High and Low Frequency Domino Liver Transplantation Centers Demonstrate Similar Performance Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: A Domino Liver Transplant (DLT) is a successfully validated surgical option for a subset of patients awaiting liver transplant. Increased utilization of DLTs could increase the donor organ pool. However, DLTs occur primarily at a small number of high volume centers, and are rarely performed at lower volume transplant centers. This study compares DLT recipient performance outcomes between high frequency DLT centers and low frequency DLT centers. METHODS: The UNOS/OPTN STAR database was queried for DLTs performed at transplant centers between 1996-2018. 193 patients were identified and categorized into high (>5 DLTs) or low (≤5 DLTs) frequency centers. Our primary endpoint was allograft survival. Our secondary endpoints were graft status at last follow up and mortality secondary to cardiac, renal, or respiratory failure. RESULTS: Overall median allograft survival between high and low volume DLT centers was similar (48.2 months versus 42.7 months, P >0.314). The one-year (82% versus 76%), three-year (57% versus 56%), and five-year (45% versus 43%) survival percentages were also similar between the high and low volume DLT centers respectively. Overall mortality from cardiac (high 4% versus low 1.7%), renal (high 0.8% versus low 1.7%), or respiratory failure (high 0.8% versus low 1.7%) was similarly low in both groups. CONCLUSION: Low volume and high volume DLT centers are associated with similar outcomes of allograft survival and mortality. DLTs should be utilized more frequently, when the criteria are met, including in centers with limited experience, to expand the donor pool, decrease time on the waitlist, and improve overall survival.

Endovascular intervention for iliac vein thrombosis after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant.

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is an anatomic variant where the overlying right common iliac artery compresses and chronically obstructs the left common iliac vein, leading to thrombosis. Interventions for symptomatic MTS include endovascular thrombectomy and stenting. Occluding venous thrombus can be fatal to transplanted allografts. No guidelines exist for patients with MTS after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant. A 57-year-old female with ESRD and diabetes mellitus underwent a kidney-pancreas transplant. Post-operative imaging revealed a compressed left CIV with an occlusive thrombus threatening the renal graft. Thrombectomy with stent placement was performed, maintaining patency of both allograft venous outflows. Post-intervention the patient has demonstrated preserved kidney and pancreas allograft function through 1 year of follow-up. Interventions for MTS in patients after transplant are challenging given the complex allograft vascular reconstruction. We present a case which demonstrates that angiographic interventions for MTS can be safely performed after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant.

Primary Intra-Medullary Nailing of Open Tibia Fractures Caused by Low-Velocity Gunshots: Does Operative Debridement Increase Infection Rates?

BACKGROUND: Although gunshot-induced extremity fractures are typically not considered open fractures, there is controversy regarding wound management in the setting of operative fixation to limit infection complications. Previous studies have evaluated the need for a formal irrigation and debridement (I&D) prior to intra-medullary nailing (IMN) of gunshot-induced femur fractures but none have specifically evaluated tibias. By comparing primary IMN for tibial shaft fractures caused by low-velocity firearms additionally treated with a formal operative I&D (group 1) with those without an I&D (group 2), we sought to identify whether there are: differences in treatment group infection rates; particular fracture patterns more prone to infection; and patient characteristics more prone to infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study at a single level I trauma center of gunshot-induced tibial shaft fractures managed primarily with IMN in 39 patients from October 1, 2008 to October 30, 2016. The following were studied: demographics, follow-up, fracture characteristics, injury management, and patient outcome. Fractures were categorized based on the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification system for diaphyseal tibia/fibula fractures. All patients had intravenous antibiotic agents at presentation and received three days of post-operative intravenous antibiotic agents per institutional protocol. RESULTS: In group 1, 6 of 23 patients (26.1%) developed superficial infections and 4 of 23 patients (17.4%) developed deep infections. In group 2, none of 16 patients (0%) developed superficial infections and 1 patient (6.25%) developed a deep infection, making the total cohort infection rate 28.2% (11/39). Superficial infections were associated with a formal I&D whereas deep infections were not. Tobacco smokers and type 42-A fractures had higher infection rates when treated with a formal I&D. CONCLUSION: A formal debridement, followed by primary IMN in tibia fractures caused by low-velocity firearms is associated with an increased risk of superficial infection that is well managed with antibiotic agents, but the incorporation of a debridement does not affect rate of deep infection. A formal I&D during IMN fixation should be avoided in patients that are smokers and have type 42-A tibia fractures as these are factors associated with increased infection rates.

Long-term survival based on pathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant treatment is standard for locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, whether the addition of radiation to neoadjuvant regimen improves survival remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare survival in locally advanced esophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus chemoradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of esophagectomies (1999-2012) was analyzed. We identified 297 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer that underwent either neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 231) or chemoradiation (n = 66) followed by esophagectomy. Pretreatment and pathologic staging were compared to assess response. Overall survival was recorded. RESULTS: Most patients in the chemotherapy and chemoradiation groups had pretreatment stage III disease (66.7% versus 65.2%; P = 0.44). Median follow-up was 79.3 and 64.9 mo for chemotherapy and chemoradiation cohorts, respectively. Complete response rate was higher in chemoradiation than chemotherapy groups (30.3% versus 13.8%; P < 0.001). Overall survival was similar between complete responders in both groups (median not reached versus 121.1 mo; chemotherapy versus chemoradiation). However, partial responders in the chemotherapy cohort had improved median survival (147.2 mo) versus those in the chemoradiation cohort (83.7 mo, P < 0.03). Within the chemotherapy-only group, partial responders had improved survival compared with nonresponders (P = 0.041); however, there was no difference in survival between partial and complete responders (P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with an equivalent overall survival, when compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Adding neoadjuvant radiation may enhance complete response rates but does not appear to be associated with improved survival.

Difficult-to-Detect Low-Grade Infections Responsible for Poor Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

In this article, we present the case of a patient with a stiff, painful knee after total knee arthroplasty, and with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and synovial fluid analysis within normal limits. Open biopsy for cultures showed Propionibacterium acnes prosthetic joint infection, which was successfully treated with 2-stage revision and intravenous antibiotics.