Minimizing Incision in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Initial Experience and Comparative Analysis of Upper Midline Incision in 115 Recipients.

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) needs "Mercedes Benz" or "J-shaped" incision, causing short and long-term complications. An upper midline incision (UMI) is less invasive alternative but technically challenging. Reporting UMI for recipients in LDLT vs. conventional J-shaped incision. Retrospective analysis, July 2021 to December 2022. Peri-operative details and post-transplant outcomes of 115 consecutive adult LDLT recipients transplanted with UMI compared with 140 recipients with J-shaped incision. Cohorts had similar preoperative and intraoperative variables. The UMI group had significant shorter time to ambulation (3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.6 ± 1.3 days, p = 0.001), ICU stay (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.001), but a similar hospital stay (15.6±7.6 vs. 16.1±10.9 days, p = 0.677), lower incidence of pleural effusion (11.3% vs. 27.1% p = 0.002), and post-operative ileus (1.7% vs. 9.3% p = 0.011). The rates of graft dysfunction (4.3% vs. 8.5% p = 0.412), biliary complications (6.1% vs. 12.1% p = 0.099), 90-day mortality (7.8% vs. 12.1% p = 0.598) were similar. UMI-LDLT afforded benefits such as reduced pleuropulmonary complications, better early post-operative recovery and reduction in scar-related complaints in the medium-term. This is a safe, non-inferior and reproducible technique for LDLT.

Hilar Anatomy in 3035 Living Liver Donors: A Novel Classification for Donor Surgery and Suitability, Hepatic Surgeries, and Hepatobiliary Interventions.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the vascular and biliary variations in 3035 liver donors. We propose a novel classification of hepatic arteries, portal veins, and bile ducts and clinically relevant donor classification. METHODS: Preoperative imaging and operative details of 3035 donors from 2005 to 2020 were reviewed. Hilar anatomical variations were identified and grouped on the basis of incidence and clinical relevance. RESULTS: Hilar structures are classified according to the numbers supplying or draining the graft: for the hepatic artery, right (R) and left (L), RA1/LA1 (1 artery), RA2/LA2 (2 arteries), and RA3/LA3 (3 arteries), respectively, further defined on the basis of the inflow trunk into C (for common hepatic artery), S (for superior mesenteric artery), and L (for left gastric artery); for the portal vein, RP1 (1 vein) and RP2 (2 veins) for the right lobe; and for the hepatic duct, RB1/LB1 (1 duct), RB2/LB2 (2 ducts), RB3 (3 right ducts), and RB4 (4 right ducts). Donors were classified on the basis of anatomical variations into 3 groups: class 1 and class 2 donors, who can donate liver with acceptable risks, and class 3 donors, who are high-risk donors because they are anatomically unacceptable ( Figures S1 to S4, SDC , http://links.lww.com/TP/C918 ). CONCLUSIONS: Defining hilar anatomical variations and donor grouping into anatomy-based clinical classes helps in operative planning of donors, hepatobiliary surgeries, and interventional procedures.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients: A Histology-Based Study.

Background: Recurrent or de novo nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are common after liver transplantation (LT) and may be associated with rapid progression to fibrosis; however, there is limited data in this regard after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Material and methods: This is a retrospective study at a high volume LDLT center of all liver biopsies performed in patients with post-transplant NAFLD diagnosed on ultrasound of the abdomen. Liver biopsy was indicated for raised transaminases and/or high liver stiffness on TE. The association between these prebiopsy parameters and inflammation and fibrosis on histology was analyzed. Data are shown as mean ± standard deviation or median (25-75 interquartile range). Results: The study cohort consisted of 31 males and 3 females, aged 43 ± 10 years. The LT to liver biopsy interval was 44 (28-68) months. The prebiopsy AST and ALT were 71 (38-119) and 66 (50-156), respectively. The histology suggested no nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 7 (20%), borderline NASH in 15 (44%), and NASH in 12 (35%) patients. A total of 15 patients (44%) had stage 1 or stage 2 fibrosis. The proportion of patients having fibrosis was significantly higher in patients with NASH (83%) compared to patients with borderline NASH (33%) or no NASH (none had fibrosis, P = 0.001). Among 18 patients who underwent TE (on FibroScan), liver stiffness was significantly higher in patients with fibrosis [18.1 (9.7-22.5)] than in those without fibrosis [9.7 (4.0-12.7); P = 0.043]. Conclusion: Over a third of the LDLT recipients with post-transplant NAFLD developed NASH, and nearly half, borderline NASH 3-5 years after transplant. Most with established NASH also had fibrosis on histology. Prevention of risk factors and early diagnosis is warranted in these patients.

Implementation of infection prevention and control practices in an upcoming COVID-19 hospital in India: An opportunity not missed.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) program is obligatory for delivering quality services in any healthcare setup. Lack of administrative support and resource-constraints (under-staffing, inadequate funds) were primary barriers to successful implementation of IPC practices in majority of the hospitals in the developing countries. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought a unique opportunity to improve the IPC program in these hospitals. A PDSA (Plan-Do-Study- Act) model was adopted for this study in a tertiary care hospital which was converted into a dedicated COVID-19 treatment facility in Varanasi, India. The initial focus was to identify the deficiencies in existing IPC practices and perceive the opportunities for improvement. Repeated IPC training (induction and reinforce) was conducted for the healthcare personnel (HCP) and practices were monitored by direct observation and closed-circuit television. Cleaning audits were performed by visual inspection, review of the checklists and qualitative assessment of the viewpoints of the HCP was carried out by the feedbacks received at the end of the training sessions. A total of 2552 HCP and 548 medical students were trained in IPC through multiple offline/onsite sessions over a period of 15 months during the ongoing pandemic. Although the overall compliance to surface disinfection and cleaning increased from 50% to >80% with repeated training, compliance decreased whenever newly recruited HCP were posted. Fear psychosis in the pandemic was the greatest facilitator for adopting the IPC practices. Continuous wearing of personal protective equipment for long duration, dissatisfaction with the duty rosters as well as continuous posting in high-risk areas were the major obstacles to the implementation of IPC norms. Recognising the role of an infection control team, repeated training, monitoring and improvisation of the existing resources are keys for successful implementation of IPC practices in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restructuring Living-Donor Liver Transplantation at a High-Volume Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to deferral of elective transplants and proactive pretransplant testing of the donor/recipient. The impact of these on living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) activity and outcome is not known. We performed LDLT only for sick patients or patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in this period, with special COVID protocols. METHODS: Patients undergoing LDLT counseling, evaluation, and transplant in the period March to June 2020 (group A) under COVID-19 restrictions and special protocols were included. LDLT activity and outcomes among these patients were compared with those in the same period in 2019 (group B). RESULTS: In the period March 15-June 10, we performed 39 and 23 (59%) LDLTs in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The adult patients with cirrhosis in group A (n = 20) had a significantly higher MELD score, 19.8 ± 7.0 versus 16.1 ± 5.6 in group B (n = 36), p = 0.034. Early recipient mortality was similar in 2019 (2/39) and 2020 (2/23). One of 23 post-transplant recipients, 3/71 recipients and donors during evaluation, and 8/125 healthcare workers (HCWs) developed COVID-19, all of whom recovered uneventfully. CONCLUSION: LDLT activity substantially reduced during the COVID era. The incidence and outcome of COVID-19 among the waiting or transplanted patients and HCWs were similar to those of the general population. The outcome after LDLT in the COVID era was similar to that in non-COVID times. These data suggest that LDLT may be extended to more stable patients with strict protocols.

NEK1 and GRN mutations coexist in a sporadic Chinese Hui descent ALS patient.

We describe a sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient who presented rapid progress of muscle weakness and died of respiratory failure one and a half years after onset. Genetic analysis revealed a novel ALS-causing gene NEK1 nonsense mutation p.K1210* and a known pathogenic frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD)-causing gene GRN mutation p.C139R. It is rare for ALS patients to carry two different pathogenic mutations simultaneously. The individual only had typically motor neuron dysfunction without any related cognitive symptoms. GRN p.C139R mutation is linked to various clinical phenotypes that include FTD and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The case carrying two different gene mutations expands our understanding of ALS genetics.

Is Revision Surgery Justified for Symptomatic Pancreatico-enteric Anastomotic Stenosis in Long-term Survivors Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Malignancy?

BACKGROUND: Pancreatico-enteric anastomotic (PEA) stenosis is one of the late complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and reported for benign diseases. Literature for PEA stenosis following PD for malignancy is very limited due to low survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic, recurrent, obstructive pancreatitis due to PEA stenosis following PD for malignancy were retrospectively identified from the authors' prospective database between January 1997 and December 2014. RESULTS: Six patients with median age 56.5 years underwent revision surgery for PEA stenosis during this time period. At primary PD, all were node negative with T1/T2 disease. The primary PEA were pancreatico-jejunostomy (PJ) (n = 5) and pancreatico-gastrostomy (n = 1). Median time to develop symptoms was 62 months. At revision surgery, a Roux-en-Y longitudinal PJ (n = 5) and an end-to-side PJ (n = 1) were done. With a median follow-up of 36 months, pain relief was excellent (n = 5) to average (n = 1). CONCLUSION: With improving long-term survival in patients undergoing PD for malignancy more such patients will be identified in future. Patients with symptomatic PEA stenosis following PD for malignancy can be managed surgically, with excellent outcomes in centers of expertise in pancreatic surgery.

Ileal duplication cyst in the elderly complicated by appendicitis: A rare case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal duplication cysts are rare, generally found in infants and young adults. Adult presentation is rare. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We present an elderly lady who presented with right iliac fossa pain. Imaging showed a terminal ileal duplication cyst. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was done. Histopathology confirmed ileal duplication cyst with reactive appendicitis. DISCUSSION: Surgical resection is deemed appropriate management due to known complications like obstruction, hemorrhage, perforation and malignant degeneration. Resection of only the cyst is adequate in completely isolated cases. However, others require resection of adjoining small bowel. CONCLUSION: We highlight the rare occurrence in elderly and its management laparoscopically.

IgG4-associated sclerosing cholangitis masquerading as hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) commonly presents with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis. Isolated IgG4-SC is rare. Differentiating IgG4-SC from cholangiocarcinoma preoperatively is challenging due to overlapping radio-clinical manifestations and difficult preoperative histology. We present three cases preoperatively diagnosed and surgically treated as hilar cholangiocarcinoma. First and second cases presented with cholangiocarcinoma with portal vein involvement and third with a malignant-appearing hilar stricture. On histopathology, IgG4-SC was diagnosed in the first two cases. Third patient had raised serum IgG4, and histopathology was inconclusive for IgG4-SC and negative for malignancy. However, she responded to steroid therapy.

Small bowel obstruction due to an endometriotic ileal stricture with associated appendiceal endometriosis: A case report and systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is defined as the presence of functional ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. It rarely involves the small bowel and obstruction due to the same is highly uncommon. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult based on clinical and radiological studies. Diagnosis can be confirmed only on histopathological examination of the surgically resected specimen. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 44 years old lady presented with repeated episodes of abdominal pain, non bilious vomiting and diarrhea. She also gave history of abdominal pain during every menstruation. She had diffuse abdominal tenderness and the computed tomography showed a concentric infective/inflammatory thickening of the distal ileum. Colonoscopy confirmed a tight distal ileal stricture After a failed trial of conservative management, she underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The histopathological examination revealed multiple endometriotic foci in the ileum and the appendix. DISCUSSION: Ileal endometriosis presenting as obstruction is uncommon and very few cases have been reported thus far. The symptoms are usually cyclical but may later become continuous with the progression of the disease. Preoperative diagnostic dilemma is due to the clinical and the radiological similarities to inflammatory, infective and irritable bowel diseases. CONCLUSION: Ours is probably the first case of small bowel obstruction due to ileal and appendiceal endometriosis that was managed with laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. We highlight the preoperative diagnostic dilemma and the progression of the cyclical symptoms. Thus, endometriosis must be considered in cases of small bowel obstruction in women in the reproductive age group as a rare cause.

A rare case of lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma with large hepatic and multiple pulmonary metastases with successful surgical treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal gland is rare but with high recurrence rates and late metastases. They occasionally metastasise via haematogenous spread to lungs, brain and bone. Liver is a rare site of metastasis and is usually present with disseminated disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 42 year old lady, a known case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland who had been operated 4 years ago for the same followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She was detected with large hepatic and bilateral multiple pulmonary metastases. A right hepatectomy was done. After six months when her general condition improved we did a staged pulmonary metastatectomy. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. She is presently doing well with no recurrence since 18 months. DISCUSSION: Usually asymptomatic, the commonest symptom is pain. It is a locally invasive disease with a poor prognosis if detected late. Surgery is the only proven therapy. Isolated hepatic metastases being managed surgically has been reported. However, extensive, staged, surgical resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases has not been reported. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal ACC is an aggressive tumour with known late metastases with the liver being affected seldomly. Our case highlights that even disseminated metastases to the liver and the lungs from lacrimal ACC can be managed surgically with a good outcome. To our knowledge, no such report with distant metastases to the liver and the lung along with their successful surgical management has been reported.

Prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and laparoscopic totally extra peritoneal (TEP) approach for bilateral inguinal hernias.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral inguinal hernias form a part of the complex spectrum of weakness in the region of the myopectineal orifice. Laparoscopic surgery is one of the standard approaches for bilateral hernias. We describe the results of a randomized trial that was undertaken to compare and evaluate TAPP and TEP repair for bilateral inguinal hernias. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized into two groups. Group I (TAPP) and Group II (TEP) were compared in terms of procedure related variables, conversion, post-operative recovery and complications. Analysis was done using SPSS software version 17. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were assessed for fitness to include in the study. Seventeen patients had to be excluded due to either not meeting the inclusion criteria's or for not giving consent. The median age (52 yrs) was comparable in both groups. In Group II (TEP) mean operating time was 120.89 ± 29.28 min compared to 108.16 ± 16.10 min in Group I (TAPP). Post-operative pain scores were less in Group I(TAPP) at all levels of recording (8 h-48 h), though most patients required injectable analgesic for 32 h in both groups (p-value 0.029). Subcutaneous emphysema was more commonly noted in the Group II (TEP) (p-value 0.038). In Group I (TAPP) mean hospital stay was 52.0 ± 14.21 h while in Group II (TEP) it was 52.29 ± 9.36 h (p-value 0.427). Mean time for return to work was 11.8 ± 2.35 days in Group I (TAPP) and 12.41 ± 2.22 days in Group II (TEP) (p-value 0.339). CONCLUSION: The procedures though different in approach were quite similar in outcome. Mean operating time was increased in the TEP repairs along with immediate post-operative pain scores. The pattern of some complications like subcutaneous emphysema was significantly more in the TEP group while minor vascular injury though not significant was different in both groups. The indirect cost incurred from consumables did not vary other than need for more tacks in the TAPP group.

Laparoscopic management of a two staged gall bladder torsion.

Gall bladder torsion (GBT) is a relatively uncommon entity and rarely diagnosed preoperatively. A constant factor in all occurrences of GBT is a freely mobile gall bladder due to congenital or acquired anomalies. GBT is commonly observed in elderly white females. We report a 77-year-old, Caucasian lady who was originally diagnosed as gall bladder perforation but was eventually found with a two staged torsion of the gall bladder with twisting of the Riedel's lobe (part of tongue like projection of liver segment 4A). This together, has not been reported in literature, to the best of our knowledge. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy and she had an uneventful post-operative period. GBT may create a diagnostic dilemma in the context of acute cholecystitis. Timely diagnosis and intervention is necessary, with extra care while operating as the anatomy is generally distorted. The fundus first approach can be useful due to altered anatomy in the region of Calot's triangle. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the benefit of early recovery.

Encoding of the amplitude modulation of pulsatile electrical stimulation in the feline cochlear nucleus by neurons in the inferior colliculus; effects of stimulus pulse rate.

OBJECTIVES: Persons without a functional auditory nerve cannot benefit from cochlear implants, but some hearing can be restored by an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) with stimulating electrodes implanted on the surface of the cochlear nucleus (CN). Most users benefit from their ABI, but speech recognition tends to be poorer than for users of cochlear implants. Psychophysical studies suggest that poor modulation detection may contribute to the limited performance of ABI users. In a cat model, we determined how the pulse rate of the electrical stimulus applied within or on the CN affects temporal and rate encoding of amplitude modulation (AM) by neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC). APPROACH: Stimulating microelectrodes were implanted chronically in and on the cats' CN, and multi-site recording microelectrodes were implanted chronically into the ICC. Encoding of AM pulse trains by neurons in the ICC was characterized as vector strength (VS), the synchrony of neural activity with the AM, and as the mean rate of neuronal action potentials (neuronal spike rate (NSR)). MAIN RESULTS: For intranuclear microstimulation, encoding of AM as VS was up to 3 dB greater when stimulus pulse rate was increased from 250 to 500 pps, but only for neuronal units with low best acoustic frequencies, and when the electrical stimulation was modulated at low frequencies (10-20 Hz). For stimulation on the surface of the CN, VS was similar at 250 and 500 pps, and the dynamic range of the VS was reduced for pulse rates greater than 250 pps. Modulation depth was encoded strongly as VS when the maximum stimulus amplitude was held constant across a range of modulation depth. This 'constant maximum' protocol allows enhancement of modulation depth while preserving overall dynamic range. However, modulation depth was not encoded as strongly as NSR. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings have implications for improved sound processors for present and future ABIs. The performance of ABIs may benefit from using pulse rates greater than those presently used in most ABIs, and by sound processing strategies that enhance the modulation depth of the electrical stimulus while preserving dynamic range.