Epidemiology and outcome of infections in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus-coinfected liver transplant recipients: a FIPSE/GESIDA prospective cohort study.

Information about infections unrelated to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected liver recipients is scarce. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics, time of onset, and outcomes of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected orthotopic liver transplant recipients and to identify risk factors for developing severe infections. We studied 84 consecutive HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who underwent liver transplantation at 17 sites in Spain between 2002 and 2006 and were followed until December 2009. The median age was 42 years, and 76% were men. The median follow-up was 2.6 years (interquartile range = 1.25-3.53 years), and 54 recipients (64%) developed at least 1 infection. Thirty-eight (45%) patients had bacterial infections, 21 (25%) had cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections (2 had CMV disease), 13 (15%) had herpes simplex virus infections, and 16 (19%) had fungal infections (7 cases were invasive). Nine patients (11%) developed 10 opportunistic infections with a 44% mortality rate. Forty-three of 119 infectious episodes (36%) occurred in the first month after transplantation, and 53 (45%) occurred after the sixth month. Thirty-six patients (43%) had severe infections. Overall, 36 patients (43%) died, and the deaths were related to severe infections in 7 cases (19%). Severe infections increased the mortality rate almost 3-fold [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-5.8]. Independent factors for severe infections included a pretransplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score >15 (HR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.70-7.1), a history of AIDS-defining events before transplantation (HR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.9-8.6), and non-tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (HR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.3-4.8). In conclusion, the rates of severe and opportunistic infections are high in HIV/HCV-coinfected liver recipients and especially in those with a history of AIDS, a high MELD score, or non-tacrolimus-based immunosuppression.

Preoperative staging of patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma. Does PET/CT really add something to multidetector CT?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine prospectively whether the systematic use of PET/CT associated with conventional techniques could improve the accuracy of staging in patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma. We also assessed the impact on the therapeutic strategy. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, 97 patients who were evaluated for resection of LMCRC were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative workup included multidetector-CT (MDCT) and PET/CT. In 11 patients with liver steatosis or iodinated contrast allergy, MR also was performed. Sixty-eight patients underwent laparotomy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values for hepatic and extrahepatic staging of MDCT and PET-CT were calculated. RESULTS: In a lesion-by-lesion analysis of the hepatic staging, the sensitivity of MDCT/RM was superior to PET/CT (89.2 vs. 55%, p < 0.001). On the extrahepatic staging, PET/CT was superior to MDCT/MR only for the detection of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.03) and recurrence in uncommon sites (p = 0.016). New findings in PET/CT resulted in a change in therapeutic strategy in 17 patients. However, additional information was correct only in eight cases and wrong in nine patients. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT has a limited role in hepatic staging of LMCRC. Although PET-CT has higher sensitivity for the detection of extrahepatic disease in some anatomic locations, its results are hampered by its low PPV. PET/CT provided additional useful information in 8% of the cases but also incorrect and potentially harmful data in 9% of the staging. Our findings support a more selective use of PET/CT, basically in patients with high risk of local recurrence.

Organ-preserving surgery for benign lesions and low-grade malignancies of the pancreatic head: a matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative results of various preservative surgery (PS) techniques with those of two types of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The subjects of this study were 65 patients treated surgically for chronic pancreatitis, or benign or borderline tumors. We defined PS as any of the following: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR), uncinatectomy (UC), and cystic tumor enucleation (EN). The two types of PD were Whipple pancreatoduodenectomy (WPD) and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). RESULTS: Benign lesions were treated with PD in 41 patients and PS in 24 patients. Whipple pancreatoduodenectomy was performed in 17 patients, PPPD in 24, DPPHR in 20, EN in 3, and UC in 1. The main indication for surgery was chronic pancreatitis (66%). Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was seen in 41% of patients in the PD group but none in the PS group (P = 0.04). However, there were no differences between the two groups in the incidence of pancreatic fistulas or other complications. Reoperation was required in five of the PD patients, but none of the PS patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical techniques for preserving pancreatic tissue are effective for carefully selected patients with benign pancreatic disorders.

[Bile duct cysts in adults: surgical procedure]. / Quistes de los conductos biliares del adulto: estrategia quirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: The reported prevalence rate of bile duct cysts is very low. However, the clinical presentation of bile duct cysts is common to other hepatobiliary diseases. In this article, we report on a series of patients who have been surgically treated over the last 15 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All the patients who had undergone bile duct cyst-related surgery at this hospital had their clinical history reviewed retrospectively from 1990 to 2002. Data were obtained prospectively from 2002 to 2005. The following variables were taken into account in our analysis: diagnosis data, surgical procedure, morbidity, post-surgery mortality rates, and follow-up. RESULTS: Over the last 15 years, 18 patients have undergone surgery at our hospital (6 male, 12 female). The most common clinical presentation was that of abdominal pain and the usual symptoms associated with acute cholangitis. As for surgical procedure, a complete cyst resection with biliary derivation was performed in all 15 cases. The histopathological diagnosis was choledochal cyst in 12 cases, Caroli's disease in 5 cases and a malignant choledochal cyst (adenocarcinoma) in 1 case. The most frequent post-surgical complication was bile leak (3 cases, 16.6%). There was no post-surgical mortality (0%). There were no relapses in the subsequent follow-up CONCLUSIONS: Our preferred surgical procedure is that of complete cyst resection with biliary derivation. Our overall results are similar to those of medical teams who practise a radical resective procedure, and better than those who practise partial resections.

Quistes de los conductos biliares del adulto: estrategia quirúrgica / Bile duct cysts in adults: surgical procedure

Introducción. Los quistes de los conductos biliares son una enfermedad muy poco prevalente. Sin embargo, su presentación clínica es común a la de otros procesos biliopancreáticos. Presentamos nuestra serie de pacientes intervenidos en los últimos 15 años. Material y método. Se han revisado retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes intervenidos por esta enfermedad, en nuestro hospital, entre 1990 y 2002. A partir de 2002, se toman los datos de forma prospectiva hasta 2005. Se han analizado variables de métodos de diagnóstico, técnica quirúrgica, morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria y seguimiento posterior. Resultados. En los últimos 15 años se ha intervenido a 18 pacientes (6 varones, 12 mujeres). La presentación clínica más común ha sido el dolor abdominal, seguido del cuadro clínico de colangitis aguda. La técnica quirúrgica ha sido resección total del quiste + derivación biliodigestiva en el 100% de los casos. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico ha sido de quiste coledocal en 12 casos, enfermedad de Caroli en 5 casos, quiste coledocal malignizado (adenocarcinoma) en 1 caso. La complicación postoperatoria más frecuente ha sido la fístula biliar (3 casos, 16,6%). La mortalidad postoperatoria ha sido del 0%. En el seguimiento tardío, no se ha evidenciado recidiva del quiste en ningún caso (0%). Conclusiones. El tratamiento quirúrgico de elección es la resección total del quiste con derivación biliodigestiva. Nuestros resultados son equiparables a los de los equipos que practican una técnica de resección radical y, a su vez, son mejores que los de las series que practican resecciones parciales (AU)

Objective. The reported prevalence rate of bile duct cysts is very low. However, the clinical presentation of bile duct cysts is common to other hepatobiliary diseases. In this article, we report on a series of patients who have been surgically treated over the last 15 years. Material and method. All the patients who had undergone bile duct cyst-related surgery at this hospital had their clinical history reviewed retrospectively from 1990 to 2002. Data were obtained prospectively from 2002 to 2005. The following variables were taken into account in our analysis: diagnosis data, surgical procedure, morbidity, post-surgery mortality rates, and follow-up. Results. Over the last 15 years, 18 patients have undergone surgery at our hospital (6 male, 12 female). The most common clinical presentation was that of abdominal pain and the usual symptoms associated with acute cholangitis. As for surgical procedure, a complete cyst resection with biliary derivation was performed in all 15 cases. The histopathological diagnosis was choledochal cyst in 12 cases, Caroli´s disease in 5 cases and a malignant choledochal cyst (adenocarcinoma) in 1 case. The most frequent post-surgical complication was bile leak (3 cases, 16.6%). There was no post-surgical mortality (0%). There were no relapses in the subsequent follow-up Conclusions. Our preferred surgical procedure is that of complete cyst resection with biliary derivation. Our overall results are similar to those of medical teams who practise a radical resective procedure, and better than those who practise partial resections (AU)

Liver transplantation across Rh blood group barriers increases the risk of biliary complications.

BACKGROUND: Cold ischemia time and the presence of postoperative hepatic arterial thrombosis have been associated with biliary complications (BC) after liver transplantation. An ABO-incompatible blood group has also been suggested as a factor for predisposal towards BC. However, the influence of Rh nonidentity has not been studied previously. MATERIALS: Three hundred fifty six liver transplants were performed from 1995 to 2000 at our hospital. BC incidence and risk factors were studied in 345 patients. RESULTS: Seventy patients (20%) presented BC after liver transplantation. Bile leakage (24/45%) and stenotic anastomosis (21/30%) were the most frequent complications. Presence of BC in Rh-nonidentical graft-host cases (23/76, 30%) was higher than in Rh-identical grafts (47/269, 17%) (P=0.01). BC was also more frequent in grafts with arterial thrombosis (9/25, 36% vs 60/319, 19%; P=0.03) and grafts with cold ischemia time longer than 430 min (26/174, 15% vs 44/171, 26%; P=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that Rh graft-host nonidentical blood groups [RR=2(1.1-3.6); P=0.02], arterial thrombosis [RR=2.6(1.1-6.4); P=0.02] and cold ischemia time longer than 430 min [RR=1.8(1-3.2); P=0.02] were risk factors for presenting BC. CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation using Rh graft-host nonidentical blood groups leads to a greater incidence of BC.

[Results of ambulatory unilateral thyroid surgery. A preliminary study]. / Resultados de la cirugía tiroidea limitada a un lóbulo en régimen ambulatorio. Estudio preliminar.

INTRODUCTION: Ambulatory thyroid surgery has been demonstrated to be effective but this technique has been less widely implemented than expected. Because of the probability of hemorrhage in the first 24 hours after the intervention and the subsequent development of a suffocating hematoma, endocrine surgeons are reluctant to perform this procedure. The advent of new technologies applied to thyroid surgery and specialization of thyroid surgeons could reverse this impasse in ambulatory thyroid surgery. We present our preliminary results of ambulatory unilateral thyroid surgery. METHODS: The patients underwent surgery between February 2005 and June 2006 carried out by the same surgeon performing endocrine surgery exclusively since 2000. In most patients, the criteria of minimally invasive surgery (incision < 3 cm) were applied. RESULTS: A total of 79.1% (53/67) of the patients undergoing unilateral thyroid surgery were considered candidates for ambulatory surgery. The substitution index and the unplanned admission rate was 90.5% (48/53) and 9.4% (5/53), respectively. Two patients had minor complications (3.8%). None of the patients developed hemorrhage or required readmission in the immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, these results should at least lead to reconsideration of the possibility of performing thyroidectomy in the ambulatory setting and of including this process in the routine activity of ambulatory units in certain hospitals. However, this type of surgery should be performed by surgeons experienced in thyroid surgery and there should be a sufficient number of patients requiring thyroid surgery throughout the year.

Resultados de la cirugía tiroidea limitada a un lóbulo en régimen ambulatorio. Estudio preliminar / Results of ambulatory unilateral thyroid surgery. A preliminary study

Introducción. La cirugía del tiroides en régimen ambulatorio ha demostrado ser eficaz, pero su implementación no ha sido la esperada. La probabilidad de hemorragia en las primeras 24 h del postoperatorio y el desarrollo posterior de hematoma sofocante planean sobre los cirujanos endocrinos y promueven la desconfianza en esta indicación. El advenimiento de nuevas tecnologías aplicadas a la cirugía tiroidea y la especialización del cirujano endocrino pueden revertir esta situación de transición que vive la cirugía tiroidea en régimen ambulatorio. Presentamos nuestros resultados preliminares en cirugía tiroidea limitada a un lóbulo en régimen ambulatorio. Métodos. Los pacientes han sido intervenidos en el período febrero de 2005-julio de 2006 por un único cirujano dedicado a la cirugía endocrina desde el año 2000, que aplicó a la mayoría los criterios de cirugía mínimamente invasiva (incisión < 3 cm). Resultados. El 79,1% (53/67) de los pacientes sometidos a intervenciones de cirugía tiroidea limitada han sido considerados candidatos a cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA). El índice de sustitución (IS) y el índice de ingresos no deseados (IND) han sido del 90,5 (48/53) y el 9,4% (5/53), respectivamente; 2 pacientes han presentado complicaciones menores (3,8%) y ninguno presentó hemorragia ni reingresó en el postoperatorio inmediato. Conclusiones. Estos resultados, aunque preliminares, deberían por lo menos replantear la posibilidad de realizar la tiroidectomía en régimen ambulatorio e incluir este proceso en la rutina de la CMA de algunos hospitales. Todo ello, eso sí, realizado por cirujanos con un mínimo de experiencia acumulada en cirugía tiroidea y con un número de casos de cirugía tiroidea asegurados a lo largo del año (AU)

Introduction. Ambulatory thyroid surgery has been demonstrated to be effective but this technique has been less widely implemented than expected. Because of the probability of hemorrhage in the first 24 hours after the intervention and the subsequent development of a suffocating hematoma, endocrine surgeons are reluctant to perform this procedure. The advent of new technologies applied to thyroid surgery and specialization of thyroid surgeons could reverse this impasse in ambulatory thyroid surgery. We present our preliminary results of ambulatory unilateral thyroid surgery. Methods. The patients underwent surgery between February 2005 and June 2006 carried out by the same surgeon performing endocrine surgery exclusively since 2000. In most patients, the criteria of minimally invasive surgery (incision < 3 cm) were applied. Results. A total of 79.1% (53/67) of the patients undergoing unilateral thyroid surgery were considered candidates for ambulatory surgery. The substitution index and the unplanned admission rate was 90.5% (48/53) and 9.4% (5/53), respectively. Two patients had minor complications (3.8%). None of the patients developed hemorrhage or required readmission in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusions. Although preliminary, these results should at least lead to reconsideration of the possibility of performing thyroidectomy in the ambulatory setting and of including this process in the routine activity of ambulatory units in certain hospitals. However, this type of surgery should be performed by surgeons experienced in thyroid surgery and there should be a sufficient number of patients requiring thyroid surgery throughout the year (AU)

[Factors associated with morbidity and mortality after gastric bypass. Alternatives for risk reduction: sleeve gastrectomy]. / Factores asociados a morbimortalidad tras el bypass gástrico. Alternativas para disminuir riesgos: gastroplastia tubular.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze factors related to morbidity and mortality after gastric bypass and to evaluate lower-risk alternatives in selected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of 761 patients who underwent gastric bypass was included. Prognostic factors were studied using a logistic regression model with SPSS 11.0. Independent variables were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and the laparoscopic approach. Dependent variables consisted of medical complications, surgical complications, and mortality. We performed a preliminary descriptive study of morbidity and weight loss at 3 months after sleeve gastrectomy. RESULTS: In the postoperative period, 2.8% of patients presented medical complications and 5.4% presented surgical complications. Mortality was 0.52%. Surgical complications were significantly associated with age > 45 years (P = .04; OR = 2.00 [1.03-3.8]) and male sex (P = .041; OR = 2.40 [1.12-5.14]). Medical complications were significantly associated with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2 (P = .012; OR = 3.32 [1.23-8.98]), and mortality was significantly associated with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2 (P = .006) and male sex (P = .006). Sleeve gastrectomy was performed in eight patients with a BMI of > 60 kg/m2, in three patients with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2, cardiopulmonary disease and android fat distribution, and in four patients with a BMI of between 35 and 40 kg/m2 and major comorbidity. Morbidity consisted of self-limited febrile syndrome in one patient. There was no mortality. Weight loss at 3 months was 39.8 +/- 5.36% of excess BMI in superobese patients (n = 4) and was 50.2 +/- 11.05% of excess BMI in morbidly obese patients (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative morbidity and mortality was significantly higher in male patients, in patients aged more than 45 years, and in those with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2. Sleeve gastrectomy in selected patients could be a lower-risk alternative.

Subtotal thyroidectomy: a reliable method to achieve euthyroidism in Graves' disease. Prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: Subtotal thyroidectomy is a widely accepted surgical procedure for Graves' disease. The purpose of this work is to evaluate functional long-term results and determine predictive prognostic factors of postoperative thyroid function. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study conducted on 202 patients with Graves' disease undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy during the period 1979-2002. Predictive prognostic factors of final thyroid status were investigated by logistic ordinal regression, and probability of hypothyroidism during the years of follow-up was obtained by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Surgery controlled hyperthyroidism in 196 out of 202 patients (97%). The probability of hypo-, eu-, and hyperthyroidism at 5 years was 62.1%, 35.5%, and 2.4%, respectively. No statistical change in thyroid function occurred in the follow-up after 60 months. Multivariate analysis by a logistic ordinal regression analysis showed that weight of the remnant, age, and gender seemed to influence long-term thyroid function. The higher rates of euthyroidism were obtained when the remnant weight was between 6 and 8 g. No recurrence or persistence of hyperthyroidism occurred with remnant weights under 5 g. CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal thyroidectomy controlled hyperfunction symptoms in 97% of our patients. Cure (euthyroidism) of Graves' disease patients should be attempted by leaving a thyroid tissue remnant between 6 and 8 g. Even more significant, our results suggest that euthyroidism rates could be improved by leaving a smaller remnant in elderly women and greater remnants in young men.

Factores asociados a morbimortalidad tras el bypass gástrico. Alternativas para disminuir riesgos: gastroplastia tubular / Factors associated with morbidity and mortality after gastric bypass. Alternatives for risk reduction: sleeve gastrectomy

Introducción. El objetivo fue estudio ha sido evaluar factores relacionados con la morbimortalidad tras el bypass gástrico y considerar alternativas de menor riesgo en pacientes seleccionados. Pacientes y métodos. Se incluye una cohorte prospectiva de 761 pacientes a los que se realizó bypass gástrico. Se realiza un estudio de factores pronósticos mediante el modelo de regresión logística con SPSS 11.0. Las variables independientes fueron edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal (IMC), comorbilidades, abordaje laparoscópico; las variables dependientes fueron complicaciones médicas, complicaciones quirúrgicas y mortalidad. Es un estudio preliminar descriptivo de morbilidad y resultados ponderales a 3 meses con gastroplastia tubular. Resultados. En el postoperatorio el 2,8% de los pacientes presentó complicaciones médicas y el 5,4%, complicaciones quirúrgicas. La mortalidad fue del 0,52%. Las variables que han presentado relación estadísticamente significativa con las complicaciones quirúrgicas fueron la edad > 45 años (p = 0,04; odds ratio [OR] = 2,00; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,03-3,8) y el sexo masculino (p = 0,041; OR = 2,40; IC del 95%, 1,12-5,14). Las variables presentaron relación estadísticamente significativa con las con las complicaciones médicas fueron: IMC > 50 kg/m2 (p = 0,012; OR = 3,32; IC del 95%, 1,23-8,98); con la mortalidad: IMC > 50 kg/m2 (p = 0,006), el sexo masculino (p = 0,006). Se ha realizado gastroplastia tubular en pacientes con IMC > 60 kg/m2 (8 casos); IMC > 50 kg/m2 con afección cardiopulmonar y morfología androide (3 casos); IMC entre 35 y 40 kg/m2 y comorbilidad mayor (4 casos); con la morbilidad: síndrome febril autolimitado. No hubo mortalidad. En superobesos el descenso del 39,8 ± 5,36% del exceso de IMC en 3 meses (n = 4); en obesos mórbidos un descenso del 50,2 ± 11,05% del exceso del IMC en 3 meses (n = 4). Conclusiones. La morbimortalidad postoperatoria fue significativamente mayor en los varones, mayores de 45 años y con IMC > 50 kg/m2.La gastroplastia tubular en pacientes seleccionados podría ser una alternativa de menor riesgo (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze factors related to morbidity and mortality after gastric bypass and to evaluate lower-risk alternatives in selected patients. Patients and methods. A prospective cohort of 761 patients who underwent gastric bypass was included. Prognostic factors were studied using a logistic regression model with SPSS 11.0. Independent variables were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and the laparoscopic approach. Dependent variables consisted of medical complications, surgical complications, and mortality. We performed a preliminary descriptive study of morbidity and weight loss at 3 months after sleeve gastrectomy. Results. In the postoperative period, 2.8% of patients presented medical complications and 5.4% presented surgical complications. Mortality was 0.52%. Surgical complications were significantly associated with age > 45 years (P=.04; OR = 2.00 [1.03-3.8]) and male sex (P=.041; OR = 2.40 [1.12-5.14]). Medical complications were significantly associated with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2 (P=.012; OR = 3.32 [1.23-8.98]), and mortality was significantly associated with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2 (P=.006) and male sex (P=.006). Sleeve gastrectomy was performed in eight patients with a BMI of > 60 kg/m2, in three patients with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2, cardiopulmonary disease and android fat distribution, and in four patients with a BMI of between 35 and 40 kg/m2 and major comorbidity. Morbidity consisted of self-limited febrile syndrome in one patient. There was no mortality. Weight loss at 3 months was 39.8 ± 5.36% of excess BMI in superobese patients (n = 4) and was 50.2 ± 11.05% of excess BMI in morbidly obese patients (n = 4). Conclusions. Postoperative morbidity and mortality was significantly higher in male patients, in patients aged more than 45 years, and in those with a BMI of > 50 kg/m2. Sleeve gastrectomy in selected patients could be a lower-risk alternative (AU)

Is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass adequate in the super-obese?

BACKGROUND: The outcome after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) in morbidly obese (MO) (body mass index [BMI] 40-50) was compared with super-obese (SO) (BMI >50) and super-super-obese (SSO) (BMI >60) patients. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 738 consecutive patients who underwent RYGBP. 483 MO were compared with 184 SO and 70 SSO. Study endpoints included: effect on co-morbid conditions, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS 11.0. RESULTS: Percentage of males was significantly greater in the SO groups (16.5% vs 13%, P=0.01). Obesity-related conditions were significantly more frequent in the SO groups: sleep apnea (38% vs 17%, P<0.0005), gallstones (23% vs 14%, P=0.013); diabetes (29% vs 17%, P=0.002). Hospital stay was longer in the SO groups (5.7+/-6.1 days vs 4.6+/-2.6 days, P=0.024). Wound infection was more frequent in the SO groups (4.7% vs 1.4%, P=0.019). Postoperative mortality was greater in the SSO and SO groups (1.6% and 1.4%) than MO (0%) (P=0.019). Incisional hernia was more frequent in the SO groups (14.1% vs 8.6%; P=0.041). There was no significant difference in percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) between the three groups. EWL >50% at 5 years was: MO 81.5%, SO 87.5%, SSO 80%. The surgery was effective in treating the co-morbid conditions. CONCLUSION: RYGBP achieved significant durable weight loss and effectively treated co-morbid conditions in SO and SSO patients with acceptable postoperative morbidity and slightly greater mortality than in MO patients.

Documento de consenso GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, SPNS y ONT sobre trasplante de órgano sólido en pacientes infectados por el VIH en España (marzo 2005) / Consensus document from GESIDA/GESITRA-SIMC, SPNS and ONT on solid organ transplantation in patients with HIV infection in Spain (March 2005)

El trasplante de órgano sólido puede ser la única alternativa terapéutica en ciertos pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). La experiencia acumulada en América del Norte y Europa en los últimos 5 años indica que la supervivencia a los 3 años del trasplante de órgano sólido es similar a la de los pacientes no infectados por el VIH. Los criterios consensuados para seleccionar a los pacientes infectados por el VIH con indicación de trasplante son: no haber tenido infecciones oportunistas (a excepción de la tuberculosis, candidiasis esofágica o neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci ­antes carinii­), tener una cifra de linfocitos CD4 > 200 cél./μl (100 cél./μl en el caso del trasplante hepático) y una carga viral del VIH indetectable o suprimible con tratamiento antirretroviral. También se exige una abstinencia a la heroína y cocaína de 2 años de duración, pudiendo estar el paciente en programa de metadona. Los principales problemas del período postrasplante son las interacciones farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas entre los antirretrovirales y los inmunosupresores, el rechazo y la posibilidad de que la recidiva de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), que es una de las principales causas de mortalidad postrasplante hepático, siga una evolución peor. La experiencia del tratamiento con interferón pegilado y ribavirina es escasa en esta población hasta el momento actual (AU)

Solid organ transplantation may be the only therapeutic option for some human inmunodeficience virus (HIV)-infected patients. Experience in North America and Europe over the last five years has shown that three-year survival of these patients following organ transplantation is similar to that of HIV-negative patients. The consensus criteria for the selection of HIV patients for transplantation include the following: no opportunistic infections (except tuberculosis, esophageal candidiasis or Pneumocystis jiroveci ­ previously carinii ­ pneumonia), CD4 lymphocyte count above 200 cells/μl (100 cells/μl in the case of liver transplantation) and HIV viral load that is undetectable or suppressible with antiretroviral therapy. Also required is a two-year abstinence from heroin and cocaine, although the patient may be in a methadone program. The main problems in the post-transplantation period in these patients are pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between antiretorivirals and immunosuppressors, rejection, and the fact that the risk of relapsed HCV infection is exacerbated, and this is one of the main causes of post-liver transplantation (..) (AU)

[GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, PNS and ONT consensus document on solid organ transplant (SOT) in HIV-infected patients in Spain (March, 2005)]. / Documento de consenso GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, SPNS y ONT sobre trasplante de órgano sólido en pacientes infectados por el VIH en España (marzo 2005).

Solid organ transplant may be the only therapeutic alternative in some HIV-infected patients. Experience in North America and Europe during the last five years shows that survival at three years after an organ transplant is similar to that observed in HIV-negative patients. The criteria agreed upon to select HIV patients for transplant are: no opportunistic infections (except tuberculosis, oesophageal candidiasis or P. jiroveci -previously carinii- pneumonia), CD4 lymphocyte count above 200 cells/.L (100 cells/.L in the case of liver transplant) and an HIV viral load which is undetectable or suppressible with antiretroviral therapy. Another criterion is a two-year abstinence from heroin and cocaine, although the patient may be in a methadone programme. The main problems in the post-transplant period are pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between antiretorivirals and immunosuppressors, rejection and the management of relapse of HCV infection, which is one of the main causes of post-liver transplant mortality. Up to now, experience with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is scarce in this population. The English version of the manuscript is available at http://www.gesidaseimc.com.

Complete versus selective portal triad clamping for minor liver resections: a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, efficacy, amount of hemorrhage, postoperative complications, and ischemic injury of selective clamping in patients undergoing minor liver resections. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Inflow occlusion can reduce blood loss during hepatectomy. However, Pringle maneuver produces ischemic injury to the remaining liver. Selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion technique can reduce the severity of visceral congestion and total liver ischemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing minor hepatic resection were randomly assigned to complete clamping (CC) or selective clamping (SC). Hemodynamic parameters, including portal pressure and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), were evaluated. The amount of blood loss, measurements of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and postoperative evolution were also recorded. RESULTS: No differences were observed in the amount of hemorrhage (671 +/- 533 mL versus 735 +/- 397 mL; P = 0.54) or the patients that required transfusion (10% versus 15%; P = 0.55). There were no differences on postoperative morbidity between groups (38% versus 29%; P = 0.38). Cirrhotic patients with CC had significantly higher ALT (7.7 +/- 4.6 versus 4.5 +/- 2.7 mukat/L, P = 0.01) and AST (10.2 +/- 8.7 versus 4.9 +/- 2.1 mukat/L; P = 0.03) values on the first postoperative day than SC. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that high central venous pressure, HVPG >10 mm Hg, and intraoperative blood loss were independent factors related to morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques of clamping are equally effective and feasible for patients with normal liver and undergoing minor hepatectomies. However, in cirrhotic patients selective clamping induces less ischemic injury and should be recommended. Finally, even for minor hepatic resections, central venous pressure, HVPG, and intraoperative blood loss are factors related to morbidity and should be considered.

Resección quirúrgica de las metástasis hepáticas de carcinoma colorrectal. Tratamiento de las recidivas / Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases. Treatment of recurrences

Introducción. La cirugía es el mejor tratamiento para las metástasis hepáticas del cáncer colorrectal. Sin embargo, la mitad de los pacientes presentará una recidiva. Objetivos. Analizar la supervivencia del tratamiento quirúrgico de las recidivas tras el seguimiento intencionado de los pacientes operados de metástasis hepáticas del cáncer colorrectal. Material y métodos. Desde 1991 hasta 2002 hemos practicado 394 hepatectomías por metástasis hepáticas del cáncer colorrectal en 368 pacientes. El número, el tamaño y la invasión locorregional no se consideraron criterios de exclusión. En 26 pacientes se llevó a cabo una segunda resección y en 33 se realizó destrucción por radiofrecuencia de las metástasis hepáticas. Treinta enfermos fueron intervenidos de metástasis pulmonares. Resultados. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 3 por ciento. La supervivencia actuarial a los 1, 3 y 5 años fue del 89, el 61 y el 40 por ciento, respectivamente. En el análisis multivariante, el valor de antígeno carcinoembrionario preoperatorio mayor de 50 ng/ml, la presencia de 4 o más metástasis hepáticas, la presentación sincrónica, la enfermedad extrahepática y la invasión del margen fueron factores predictivos de mortalidad independientes. La quimioterapia adyuvante mejoró significativamente la supervivencia. La supervivencia a 5 años de los pacientes operados de una recidiva hepática fue del 38 por ciento, mientras que la del tratamiento con radiofrecuencia fue del 48 por ciento a los 3 años. La supervivencia tras la resección de metástasis pulmonares fue del 49 por ciento a los 4 años. Conclusiones. El tratamiento quirúrgico de las metástasis hepáticas del cáncer colorrectal, junto con un seguimiento intencionado y un tratamiento mediante cirugía o radiofrecuencia de las recidivas hepáticas, pulmonares y locorregionales, permite alcanzar una supervivencia excelente a largo plazo (AU)

Liver transplantation without steroid induction in HIV-infected patients.

Until recently, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation in Spain. We present the first 4 cases of liver transplantation (LT) carried out in our center in patients infected with HIV and coinfected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), immunosuppressed with cyclosporine A (CyA) and basiliximab, but without steroids. The 4 patients were male, with a mean age of 38.25 +/- 4.5 years. Mean time of HIV infection was 114 +/- 62.3 months and all patients were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HCV genotypes of the 4 patients were 4, 1b, 1b, and 1a. Two patients were classified as Child-Turcotte-Pugh C (10 and 11 points), 1 was B (8 points), and the patient with hepatocellular carcinoma was A (5 points). Immunosuppression consisted of basiliximab and monotherapy with CyA. There were no postoperative infections. With a follow-up of 17 +/- 8 months, all patients are alive. There was only 1 acute rejection episode, and this was solved with steroid pulses. Three patients showed HCV recurrence with enzymatic and histological changes and were treated with interferon and ribavirin. One patient had negative HCV-ribonucleic acid after 6 months of treatment. In conclusion, HIV infection should not be considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation. The evolution of this type of patients will probably depend on the HCV infection. Immunosuppression without steroids may reduce opportunistic infection.

Técnica quirúrgica del trasplante hepático dominó o secuencial / Surgical technique of domino or sequential liver transplantation

Introducción. Uno de los métodos actualmente empleados para aumentar el pool de injertos hepáticos disponibles es el trasplante hepático dominó (THD) o secuencial. En esta modalidad de trasplante hepático, se utiliza el órgano extraído en un paciente trasplantado a causa de una polineuropatía amiloidótica familiar (PAF) (donante "dominó") para implantarlo en otro receptor. Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es la exposición de los aspectos más relevantes y característicos de la técnica quirúrgica en el THD. Pacientes y métodos. Se presentan los datos y resultados obtenidos en los 13 THD que nuestro grupo realizó entre febrero de 1999 y noviembre de 2001.Resultados. La hepatectomía en el paciente con PAF debe incluir la vena cava retrohepática con sección y ligadura de las venas diafragmáticas, mientras que el implante no presenta diferencias importantes con respecto a la técnica habitual. En tres casos los injertos obtenidos de los donantes "dominó" presentaban alguna variante de la normalidad en la vascularización arterial, que hizo necesaria la cirugía de banco. No se produjo mortalidad, ningún paciente ha presentado complicaciones atribuibles a la técnica y sólo en un caso fue necesario transfundir sangre durante el trasplante. En los receptores del THD se empleó la técnica de preservación de cava en todos los casos. La anastomosis arterial se realizó con el patch formado por la arteria gastroduodenal y la hepática común. Para la anastomosis de la cava superior se utilizaron las tres venas suprahepáticas del receptor en 9 casos y en otros dos fue necesario realizar una anastomosis directamente con la cava inferior. La mediana de transfusión fue de 3 ñ 2,5 (rango, 0-7) concentrados de hematíes. La única complicación técnica fue una estenosis de la anastomosis suprahepática. Conclusiones. El THD es una técnica segura que no aumenta el riesgo operatorio de los pacientes con PAF. Los aspectos técnicos más relevantes son: la obtención de una longitud suficiente de vena cava inferior y la identificación de las variantes anatómicas arteriales en el injerto del paciente con PAF (AU)