Psoas Muscle Index Does Not Predict Post-Transplant Outcomes: A Series of 57 Liver Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass and function. Our aim is to evaluate the degree of sarcopenia by measuring the patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation and its influence on the different post-liver transplant outcomes in our group. METHODS: The psoas muscle index (PMI, cm2/m2) was calculated (right psoas muscle area [cm2]/the square of the body height [m2]) in 57 patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation in our center, and the post-transplant variables relevant to our study were collected. RESULTS: The 57 recipients had a mean age of 57 years (range, 35-73) and had a mean of 7.4 months (range, 0-39) on the liver transplant waiting list. The mean psoas muscle index was 2.39 (range, 1-4), and the mean body mass index was 28.01kg/m2 (range, 22-36). After multivariate analysis we found a positive correlation between the PMI and the body mass index of the recipients (r = 0.320, P = .017), intensive care unit length of stay, and donor age (r = 0.319, P = .042), and between cold ischemia time and graft survival (r = 0.366, P = .009). We found no correlation in our sample between PMI and post-liver transplant complications either in terms of graft or patient survival. CONCLUSION: PMI is not representative of total muscle mass and sarcopenia and is not effective in adequately predicting the survival of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

Impact of Hepatic Artery Thrombosis on the Success of a Liver Transplant Because of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery thrombosis is one of the most serious complications after liver transplant. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of arterial thrombosis on the postoperative evolution of a series of patients who received transplants because of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective study of 100 consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma liver transplants was performed from January 2011 to November 2017. RESULTS: Of the 100 transplant recipients, we have observed hepatic artery thrombosis in 4 of them, 3 premature and 1 delayed. All of them received retransplants after diagnosis by hepatic artery ultrasonography and arteriography. The descriptive analysis showed a significant relationship between the appearance of hepatic artery thrombosis with variables of postoperative severity, such as arrhythmias, atelectasis, pleural effusion, hemodialysis requirement, acute kidney failure, and respiratory failure. Although patients with hepatic artery thrombosis had a longer mean hospital stay, this was not statistically significant. There was decreased graft survival and overall survival of patients who experienced hepatic artery thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis has been relatively low (4%), the early detection of risk factors, such as arterial anatomic anomalies that condition a complex anastomosis, should draw our attention, thus having at our disposal strict ultrasonography and arteriography surveillance protocols as well as prophylactic anticoagulation guidelines for receptors at risk.

Tratamiento mediante aloinjertos óseos estructurales en resecciones por tumores óseos de huesos largos. Revisión de 37 casos / Treatment using structural bone allografts in long bone tumour resections. A review of 37 cases

Los aloinjertos óseos estructurales han supuesto una alternativa al tratamiento de los tumores óseos de miembros, con posibilidad de cirugía de conservación del mismo. Presentamos un estudio retrospectivo observacional del manejo de los aloinjertos óseos estructurales en tumores óseos de huesos largos en nuestro hospital, durante los años 1993 a 2010, en el que obtenemos una muestra de 37 pacientes subsidiarios de esta técnica quirúrgica. Mediante la obtención de datos clínicos de la muestra aplicamos las escalas de funcionalidad de Mankin y EVACOM HUVA con resultados excelentes, muy buenos o buenos del 84%, y con los datos radiológicos aplicamos la escala de osteointegración ISOLS con un 95,6% de resultados excelentes a los 24 meses. Estos resultados nos muestran que los aloinjertos óseos estructurales constituyen una técnica válida y reproducible en pacientes con tumores óseos destructivos de huesos largos (AU)

Structural bone allografts have become an alternative in the treatment of limb bone tumours with a chance of limb-saving surgery. We present an observational retrospective study on the use of structural bone allografts in bone tumours of the long bones in our hospital between January 1993 and January 2010, with a sample of 37 patients subjected to this surgical technique. After obtaining clinical information from our sample we applied the Mankin and EVACOM HUVA functional scales with excellent, very good and good results in 84%, and with the radiological information we applied the ISOLS osseointegration scale, with 95.6% of excellent results after 24 months. These results demonstrate that structural bone allografts are a valid and reproducible technique in patients with destructive long bone tumours (AU)

[Treatment using structural bone allografts in long bone tumour resections. A review of 37 cases]. / Tratamiento mediante aloinjertos óseos estructurales en resecciones por tumores óseos de huesos largos. Revisión de 37 casos.

Structural bone allografts have become an alternative in the treatment of limb bone tumours with a chance of limb-saving surgery. We present an observational retrospective study on the use of structural bone allografts in bone tumours of the long bones in our hospital between January 1993 and January 2010, with a sample of 37 patients subjected to this surgical technique. After obtaining clinical information from our sample we applied the Mankin and EVACOM HUVA functional scales with excellent, very good and good results in 84%, and with the radiological information we applied the ISOLS osseointegration scale, with 95.6% of excellent results after 24 months. These results demonstrate that structural bone allografts are a valid and reproducible technique in patients with destructive long bone tumours.

[Functionality and osteointegration of bone allografts in long bone osteosarcomas]. / Funcionalidad y osteointegración de los aloinjertos oseos en osteosarcomas de huesos largos.

UNLABELLED: In patients undergoing long bone resection for osteosarcoma the use of bone allografts is a treatment option. How do they behave functionally and what is their long term osteointegration? MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, longitudinal study was conducted to obtain clinical and radiologic data of the sample composed of a group of 15 patients with a diagnosis of limb osteosarcoma treated at our hospital with structural bone allografts. The Mankin and ISOLS (International Symposium on Limb Salvage) scales were applied to assess allograft functionality and osteointegration, respectively, from 1993 to 2006. RESULTS: Functional results were as follows: excellent, 10 patients (66.6%); good, one patient (6.6%), and poor, 4 patients (26%). The osteointegration assessment reported excellent results in 77% of cases at 18 months and in 87% at 2 years. Surgical wound infection was reported as a complication in only 2 patients (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Functionality and osteointegration in patients undergoing conservative surgery with bone allografts are excellent in most cases, and this is the technique of choice for the treatment of long bone osteosarcomas.

[Portal-splenic-mesenteric venous thrombosis secondary to a mutation of the prothrombin gene]. / Trombosis venosa portoesplenomesaraica secundaria a mutación del gen de la protrombina.

Thrombosis of the portal-mesenteric axis is an infrequent cause of intestinal ischemia or infarction. In addition to the multiple acquired factors that contribute to the development of this entity, hereditary risk factors, especially the factor V Leiden mutation and the G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene, have been implicated. The G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene is found in up to 40% of patients with splenic-portal-mesenteric thrombosis. The present case illustrates the unusual and nonspecific presentation of this mutation in the form of diarrhea and images of thrombosis of the superior mesenteric-portal vein and cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Delayed diagnosis is highly frequent since the clinical signs, laboratory investigations and radiological tests do not suggest the diagnosis. The patient received anticoagulant treatment and showed clinical improvement with complete portal-mesenteric recanalization. Currently the diagnostic technique of choice is magnetic resonance angiography or computerized tomography angiography and treatment consists of indefinite anticoagulation. This case illustrates that an unusual or atypical localization of venous thrombosis may be a manifestation of thrombophilia, emphasizing the importance of genetic screening in these cases.

Trombosis venosa portoesplenomesaraica secundaria a mutación del gen de la protrombina / Portal-Splenic-Mesenteric venous thrombosis secondary to a mutation of the prothrombin gene

La trombosis del eje portomesaraico es una causa infrecuente de isquemia o infarto intestinal. Además de múltiples factores adquiridos que contribuyen al desarrollo de este cuadro, recientemente se han implicado factores de riesgo hereditario, especialmente la mutación del factor V de Leiden y la mutación G20210A del gen de la protrombina. La mutación G20210A del gen de la protrombina se encuentra hasta en el 40% de los pacientes con trombosis portoesplenomesaraica. El presente caso ilustra la presentación inusual e inespecífica de dicha mutación, en forma de diarreas e imágenes de trombosis de la vena mesentérica superior y porta y cavernomatosis portal. Es muy frecuente el retraso en el diagnóstico ya que los signos clínicos, analíticos y la radiología no apuntan el diagnóstico. El paciente recibió tratamiento anticoagulante y mejoró clínicamente, con una repermeabilización completa portomesaraica. En la actualidad la técnica diagnóstica de elección es la angiorresonancia magnética o la angiotomografía computarizada, y el tratamiento, la anticoagulación de manera indefinida. Nuestro caso ilustra que una localización inusual o atípica de trombosis venosa puede ser la manifestación de una trombofilia, lo que recalca la importancia del cribado genético en estos casos

Thrombosis of the portal-mesenteric axis is an infrequent cause of intestinal ischemia or infarction. In addition to the multiple acquired factors that contribute to the development of this entity, hereditary risk factors, especially the factor V Leiden mutation and the G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene, have been implicated. The G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene is found in up to 40% of patients with splenic-portal-mesenteric thrombosis. The present case illustrates the unusual and nonspecific presentation of this mutation in the form of diarrhea and images of thrombosis of the superior mesenteric-portal vein and cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Delayed diagnosis is highly frequent since the clinical signs, laboratory investigations and radiological tests do not suggest the diagnosis. The patient received anticoagulant treatment and showed clinical improvement with complete portal-mesenteric recanalization. Currently the diagnostic technique of choice is magnetic resonance angiography or computerized tomography angiography and treatment consists of indefinite anticoagulation. This case illustrates that an unusual or atypical localization of venous thrombosis may be a manifestation of thrombophilia, emphasizing the importance of genetic screening in these cases

[Fulminant hepatic failure and liver transplantation. Experience of the Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca]. / Fracaso hepático fulminante y trasplante hepático. Experiencia del Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca.

INTRODUCTION: Medical treatment for fulminat hepatic failure seeks spontaneous recovery of the liver function, but the results are very discouraging (50-80% mortality). Liver transplantation is an option in patients with a poor evolution despite medical treatment, with survival rates of > 50%. The ideal moment for performing the transplant is controversial, as it should not be done too soon, when the liver disease is still reversible, or tool late, when the patient is in an irreversible clinical situation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective review was made of the clinical histories of 34 patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of fulminant hepatic failure, of whom 26 underwent transplantation. The most frequent cause was viral, with 10 cases (38%); no aetiology at all could be established in 11 cases (42%). Thirteen patients had preoperative complications, the most frequent being renal insufficiency. As for degree of ABO/DR compatibility, 13 cases were identical (40%), 17 compatible (51%) and the other 3 incompatible (9%). RESULTS: Thirty-three transplants were performed in 26 patients: 4 were retransplants due to chronic rejection, 2 for primary graft failure and 1 for hyperacute rejection. The overall mortality rate was 46% (12 patients), the most frequent cause of death being infection (50%). The overall actuarial survival rate was 68% at 1 year, 63% at 3 years and 59% at 5 years. The factors of poor prognosis were renal and respiratory insufficiency, a grade D electroencephalogram, and encephalopathy grades III and IV, the latter being the only prognostic factor identified in the multivariate analysis. The prognostic factors for mortality were a grade D electroencephalogram, encephalopathy grades III and IV and respiratory insufficiency, the latter being the only prognostic factor identified in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The achievement of good results with the use of transplantation in the management of fulminant hepatic failure depends on an optimum selection of transplant candidates, which means identifying them early, i.e. early indication for transplant, reduction in mean waiting time and exclusion of factors of poor prognosis.

Reparación de la iatrogenia biliar poscirugía laparoscópica en centros con experiencia en cirugía hepatobiliar / Repair of iatrogenic lesions of the biliary tract after laparoscopic surgery in centers with experience in hepatobiliary surgery

Introducción. La colecistectomía realizada por vía laparoscópica se acompaña de una incidencia de lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar principal mayor que cuando se realiza por vía abierta. Estas lesiones son más graves, al ser más altas en su localización, afectando a la vía biliar intrahepática y con frecuente desaparición de tramos completos de la misma, lo que dificulta su diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico. Pacientes y método. Se presentan 10 casos de lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar principal tras colecistectomía laparoscópica intervenidos en nuestro servicio, tres de ellos con afectación de la vía biliar intrahepática. En los 7 casos de localización extrahepática se practicó una hepaticoyeyunostomía en "Y" de Roux en 4 casos, una coledococoledocostomía terminoterminal sobre tubo en "T" de Kehr en otros 2 casos (en ambos hubo que realizar posteriormente una hepaticoyeyunostomía en "Y" de Roux) y, en el restante, un cierre de una sección parcial del colédoco sobre un tubo en "T" de Kehr. En los 3 casos de lesión intrahepática fracasó una primera reconstrucción en "Y" de Roux, precisando un abordaje intrahepático con tutores múltiples y nueva hepaticoyeyunostomía en "Y" de Roux. Resultados. Todos los enfermos se encuentran asintomáticos y con unas analíticas normales tras un seguimiento medio de 39,2 meses. Conclusión. Las lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar principal tras colecistectomía laparoscópica pueden requerir cirugía compleja para su tratamiento, por lo que deben ser referidas a centros con experiencia en cirugía hepatobiliar, sobre todo si son de localización intrahepática (AU)

Intestinal perforation by foreign bodies.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience of patients who presented with intestinal perforation by foreign bodies to our hospital between 1980 and 1998. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital, Spain. SUBJECTS: 21 patients who presented with intestinal perforation by foreign bodies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Size of perforations, nature of foreign bodies, clinical symptoms, radiological findings, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: The most common location was the terminal ileum (n = 11), followed by the rectosigmoid junction (n = 5). The objects were mainly bone fragments and toothpicks. The diagnosis was generally made at operation, and only 4 of the 21 patients had signs of pneumoperitoneum on the preoperative abdominal film. The most common treatment was simple suture of the defect. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal perforation by a foreign body is uncommon, and normally affects the ileocaecal and rectosigmoid regions, in which it is unusual to find pneumoperitoneum preoperatively. It must be considered in the differential diagnosis of such conditions as acute appendicitis and diverticulitis.

¿Está indicada la derivación gástrica profiláctica en la cirugía paliativa del cáncer de páncreas? / Is prophylactic gastroenterostomy indicated in palliative surgery for pancreating cancer?

Introducción. En la cirugía paliativa del adenocarcinoma pancreático, actualmente existe controversia sobre la necesidad de añadir una gastroenterostomía profiláctica a la derivación biliar. El objetivo es evaluar la morbimortalidad de la cirugía derivativa biliar frente a la cirugía derivativa biliar y gástrica simultáneas. Pacientes y método. Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 123 pacientes sometidos a intervención paliativa debido a ictericia obstructiva por adenocarcinoma pancreático. Se diferenciaron dos grupos: grupo A, formado por 74 pacientes con derivación biliar, y grupo B con 49 pacientes con derivación biliar y gastroentérica simultáneas. Resultados. La morbilidad postoperatoria en el grupo A fue del 13,5 por ciento frente al 30,6 por ciento del grupo B (p < 0,001). Precisó reintervención un paciente (1,3 por ciento) con fístula biliar externa en el grupo A, y cuatro, tres hemorragias digestivas y un absceso intraabdominal, en el grupo B. Los pacientes del grupo B presentaron enlentecimiento en el vaciamiento gástrico durante los primeros días del postoperatorio. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 8 por ciento en ambos grupos. Durante su evolución, en el grupo A se presentaron 13 casos (17,5 por ciento) de obstrucción duodenal, de los que 12 precisaron una gastroyeyunostomía transmesocólica (un paciente falleció antes de la intervención por su mala situación clínica). En el grupo B ningún paciente presentó obstrucción digestiva (p < 0,001 respecto al grupo A). La supervivencia fue semejante en ambos grupos. Conclusiones. La gastroenterostomía profiláctica reduce de forma estadísticamente significativa la necesidad de reintervención quirúrgica por obstrucción duodenal en los pacientes con cáncer de páncreas irresecable, aunque conlleva una mayor morbilidad postoperatoria (AU)