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Background: Laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer (LRR) has gained popularity because of better short‑term outcomes and less post‑operative morbidity. However, LRR is still not endorsed as a standard of care mainly due to concerns centred on oncological safety in comparison with open approach. Moreover, two recent randomised trials (Australian Laparoscopic Cancer of the Rectum [ALaCaRT] and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group [ACOSOG] Z6051) have failed to prove that LRR is non‑inferior to open resection. Studies on oncological adequacy of LRR in the Indian population in terms of quality of mesorectal excision are scarce. In this article, we aim to audit the oncological adequacy of LRR in our centre and thereby critically analyse the reliability of extrapolation of results of ALaCaRT and ACOSOG trials to the Indian population. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the oncological adequacy of LRR in terms of completeness of total mesorectal excision (TME), distal and circumferential resection margin (CRM) status and nodal harvest in patients with rectal cancer who underwent LRR between January 2016 and June 2018 at our centre. Results: Of 157 patients included in this study, a complete TME was achieved in 148 (94.26%) patients and nearly complete in 7 (4.46%) patients. A safe CRM (≥1 mm) was obtained in 151 (96.18%) patients. Distal margin results were negative in 155 (98.73%) patients. Average nodal harvest was 19.86 ± 9.28. Overall surgical success, calculated as a composite measure of negative distal margin and negative CRM and complete TME was 95.54%. Conclusion: Good quality rectal cancer resection can be achieved by experienced laparoscopic surgeons without compromising oncological safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) of the rectum offers wider circumferential margin and decreased rate of intraoperative tumour perforation. However, the need to change the position of the patient in between abdominal and perineal stages of the procedure and extended perineal resection result in increased morbidity and operative time. Evolving technique of laparoscopic transabdominal controlled division of levator ani muscles under direct vision could address these issues while providing all benefits of ELAPE for patients with low rectal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstruction of hepatic veins in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is often technically challenging and a good venous outflow is essential for survival of the graft and patient. We describe a quadrangular patch venoplasty technique used for the reconstruction of a rare variant of the left hepatic vein (LHV) in a pediatric LDLT with left lateral segment (LLS) graft. Segment II vein in the graft was draining directly into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and segment III vein was draining into the middle hepatic vein (MHV) after receiving a tributary from segment IV so that there were two widely separated ostia at the cut surface. This is one of the rarest variations of the LHV and is so called type 3 variant; it is usually reconstructed using interposition tubular conduits necessitating two separate anastomoses at the IVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Liver Transplantation in Alcoholic Liver Disease: Does It Impact on Socioeconomic Parameters? We aim to study the impact of liver transplantation on the psycho-social and economic parameters of patients with alcoholic liver disease. Out of 21 patients, 11 underwent deceased donor liver transplantation and 10 underwent living donor liver transplantation.

Highlights from the article: Preoperative Graft Weight Prediction Using Donor Biometrics in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Are They Accurate? B Background and Aims: b An accurate preoperative estimate of graft weight (GW) is crucial for avoiding small-for-size syndrome in the recipient and preventing postoperative hepatic failure in the donor after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). B Conclusions: b Graft weight calculated with body surface area based formula (R-57) demonstrated good correlation and agreement with actual graft weight.