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Background: Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and machine perfusion (MP) are variously used in many European centers to improve the outcomes after liver transplantation from donation after circulatory death (DCD). In Italy, a combination of NRP and subsequent MP has been used since the start of the activity. While NRP is mandatory for every DCD recovery, the subsequent use of MP is left to each center. Methods: We have designed a national survey to investigate practices and policies of these techniques. The questionnaire included 46 questions and was distributed to all the 21 Italian centers using an online form between June and July 2021. Results: The overall response rate was 100%. A local NRP program for controlled Maastricht type 3 DCD was active in 11/21 (52.4%) centers. Organization and availability of personnel were perceived as the main difficulties in starting such a program. Between 2015 and 2020, 119 DCD livers were transplanted, with an overall utilization rate of 69.2%. Pump flow and gross aspect were considered the most reliable parameters in liver selection during NRP. Eight (72.7%) centers adopted subsequent hypothermic MP, 1 (9.1%) center normothermic MP, and the remaining 2 (18.2%) used both MP types. Conclusion: This first snapshot survey shows that NRP with subsequent MP is the most used protocol in Italy for DCD livers, although some heterogeneity exists in the type and purpose of MP between centers. Overall, this policy ensures a high utilization rate, considering the high risk of the DCD donor population in Italy. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Background/Aims: Mutual interactions between portal vein and hepatic artery can be documented during hepatobiliary surgery. Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a recently introduced surgical technique which can also represent a unique living human model to investigate intrahepatic blood circulation. We report three consecutive cases in which a residual right portal branch flow was clearly detectable after first-step ALPPS, and try to further investigate this unexpected finding with intraoperative clamping tests. Methodology: Every patient was evaluated with CT scan 7 days after first-step ALPPS and Intraoperative Doppler Ultrasonography (IOUS) at both steps of the procedure. Results: In every patient, CT scan and second-step IOUS demonstrated a clear hepatopetal flow distally to the divided right portal branch. The flow was present after right biliary duct clamping and stopped after right total hilar clamping as well as after right hepatic artery occlusion. Conclusions: Neither cross-portal circulation between the two hemilivers nor trans-sinusoidal backflow from the hepatic veins can explain these findings, which are rather consistent with a refilling of the occluded portal branch through the opening of intrahepatic arterioportal shunts (APS). APS could represent the simplest homeostatic mechanism that regulate intrahepatic blood flow

Background & Aims: In Italy, since August 2014, liver transplant (LT) candidates with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores ≥30 receive national allocation priority. This multicenter cohort study aims to evaluate time on the waiting list, dropout rate, and graft survival before and after introducing the macro-area sharing policy. Methods: A total of 4,238 patients registered from 2010 to 2018 were enrolled and categorized into an ERA-1 Group (n = 2,013; before August 2014) and an ERA-2 Group (n = 2,225; during and after August 2014). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of receiving a LT or death between the two eras. The Fine-Gray model was used to estimate the HR for dropout from the waiting list and graft loss, considering death as a competing risk event. A Fine-Gray model was also used to estimate risk factors of graft loss. Results: Patients with MELD ≥30 had a lower median time on the waiting list (4 vs.12 days, p

BACKGROUND: To identify the best possible outcomes in liver transplantation from donation after circulatory death donors (DCD) and to propose outcome values, which serve as reference for individual liver recipients or patient groups.METHODS: Based on 2219 controlled DCD liver transplantations, collected from 17 centres in North America and Europe, we identified 1012 low-risk, primary, adult liver transplantations with a laboratory MELD of ≤20points, receiving a DCD liver with a total donor warm ischemia time of ≤30minutes and asystolic donor warm ischemia time of ≤15minutes. Clinically relevant outcomes were selected and complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo-Grading and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Corresponding benchmark cut-offs were based on median values of each centre, where the 75th-percentile was considered.RESULTS: Benchmark cases represented between 19.7% and 75% of DCD transplantations in participating centers. The one-year retransplant and mortality rate was 5.23% and 9.01%, respectively. Within the first year of follow-up, 51.1% of recipients developed at least one major complication (≥Clavien-Dindo-Grade-III). Benchmark cut-offs were ≤3days and ≤16days for ICU and hospital stay, ≤66% for severe recipient complications (≥Grade-III), ≤16.8% for ischemic cholangiopathy, and ≤38.9CCI points at one-year posttransplant. Comparisons with higher risk groups showed more complications and impaired graft survival, outside the benchmark cut-offs. Organ perfusion techniques reduced the complications to values below benchmark cut-offs, despite higher graft risk.CONCLUSIONS: Despite excellent 1-year survival, morbidity in benchmark cases remains high with more than half of recipients developing severe complications during 1-year follow-up. Benchmark cut-offs targeting morbidity parameters offer a valid tool to assess the protective value of new preservation technologies in higher risk groups, and provide a valid comparator cohort for future clinical trials.LAY SUMMARY: The best possible outcomes after liver transplantation of grafts donated after circulatory death (DCD) were defined using the concept of benchmarking. These were based on 2219 liver transplantations following controlled DCD donation in 17 centres worldwide. The following benchmark cut-offs for the most relevant outcome parameters were developed: ICU and hospital stay: ≤3 and ≤16 days; primary non function: ≤2.5%; renal replacement therapy: ≤9.6%; ischemic cholangiopathy: ≤16.8% and anastomotic strictures ≤28.4%. One-year graft loss and mortality were defined as ≤14.4% and 9.6%, respectively. Donor and recipient combinations with higher risk had significantly worse outcomes. The use of novel organ perfusion technology achieved similar, good results in this high-risk group with prolonged donor warm ischemia time, when compared to the benchmark cohort.

A short period (1-2 h) of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) after static cold storage is safe and reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury-related complications after liver transplantation. Machine perfusion time is occasionally prolonged for logistical reasons, but it is unknown if prolonged HOPE is safe and compromises outcomes. We conducted a multicenter, observational cohort study of patients transplanted with a liver preserved by prolonged (≥4 h) HOPE. Postoperative biochemistry, complications, and survival were evaluated. The cohort included 93 recipients from 12 European transplant centers between 2014-2021. The most common reason to prolong HOPE was the lack of an available operating room to start the transplant procedure. Grafts underwent HOPE for a median (range) of 4:42 h (4:00-8:35 h) with a total preservation time of 10:50 h (5:50-20:50 h). Postoperative peak ALT was 675 IU/L (interquartile range 419-1378 IU/L). The incidence of postoperative complications was low, and 1-year graft and patient survival were 94% and 88%, respectively. To conclude, good outcomes are achieved after transplantation of donor livers preserved with prolonged (median 4:42 h) HOPE, leading to a total preservation time of almost 21 h. These results suggest that simple, end-ischemic HOPE may be utilized for safe extension of the preservation time to ease transplantation logistics. ispartof: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION vol:22 issue:7 pages:1842-1851 ispartof: location:United States status: published

BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver graft utilization rates are a hot topic due to the worldwide organ shortage and an increasing number of transplant candidates on waiting lists. Liver perfusion techniques have been introduced in several countries, and may help to increase the organ supply, as they potentially allow the assessment of livers before use. METHODS Liver offers were counted from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors (Maastricht-type-III) arising during the past decade in eight countries, including Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and US. Initial DCD-type-III liver offers were correlated with accepted, recovered and implanted livers. RESULTS A total number of 34`269 DCD livers were offered, resulting in 9`780 liver transplants (28.5%). The discard rates were highest in UK and US, ranging between 70 and 80%. In contrast, much lower DCD liver discard rates, e.g., between 30-40%, were found in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. In addition, large differences were recognized in the use of various machine perfusion techniques, and in terms of risk factors in the cohorts of implanted livers. For example, the median donor age and functional donor warm ischemia were highest in Italy, e.g., >40minutes, followed by Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. Importantly, such varying risk profiles of accepted DCD livers between countries did not translate into large differences in five-year graft survival rates, which ranged between 60-82% in this analysis. CONCLUSIONS We highlight a significant number of discarded and consequently unused DCD liver offers. Countries with more routine use of in- and ex-situ machine perfusion strategies showed better DCD utilization rates without compromised outcome. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS A significant number of Maastricht type III DCD livers are discarded across Europe and North America today. The overall utilization rate among eight Western countries is 28.5%, but varies significantly between 18.9% and 74.2%. For example, the median DCD III liver utilization in five countries, e.g., Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain is 65%, in contrast to 24% in the Netherlands, UK and US. Despite this, and despite different rules and strategies for organ acceptance and preservation, the one and five-year graft survival remains currently relatively comparable among all participating countries. Factors which impact on DCD liver acceptance rates include the national pre-selections of donors, before the offer is made, as well as cutoffs for key risk factors, including donor age and donor warm ischemia time. In addition, a highly varying experience with modern machine perfusion technology is noticed. In situ and ex situ liver perfusion concepts, and assessment tools for type III DCD livers before transplantation may be one key part for the observed differences in better DCD III utilization.

BackgroundAs literature largely focuses on long-term outcomes, this study aimed at elucidating the perioperative outcomes of liver transplant patients receiving a graft from two groups of unconventional expanded criteria donors: brain dead aged > 80 years and cardiac dead.MethodsData of 247 cirrhotic patients transplanted at two high volume liver transplant centers were analysed. Confounders were balanced using a stabilized inverse probability therapy weighting and a propensity score for each patient on the original population was generated. The score was created using a multivariate logistic regression model considering a Comprehensive Complication Index ≥ 42 (no versus yes) as the dependent variable and 11 possible clinically relevant confounders as covariate.ResultsForty-four patients received the graft from a cardiac-dead donor and 203 from a brain-dead donor aged > 80 years. Intraoperatively, cardiac-dead donors liver transplant cases required more fresh frozen plasma units (P P = 0.80). In the Intensive Care Unit, both the groups presented a comparable low need for blood transfusions, renal replacement therapy and inotropes. Cardiac-dead donors liver transplantations required more time to tracheal extubation (P P P = 0.52). ICU stay (P = 0.97), total hospital stay (P = 0.57), in hospital (P = 1.00) and 6 months (P = 1.00) death were similar.ConclusionSelected octogenarian and cardiac-dead donors can be used safely for liver transplantation.

With the increased use of extended-criteria donors, machine perfusion became a beneficial alternative to cold storage in preservation strategy for donor livers with the intent to expand donor pool. Both normothermic and hypothermic approach achieved good results in terms of mid- and long-term outcome in liver transplantation. Many markers and molecules have been proposed for the assessment of liver, but no definitive criteria for graft viability have been validated in large clinical trials and key parameters during perfusion still require optimization.In this review, we address the current literature of viability criteria during normothermic and hypothermic machine perfusion and discuss about future steps and evolution of these technologies.

The impact of donor age on the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation is still debated. Between 2002 and 2014, all patients transplanted for HCC in 2 European liver transplantation tertiary centres were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for HCC recurrence were assessed using competing risk analysis, and the impact of donor age < or ≥65years and < or ≥80years was specifically evaluated after propensity score matching. 728 patients transplanted with a median follow-up of 86months were analysed. The 1-, 3- and 5-year recurrence rates were 4.9%, 10.7% and 13.9%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, recipient age (sHR: 0.96 [0.93; 0.98], P&nbsp

Simple Summary The treatment of peri-hilar (h-CCA) and intrahepatic (i-CCA) cholangiocarcinoma is an evolving field in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. Continuous development of radiological and surgical techniques currently offers different treatment strategies, ranging from traditional hepatectomies to complex approaches involving preoperative portal vein embolization or associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy. Recent advances in perioperative chemo-radiotherapy have improved patient survival and have been incorporated into transplant protocols, yielding excellent results. We report a comprehensive review of current surgical and multimodal approaches to h-CCA and i-CCA treatment. Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma accounts for approximately 10% of all hepatobiliary tumors and represents 3% of all new-diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (i-CCA) accounts for 10% of all cases, perihilar (h-CCA) cholangiocarcinoma represents two-thirds of the cases, while distal cholangiocarcinoma accounts for the remaining quarter. Originally described by Klatskin in 1965, h-CCA represents one of the most challenging tumors for hepatobiliary surgeons, mainly because of the anatomical vascular relationships of the biliary confluence at the hepatic hilum. Surgery is the only curative option, with the goal of a radical, margin-negative (R0) tumor resection. Continuous efforts have been made by hepatobiliary surgeons in order to achieve R0 resections, leading to the progressive development of aggressive approaches that include extended hepatectomies, associating liver partition, and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, pre-operative portal vein embolization, and vascular resections. i-CCA is an aggressive biliary cancer that arises from the biliary epithelium proximal to the second-degree bile ducts. The incidence of i-CCA is dramatically increasing worldwide, and surgical resection is the only potentially curative therapy. An aggressive surgical approach, including extended liver resection and vascular reconstruction, and a greater application of systemic therapy and locoregional treatments could lead to an increase in the resection rate and the overall survival in selected i-CCA patients. Improvements achieved over the last two decades and the encouraging results recently reported have led to liver transplantation now being considered an appropriate indication for CCA patients.

Simple Summary Li-RADS classification has recently emerged as an accurate tool for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis in the setting of liver cirrhosis, but its prognostic value has never been investigated so far. Single HCC benefits from both surgical resection and percutaneous ablation, although several studies support the superiority of surgery in terms of oncological results. We retrospectively and blindly classified 140 treatment-naïve single HCC according to Li-RADS protocol, comparing the oncological outcomes of surgical resection and percutaneous ablation for each Li-RADS subclass. Our analysis highlighted better overall survival, recurrence free survival and lower incidence of local recurrence after surgical resection in Li-RADS-5 nodules, while Li-RADS-3/4 subclasses showed similar outcomes after the two treatments. These results confirm the superiority of surgical approach for single HCC and suggest a potential prognostic role of Li-RADS classification, supporting liver resection especially for Li-RADS-5 subclass. Abstract Background: Single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) benefits from surgical resection (SR) or US-guided percutaneous ablation (PA), although the best approach is still debated. We evaluated the impact of Li-RADS classification on the oncological outcomes of SR vs. PA as single HCC first-line treatment. Methods: We retrospectively and blindly classified treatment-naïve single HCC that underwent SR or PA between 2010 and 2016 according to Li-RADS protocol. Overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS) and local recurrence after SR and PA were compared for each Li-RADS subclass before and after propensity-score matching (PS-M). Results: Considering the general population, SR showed better 5-year OS (68.3% vs. 52.2%; p = 0.049) and RFS (42.5% vs. 29.8%; p = 0.002), with lower incidence of local recurrence (8.2% vs. 44.4%; p < 0.001), despite a significantly higher frequency of clinically-relevant complications (12.8% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.002) and a higher Comprehensive Complication Index (12.1 vs. 2.2; p < 0.001). Focusing on different Li-RADS subclasses, we highlighted better 5-year OS (67.1% vs. 46.2%; p = 0.035), RFS (45.0% vs. 27.0% RFS; p < 0.001) and lower incidence of local recurrence (9.7% vs. 48.6%; p < 0.001) after SR for Li-RADS-5 HCCs, while these outcomes did not differ for Li-RADS-3/4 subclasses; such results were confirmed after PS-M. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests a potential prognostic role of Li-RADS classification, supporting SR over PA especially for Li-RADS-5 single HCC.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has upended healthcare systems worldwide and led to an inevitable decrease in liver transplantation (LT) activity. During the first pandemic wave, administrators and clinicians were obliged to make the difficult decision of whether to suspend or continue a life-saving procedure based on the scarce available evidence regarding the risk of transmission and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Those centers where the activity continued or was heavily restricted were obliged to screen donors and recipients, design COVID-safe clinical pathways, and promote telehealth to prevent nosocomial transmission. Despite the ever-growing literature on COVID-19, the amount of high-quality literature on LT remains limited. This review will provide an updated view of the impact of the pandemic on LT programs worldwide. Donor and recipient screening, strategies for waitlist prioritization, and posttransplant risk of infection and mortality are discussed. Moreover, a particular focus is given to the possibility of donor-to-recipient transmission and immunosuppression management in COVID-positive recipients.

Organ shortage is one of the major limitations in the field of liver transplantation, which has led to the consideration of extended criteria donors as a way to expand the donor pool. The use of extended criteria donors in cases of high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores or urgent recipients could be complicated by increased postoperative mortality. Donors on left ventricular assist devices could be considered extended criteria donors because of the mechanical circulatory support itself and the potential of chronic liver damage due to right ventricular failure, but experiences in the literature are limited. Here, we report the first case of an urgent liver retransplant procured from a left ventricular assist device donor.

COVID‐19 pandemic dramatically impacted transplantation landscape. Scientific societies recommend against the use of donors with active SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Italian Transplant Authority recommended to test recipients/donors for SARS‐CoV‐2‐RNA immediately before liver transplant (LT) and, starting from November 2020, grafts from deceased donors with active SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were allowed to be considered for urgent‐need transplant candidates with active/resolved COVID‐19. We present the results of the first 10 LTs with active COVID‐19 donors within an Italian multicenter series. Only two recipients had a positive molecular test at LT and one of them remained positive up to 21 days post‐LT. None of the other eight recipients was found to be SARS‐CoV‐2 positive during follow‐up. IgG against SARS‐CoV‐2 at LT were positive in 80% (8/10) of recipients, and 71% (5/7) showed neutralizing antibodies, expression of protective immunity related to recent COVID‐19. In addition, testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA on donors’ liver biopsy at transplantation was negative in 100% (9/9), suggesting a very low risk of transmission with LT. Immunosuppression regimen remained unchanged, according to standard protocol. Despite the small number of cases, these data suggest that transplanting livers from donors with active COVID‐19 in informed candidates with SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity, might contribute to safely increase the donor pool., This Italian study shows excellent outcomes of consecutive Italian liver transplants utilizing livers from donors active COVID‐19 into recipients with active or past COVID‐19.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) refers to a range of rescue devices to assist circulation for the treatment of heart failure, including venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (VADs). This review aims at evaluating the transplant outcome of the livers procured from brain-dead donors on MCS, who are currently considered as having extended criteria. We identified 22 records (17 on VA-ECMO and 5 on VADs), most of which (68.2%) were case reports. We performed a meta-analysis only when the outcome was reported homogeneously among studies; otherwise, we illustrated the results with narrative synthesis. A total of 156 liver transplants (LTs) have been reported, where VA-ECMO was initiated in the donor with resuscitative intent or as a bridge to donation. Early graft survival approached 100% in most studies. The pooled rate of primary nonfunction was 1% (95% CI: 0-3%). Only three successful LTs from VAD donors have been reported. Particular attention should be paid to cardiological history, biochemical tests, and imaging, as well as MCS parameters, to determine graft eligibility for transplantation. Although further analysis is needed in this field, the results of this review advocate a more systematic consideration of brain-dead patients on MCS as potential liver donors.

Although immunosuppressed patients may be more prone to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with atypical presentation, long‐term immunosuppression therapy may provide some sort of protection for severe clinical complications of COVID‐19. The interaction between immunosuppression and new antiviral drugs in the treatment of transplanted patients contracting COVID‐19 has not yet been fully investigated. Moreover, data regarding the optimal management of these patients are still very limited. We report a case of the successful recovery from severe COVID‐19 of a kidney‐transplanted patient treated with hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, steroid, and tocilizumab.

Summary Background Indications for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma are evolving and so-called expanded criteria remain debated. Locoregional therapies are able to downstage hepatocellular carcinoma from beyond to within the Milan criteria. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of liver transplantation after successful hepatocellular carcinoma downstaging. Methods We did an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial designed in two phases, 2b and 3, at nine Italian tertiary care and transplantation centres. Patients aged 18–65 years with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria, absence of macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread, 5-year estimated post-transplantation survival of at least 50%, and good liver function (Child-Pugh A-B7) were recruited and underwent tumour downstaging with locoregional, surgical, or systemic therapies according to multidisciplinary decision. After an observation period of 3 months, during which sorafenib was allowed, patients with partial or complete responses according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were randomly assigned (1:1) by an interactive web-response system to liver transplantation or non-transplantation therapies (control group). A block randomisation (block size of 2), stratified by centre and compliance to sorafenib treatment, was applied. Liver transplantation was done with whole or split organs procured from brain-dead donors. The control group received sequences of locoregional and systemic treatment at the time of demonstrated tumour progression. The primary outcomes were 5-year tumour event-free survival for phase 2b and overall survival for phase 3. Analyses were by intention to treat. Organ allocation policy changed during the course of the study and restricted patient accrual to 4 years. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01387503 . Findings Between March 1, 2011, and March 31, 2015, 74 patients were enrolled. Median duration of downstaging was 6 months (IQR 4–11). 29 patients dropped out before randomisation and 45 were randomly assigned: 23 to the transplantation group versus 22 to the control group. At data cutoff on July 31, 2019, median follow-up was 71 months (IQR 60–85). 5-year tumour event-free survival was 76·8% (95% CI 60·8–96·9) in the transplantation group versus 18·3% (7·1–47·0) in the control group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·20, 95% CI 0·07–0·57; p=0·003). 5-year overall survival was 77·5% (95% CI 61·9–97·1) in the transplantation group versus 31·2% (16·6–58·5) in the control group (HR 0·32, 95% CI 0·11–0·92; p=0·035). The most common registered grade 3–4 serious adverse events were hepatitis C virus recurrence (three [13%] of 23 patients) and acute transplant rejection (two [9%]) in the transplantation group, and post-embolisation syndrome (two [9%] of 22 patients) in the control group. Treatment-related deaths occurred in four patients: two (8%) of 23 patients in the transplantation group (myocardial infarction and multi-organ failure) versus two (9%) of 22 patients in the control group (liver decompensation). Interpretation Although results must be interpreted with caution owing to the early closing of the trial, after effective and sustained downstaging of eligible hepatocellular carcinomas beyond the Milan criteria, liver transplantation improved tumour event-free survival and overall survival compared with non-transplantation therapies Post-downstaging tumour response could contribute to the expansion of hepatocellular carcinoma transplantation criteria. Funding Italian Ministry of Health.

The management of portosystemic shunts in liver transplant recipients relies on appropriate perioperative study. There are several strategies for shunt handling, ranging from preoperative interventional procedures to intraoperative surgical interruption or embolization. Appropriate management often results in a successful outcome, although wrong decisions could lead to serious consequences. Here, we report a liver transplant recipient with grade 2 portal vein thrombosis associated with 2 large portosystemic shunts (coronary and mesocaval), which were managed intraoperatively via thrombectomy without shunt ligation. Acute portal vein thrombosis developed early after transplant due to portal steal syndrome. The patient underwent a successful endovascular shunt embolization, with prompt restoration of hepatopetal portal flow and resolution of the portal steal. Use of interventional radiology in perioperative management of transplant patients has recently gained wider importance; our case reported here is particularly suggestive of the good outcomes of a multidisciplinary approach to a threatening complication such as postoperative acute portal vein thrombosis.

The shortage of organs has pushed transplant surgeons to accept liver grafts with extended criteria, but severe vascular abnormalities may still discourage the use of otherwise acceptable organs. We report herein the case of a liver graft with a 64-mm aneurysm of the proper hepatic artery extended to the origin of the right and left hepatic branches. The graft was deemed unsuitable for transplant by all other centers in the region. However, liver function tests were normal, and there was no evidence of compromised arterial supply. At back table, we resected the aneurysm and anastomosed the right and left hepatic arteries to a vascular graft obtained from the distal tract of the donor's superior mesenteric artery. After portal reperfusion, we anastomosed the mesenteric graft to the recipient's hepatic artery at the origin of the gastroduodenal artery. The postoperative course and the subsequent 6-month follow-up were uneventful. In conclusion, the presence of a hepatic artery aneurysm should not be an absolute contraindication to the use of a liver graft. The present case emphasizes the possibility to utilize an organ that would have been otherwise discarded.

Introduction: Patients with a single small Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) may be definitively treated by Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a very low rate of peri-operative morbidity. However, results are still controversial comparing RFA to Liver Resection (LR). Methods: All consecutive patients treated by RFA or LR for a single untreated small HCC on liver cirrhosis between January 2006-December 2016 were enrolled. Patients were matched 1:1 basing on: age, MELD-score, platelet count, nodule's diameter, HCV status, α-fetoprotein level, and Albumin-Bilirubin score. First analysis compered LR to RFA. Second analysis compared Laparoscopic LR (LLR) to RFA. Results: Of 484 patients with single small HCC, 91 patients were selected for each group after a 1:1 propensity score matching (PS-M). The 5-years OS was 70% and 60% respectively for LR and RFA group (P = 0.666). The 5-year RFS was 36% and 21% respectively for LR and RFA group (P < 0.001). Patients treated by LR had a significantly longer hospital stay and higher complications rate. Comparing 50 cases of LLR and 50 of RFA, the 5-years OS was 79% and 56% respectively for LLR and RFA group (P = 0.22). The 5-year RFS was 54% and 19% respectively for LR and RFA group (P < 0.001). Post-operative complications were not significantly different. Conclusions: LLR confers similar peri-operative complications rate compared to RFA. LLR should be considered as a first-line approach for the treatment of a single small HCC as it combines the effectiveness of open LR and the safety profile of RFA

OBJECTIVES Donation after circulatory death (DCD) potentially provides transplantable lungs suitable for a transplant, but in Italy, the need for 20 min of a no-touch period after cardiac arrest for legal declaration of death poses real challenges to organ preservation. METHODS This is a single-institution, retrospective study using data collected prospectively between October and December 2017. After the approval of the multidisciplinary DCD study group of Regione Lombardia, Maastricht category III DCD donors became eligible for combined procurement of lungs and abdominal organs. Our group subsequently established a dedicated technical protocol. Our protocol consists of a non-rapid normothermic open-lung procurement process that takes place during abdominal normothermic regional perfusion, namely without pleural topical cooling before the start of pneumoplegia. After the lung is procured according to the technique described in the article, lung function is evaluated by ex vivo lung perfusion, which is run with the low-flow, open atrium, low haematocrit technique. RESULTS During the study, we managed 5 controlled DCDs. In 3 cases, the lungs were successfully transplanted. All 3 patients are alive after 1 year, with good respiratory function. CONCLUSIONS Our approach resulted in adequate lung preservation and successful transplants without detrimental effects on abdominal organ procurement, confirming the possibility of overcoming the obstacle of a long no-touch period in a DCD setting.

Background Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has gained significant popularity over the last 10 years. First experiences of LLR compared to open liver resection (OLR) reported a similar survival and a better safety profile for LLR. Materials and methods This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all consecutive patients treated by liver resection for HCC on liver cirrhosis between January 2005 and March 2017. The choice of procedure (LLR vs OLR) was generally based on tumor localization, history of previous upper abdominal surgery and patient's preference. The type of resection and indication for surgery were unrelated to the adopted technique. Based on pre-operative variables and confirmed cirrhosis, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) model was developed to compare outcomes of LLR and OLR in patients with HCC. Outcomes of interest included morbidity, mortality and long-term cure potential. Results After-PSM, the LLR group demonstrated better perioperative results including: lower complication rate (50.7% in OLR vs 29.3% in LLR, p = 0.0035), significantly lower intra-operative blood loss (200 ml in OLR vs 150 ml in LLR, p = 0.007) and shorter hospital length of stay (median 9 days in OLR vs 7 days in LLR, p = 0.0018). Moreover there was no significant difference between the two groups in 3-year survival (76%, CI: 60%–86% in LLR vs 68%, CI: 55%–79% in OLR, p = 0.32) or recurrence-free survival rates (44%, CI: 28%–58%, vs 44%, CI: 31%–57%, p = 0.94). Conclusions Minor LLR appeared significantly safer compared to minor OLR for HCC. LLR was associated with fewer post-operative complication, lower operative blood loss and a shorter hospital stay along with similar survival and recurrence-free survival rates

The role of donation after cardiac death (DCD) in expanding the donor pool is mainly limited by the incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF) and ischemia-related complications. Even greater concern exists toward uncontrolled DCD, which represents the largest potential pool of DCD donors. We recently started the first Italian series of DCD liver transplantation, using normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in 6 uncontrolled donors and in 1 controlled case to deal with the legally required no-touch period of 20 minutes. We examined our first 7 cases for the incidence of PNF, early graft dysfunction, and biliary complications. Acceptance of the graft was based on the trend of serum transaminase and lactate during NRP, the macroscopic appearance, and the liver biopsy. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) was associated in selected cases to improve cold storage. Most notably, no cases of PNF were observed. Median posttransplant transaminase peak was 1014 IU/L (range, 393-3268 IU/L). Patient and graft survival were both 100% after a mean follow-up of 6.1 months (range, 3-9 months). No cases of ischemic cholangiopathy occurred during the follow-up. Only 1 anastomotic stricture completely resolved with endoscopic stenting. In conclusion, DCD liver transplantation is feasible in Italy despite the protracted no-touch period. The use of NRP and HMP seems to earn good graft function and proves safe in these organs. Liver Transplantation 23 166-173 2017 AASLD.

The main goal of organ allocation systems is to guarantee an equal access to the limited resource of liver grafts for every patients on the waiting list, balancing between the ethical principles of equity, utility, benefit, need, and fairness. The European heath care scenario is very complex, as it is essentially decentralized and each Nation and Regions inside the nation, operate on a significant degree of autonomy. Furthermore the epidemiology of liver diseases and HCC, which is different among European countries, clearly inpacts on indications and priorities. The aims of this review are to analyze liver allocation policies for hepatocellular carcinoma, among different European. The European area considered for this analysis included 5 macro-areas or countries, which have similar policies for liver sharing and allocation: Centro Nazionale Trapianti (CNT) in Italy; Eurotransplant (Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia); Organizacion Nacional de Transplantes (ONT) in Spain; Etablissement français des Greffes (EfG) in France; NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) in the United Kingdom and Ireland; Scandiatransplant (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland). Each identified area, as network for organ sharing in Europe, adopts an allocation system based either on a policy center oriented or on a policy patient oriented. Priorization of patients affected by HCC in the waiting list for deceased donors liver transplant worldwide is dominated by 2 main principles: urgency and utility. Despite the absence of a common organs allocation policy over the Eurpean countries, long-term survival patients listed for transplant due to HCC are comparable to the long-term survival reported in the UNOS register. However, as the principles of allocation are being re-discussed and new proposals emerge, and the epidemiology of liver disease changes, an effort toward a common system is highly advisable.

The great potential of donation after cardiac death (DCD) in expanding the liver donor pool is limited by the inferior results due to the ischemic injury.1 Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) can improve the transplantation outcome.2,3 These technologies may

Donation after cardiac death (DCD) has resurged over the last decade as an additional source to overcome the organ shortage. The main limitation to widespread application of DCD livers is the fact that these organs inevitably sustain warm ischemia damage during circulatory arrest. In Italy, an even

Growing experience with the liver splitting technique and favorable results equivalent to those of whole liver transplant have led to wider application of split liver transplantation (SLT) for adult and pediatric recipients in the last decade. Conversely, SLT for two adult recipients remains a challenging surgical procedure and outcomes have yet to improve. Differences in organ shortages together with religious and ethical issues related to cadaveric organ donation have had an impact on the worldwide distribution of SLT. Despite technical refinements and a better understanding of the complex liver anatomy, SLT remains a technically and logistically demanding surgical procedure. This article reviews the surgical and clinical advances in this field of liver transplantation focusing on the role of SLT and the issues that may lead a further expansion of this complex surgical procedure.

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study is the analysis of risk factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and of clinical outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in a retrospective multicentric review of the patient cohort. Methodology: From January 2003 to July 2013 143 patients underwent PD: 138 cases were included and 3 groups were identified according to the different types of anastomosis: Group 1 invaginating end-to-end pancreatojejunostomy, Group 2 end-to-side pancreatojejunostomy with duct-to-mucosa anastomosis, Group 3 end-to-side pancreatogastrostomy. Results: Twenty-one % of patients developed POPF, 16% in Group 1, 27% in Group 2, 12% in Group 3. Forty % grade A, 13% grade B and 47% grade C total POPE It results that POPF occurred in 16% of hard and in 40% of soft pancreatic texture; in 11.4% of dilated Wirsung versus 30.8% of non dilated (p=0.007). Overall actuarial 1 and 3 year survival after PD is 69% and 48% respectively. Perioperative mortality is 5.8% overall, 17.85% for grade C. Conclusions: No differences have been found among surgical anastomosis techniques. Soft tissues seem to increase, while dilated Wirsung seems to decrease POPF rate. The development of POPF increase morbidity but it doesn't affect overall survival, more strictly related to tumour histopathology

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common complication of pancreatic resection. Aim of this study is to identify variables related to the development of POPF, analyze their clinical significance and discuss our current approach to the pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis. A series of 129 patients undergoing pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD) have been analyzed. Patients were divided in two groups: group F, 26 patients who have developed POPF; group NF, 103 patients who have not developed POPF. Demographic, clinical and intraoperative data were compared. Seventy-six patients had an end-to-side (ES) pancreatico-jejuno anastomosis, 53 an end-to-end (EE) anastomosis. Fifteen patients developed grade A fistulas, seven grade B, and four grade C; two patients with grade C fistula died from septic shock. Preoperative bile duct lithiasis, diameter of the pancreatic duct and consistency of the pancreatic stump were significantly different between F and NF groups at multivariate analysis. POPF has been related to clinical and biological parameters: preoperative bile duct lithiasis and challenging pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis (with small pancreatic duct and friable pancreatic stump) are the most prominent according to our experience. As the incidence of POPF seems to be related to technically demanding surgery, we presently reserve the EE anastomosis to the cases in which a friable gland or a very small duct will make a direct anastomosis on the pancreatic duct unreliable. In case of grade C fistulas a total spleen-preserving pancreatectomy should be considered an adequate treatment to prevent the onset of a multi-organ failure or a septic shock if no other treatment seems suitable. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Italia