), overall mortality rate (12 of 52 [23%] vs. 11 of 99 [11%]; p = 0.059), and postoperative deaths. CONCLUSION: This reaudit confirms the role of nonoperative management of liver trauma. Early use of computed tomography scan with specialist discussion, selective use of perihepatic packing, and transfer to a specialist unit should be standard practice in the management of complex liver trauma.

Reduction in bile leaks following adult split liver transplant using a fibrin-collagen sponge: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Bile leaks are a frequent complication of adult split liver transplantation. We compared surgical complications in patients who had the cut surface of the donor liver treated with a patch to those in whom the cut surface of the liver was treated with fibrin glue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two consecutive cohorts of 16 patients undergoing adult right lobe split liver transplant were compared. In the first cohort, the liver surface was treated with fibrin glue and in the second the liver surface was treated with TachoSil fibrinogen-thrombin-collagen patches. Post-operative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Bile leaks were significantly fewer among patients in whom the cut surface of the liver was treated with fibrin-collagen sponge compared to those where fibrin glue was used on the cut surface: 1/16 (6.25%) vs. 7/16 (43.75%), respectively; p=0.03. There were some differences in biliary anastomotic techniques used in the two groups but 7/8 leaks (87.5%) arose from the cut surface, and only one was from the anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Using a fibrinogen-thrombin-collagen sponge patch may reduce bile leaks from the cut surface of the liver during adult right lobe split liver transplants.

Web-based image transmission: a novel approach to aid communication in split liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Split liver transplantation (SLT) is technically demanding and requires good communication between transplant centers. The recipient surgeon receiving a shipped split liver needs detailed information on allocation of inflow and outflow vessels. We describe the first use of an image transmission system to facilitate SLT. METHODS: Twenty cadaver livers undergoing ex situ splitting were studied. Fifteen were shared between the geographically separate Birmingham adult and pediatric centers and five were shared with other UK centers. RESULTS: A total of six to eight images of each split graft were taken with a camera at standardized settings using the National Organ Retrieval Imaging System (NORIS), showing details of appearance, size, and anatomy of allocated inflow and outflow vessels. These were uploaded using a personal digital assistant to a secure website (http://www.noris.org.uk). The remote recipient surgeon then viewed these images by logging onto the password-protected website. Minimum time interval between division of the hilar vessels and completion of the split procedure was two h, allowing remote surgeon to view their allocated "shipped" graft in advance of commencing surgery. CONCLUSION: This advanced yet simple image transmission system has the potential for routine application in transplant surgery, not only for splitting but also for reporting injuries and graft steatosis.

Aetiology and outcome of acute liver failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of coagulopathy and encephalopathy. The outcome is unpredictable and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We reviewed our experience to identify the aetiology and study the outcome of acute liver failure. METHODS: A total of 1237 patients who presented with acute liver failure between January 1992 and May 2008 were included in this retrospective study. Liver transplantation was undertaken based on the King's College Hospital criteria. Data were obtained from the units prospectively collected database. The following parameters were analysed: patient demographics, aetiology, operative intervention, overall outcome, 30-day mortality and regrafts. RESULTS: There were 558 men and 679 women with a mean age of 37 years (range: 8-78 years). The most common aetiology was drug-induced liver failure (68.1%), of which 90% was as a result of a paracetamol overdose. Other causes include seronegative hepatitis (15%), hepatitis B (2.6%), hepatitis A (1.1%), acute Budd-Chiari syndrome (1.5%), acute Wilson's disease (0.6%), subacute necrosis(3.2%) and miscellaneous (7.8%). Three hundred and twenty-seven patients (26.4%) were listed for liver transplantation, of which 263 patients successfully had the procedure (80.4%). The current overall survival after transplantation was 70% with a median follow-up of 57 months. After transplantation for ALF, the 1-year, 5-year and 10-year survival were 76.7%, 66% and 47.6%, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 13.7%. Out of the 974 patients who were not transplanted, 693 patients are currently alive. Among the 281 patients who died without transplantation, 260 died within 30 days of admission (26.7%). Regrafting was performed in 31 patients (11.8%), the most common indication being hepatic artery thrombosis (11 patients). CONCLUSION: Paracetamol overdose was the most common cause of acute liver failure. Liver transplantation, when performed for acute liver failure, has good long-term survival.