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Introduction: Despite advances in medical therapy, liver replacement continues to be the only definitive mode of therapy for children with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). However, its acceptance in India has been discouraging more due to financial and logistic reasons than the availability of expertise. This report outlines our journey and highlights issues pertinent to circumstances in an emerging economy like India. Aim: The aim is to review a single center's 100 case experience with liver transplantation (LT). Materials and Methods: A prospective analysis of all children who underwent LT since 2005 at our institute was done. The data were collated from a maintained structured database. Results: Hundred children underwent LT. Sixty-four were boys. Age ranged from 5 to 144 months, with a median of 17 months. The mean weight of the cohort was 7.5 kg (ranging from 3.7 to 31.5 kg), with 60% of our children weighing between 5 and 10 kg. Biliary atresia is the most common indication (57%); others include metabolic disorders, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, and hepatoblastoma. Two patients were for acute liver failure. Ninety-one children underwent live donor LT (mothers being the majority of the donors). None of the donors had any major postoperative complications. Major intraoperative complications include sepsis (39%), vascular complications (17%), biliary leak (11%), and intestinal complications (11%). Early postoperative deaths occurred in 18% of patients with sepsis being most common cause. The mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the overall survival is 70%. The mean survival is time (months) = 176.1. All surviving patients were followed up and had achieved good catch up growth by 3rd and 5th years posttransplant. The long-term sequalae include recurrent intercurrent infections, graft rejection (9%), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (5%), and portal vein stenosis (5%). Conclusion: 0ur experience demonstrates the feasibility of LT in children with ESLD in India. With longer-living grafts, patients often struggle with other issues such as compliance with follow-up, financial issues, recurrent infections, and neurological problems. Close monitoring with regular follow-up of patients helps in early recognition and treatment of late-onset complications, thus helping the overall long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with liver cirrhosis develop portal hypertension, which leads to complications like splenomegaly, ascites, and oesophageal varices. Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG) measurement, the best available method to measure portal hypertension, is invasive and difficult to perform. Some studies suggest that an increased Portal Vein Diameter (PVD) on ultrasonography indicates portal hypertension and correlates with oesophageal varices. Studies correlating PVD with other complications of portal hypertension, like ascites and spleen size, are scarce. Aim: To correlate ultrasonographically measured PVD with clinical prognostic models: Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD), as well as with platelet count, in patients with liver cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of General Medicine in collaboration with the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Government Medical Collge, Chandigarh, India, from February 2021 to September 2021 over an eight-month period in a tertiary healthcare centre in North India. A total of 97 patients with cirrhosis, identified based on clinical features supported by laboratory tests and ultrasonography, were included in the study. A 6 mL of blood sample was collected from each patient for haemogram, biochemical tests (liver function tests and renal function tests), and coagulogram. Ultrasonography assessment of PVD, spleen size, and ascites was performed in a supine position using a right subcostal approach, after overnight fasting. The collected data were analysed using relevant statistical tests. Results: The mean age of the study population was 47.39 ± 12.64 years, with 73 (75.3%) males and 24 (24.7%) females. The most common aetiological factor for liver cirrhosis was alcohol, present in 52 (53.6%) patients. The mean PVD was found to be 12.31±2.71 mm. The correlation coefficient of PVD with spleen size was 0.3 with a p-value of 0.004, suggesting a positive correlation. The correlation coefficient of parameters like thrombocytopenia, CTP score, and MELD score was -0.2 (p-value=0.066), 0.1 (p-value=0.463), and 0.0 (p-value=0.725), respectively. Conclusion: Sonographically measured PVD cannot be used as a substitute for the clinical grading and staging of cirrhosis. Only a weak positive correlation was found between PVD and spleen size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is caused by occlusion and cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. The EHPVO is well characterized in children. However, the same is not valid for adults. We aimed to evaluate the clinico-etiological profile along with the management of adult patients. Aims and Objectives: We evaluated the clinicoetiological profile along with the management and outcomes of adult patients presenting with EHPVO. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive, observational study, patients between ages 15 and 75 years diagnosed with EHPVO on ultrasonography abdomen were included in the study. Liver cirrhosis and malignancy were considered as an exclusion criterion. There was evaluation of clinical and imaging findings along with biochemical analysis, workup for thrombophilia, treatment given to the patients, and follow-up. Results: Out of total 109 patients enrolled in the study, the median age of patients was ±40.25. Main clinical features were dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, and splenomegaly. Out of 109, 27.5% patients showed fatty liver and 5.5% had both splanchnic vein thrombosis and fatty liver. Idiopathic EHPVO in majority of patients (80%), adult EHPVO with polycythemia rubra vera in 7.33% patients, adult EHPVO with heterozygous MTHFR mutation in 7.33% patients, and adult EHPVO with antiphospholipid antibody in 3.66%. No mortality was seen in this 5-year observational study and majority of the patients, i.e., 96 (88.1%) did not require any treatment. Conclusion: Relatively benign nature of adult EHPVO was found in the selected group of patients. Majority of the cases in our study were idiopathic and few had positive thrombophilia profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Purpose: Patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can develop both benign and malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Characterising the nature of PVT is important for planning an optimal therapeutic strategy. In the absence of typical findings or contraindications to computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could help in this differentiation. The present meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of CEUS for characterising PVT in patients with HCC. Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched from inception to 31 December 2022 for studies analysing the role of CEUS in the differentiation of benign and malignant PVT in HCC. Using the bivariate random effect model, pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated, and the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve was plotted. Results: A total of 12 studies with data from 712 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of tumour in vein were 97.0% (95% CI: 93.0–98.7) and 96.8% (95% CI: 92.1–98.7), respectively, without significant heterogeneity. A sROC curve was plotted, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98–1.00). Despite the presence of publication bias, sensitivity analysis did not show any change in sensitivity and specificity. Discussion: Our meta‐analysis summarises the accuracy data from 12 studies, including >700 subjects. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound had excellent diagnostic accuracy with pooled sensitivity and specificity of 97.5% (95% CI: 93.5–99.1) and 98.2% (95% CI: 91.5–99.6), respectively, without any significant heterogeneity. Additionally, the pooled positive LR, negative LR and DOR were 54.6 (95% CI: 11.1–25.6), 0.02 (0.01–0.07) and 2186.8 (318.3–15022.2), respectively. A positive result increases the pretest probability of malignant PVT from 50% to 98%, whereas a negative result decreases it from 50% to 2%. Most of the studies included in our meta‐analysis used identical techniques and 6–12‐month follow‐up scans to check for thrombus progression or regression. Our analysis showed no significant heterogeneity in the studies, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) with 95% CI was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99–1.00). This critical meta‐analysis thus propels CEUS to the forefront for differentiating benign from tumoural PVT and suggests routinely using CEUS in patients presenting with HCC and evidence of thrombus on greyscale ultrasound. Conclusion: Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound is an effective diagnostic modality differentiation of benign and malignant PVT in patients with HCC and can be an alternative modality to CT or MRI. Further studies are required to study the role of CEUS as initial diagnostic modality for the characterisation of PVT in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is considered the best screening tool for varices among patients with chronic liver disease. However, it is an expensive and invasive procedure that is not routinely available in rural India. Abdominal ultrasonography along with colour Doppler study is an inexpensive test commonly ordered for patients with chronic liver disease. Recent literature suggests that ultrasonographic parameters can be used to predict varices. Aim: To determine if ultrasonography of the entire abdomen and spleno-portal Doppler study findings can predict oesophageal varices in patients with chronic liver disease. Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the indoor ward of the Department of General Medicine at Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India, over a duration of one year from February 2021 to February 2022. Total 100 patients with chronic liver disease, admitted to the hospital ward, were included in the study. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores were obtained for all patients. Ultrasonographic and spleno-portal Doppler indices, such as liver size, spleen size, portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, peak systolic velocity of the portal vein, and portal vein/splenic vein diameter ratio, were measured alongside upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to detect varices. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. The Chi-square test was used to test for significant differences in proportions (categorical data), and the independent t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's Post-hoc test were employed to test for significant differences in means (continuous data). Additionally, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained for statistically significant parameters to predict the presence of varices. Results: The study enrolled 100 patients (63% males, 37% females) with a mean age of 49.19±14.965 years, ranging from 14 to 91 years. (median age of 52, range 14-91 years). Of these, 68 patients (68%) had oesophageal varices, while 32 (32%) did not. The study found that a mean spleen size of 13.55 cm, a mean portal vein diameter of 12.5 mm, and a mean splenic vein diameter of ≥9.05 mm were predictive of varices. Additionally, a mean portal vein/splenic vein diameter ratio of 1.6150 was also predictive of varices. However, there was no significant difference in mean liver size and peak systolic velocity between those with and without varices. Conclusion: The present study suggests that a spleen size, portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, and portal vein/splenic vein diameter ratio can be reliably used to predict oesophageal varices among patients with chronic liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A scientometric analysis was conducted to characterize the global research publications in extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO), and state-of-the-art visualization graphics were generated to provide insight into specific bibliometric variables. Materials and Methods: The Web of Science database was accessed for research productivity and bibliometric variables of countries, institutions, authors, journals, and content analysis of top-20 cited documents were performed. Collaborative networks and co-occurrence of keywords map were generated using VOSviewer software. Results: Two hundred and sixteen records were retrieved with an annual growth rate of 2.53%. India is the leading country in productivity (n = 4339), followed by the USA and China. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, was the top productive institute. Sarin SK was the most prolific author, having the highest citations received and h-index. The hotspot topics were "portal hypertension," "cirrhosis," "children," "biliopathy/cholangiopathy," "liver fibrosis," and "liver transplantation" as per keyword co-occurrence networking. J Gastroenterol Hepatol had the most publications of EHPVO research as well the h-index. Regarding collaborative network mapping, the USA and Primignani M were the significant nodes among country and author, respectively. Conclusion: EHPVO research publication volume is low but is gradually progressing with dominant contributions from Indian institutes and authors. Most highly cited articles are of low level of evidence, and multi-institutional collaborative research can be the way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very challenging with poor outcome. In this situation, radiotherapy has become an alternative treatment modality, more precisely due to advances in radiation techniques. The goal of our study is to do analysis of these patients treated with rapid arc image-guided technology (RA-IGRT) at our institution. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients were included in the study. As per intuition policy, patient set up, contouring, and treatment plans were generated. Radiological response assessment was done 1-month post-radiotherapy. Survival analysis curve along with Chi-square test for prognostic factors assessment was done using SPSS. Results: With median dose of 45 Gy in 20 fractions, we were able to achieve 27.3% objective response rate with median survival of 5 months in eligible patients. Conclusions: One-year overall survival up to 30% can be achieved in HCC with PVTT, especially in patients with objective response to radiotherapy with Japan Integrated Staging score 2, provided it is precisely hit by RA-IGRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver is a complex, highly vascular organ, where anatomical variations are the norm. This study aimed to analyze all the three hepatic vascular anatomical variations in a single study which would help us understand the prevalence of hepatic vascular (arterial, portal, venous) anomalies in the population catered to by our institution. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 545 contrast-enhanced CT scans was done from November 2019 from the institute PACS after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The raw imaging data were processed in PACS software — Centricity™ Universal Viewer and Syngo.via Vb20 platform, for axial, coronal, and axial-oblique multiplanar reformation, maximum intensity projection (MIP), and volume rendering (VR) images. Data were analyzed in the three vascular phases to determine the anatomical variations. Analysis was done by two surgical residents in the division of HPB surgery, which was verified by a certified radiologist. Results: There were no major differences in the prevalence rates of the vascular anomalies across gender and domicile distributions. The prevalence of normal hepatic artery and variant hepatic artery in our study was 69% and 31%, respectively. Accessory left hepatic artery (10%) was the most common hepatic artery variant in our study. Single RHV was seen in 77.4%, and other RHV variants like two RHV with common trunk, two RHV with independent drainage, and three RHV with common trunk contribute 22.6% of our study population. Accessory inferior RHV was seen in 19.8% of the study population. Normal portal vein anatomy was found in 81.1% in our study, and the most common variant in our study population was trifurcation of portal vein (16.1%). Conclusion: This was the largest study until date from South India, studying all three hepatic vascular anatomical variations in a single study. Variations in the anatomy of hepatic arteries, portal veins, and hepatic veins are common. A good knowledge of the same is necessary especially for a hepatobiliary surgeon or for an interventional radiologist, to plan and avoid complications during a procedure. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan and whenever necessary a VR or a MIP reconstruction will precisely help in identifying these variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in India is a matter of concern and need for adequate profiling and streamlining management strategies cannot be over-emphasized. This is a prospective multi-centric observational cohort study comprising of an oncology center, one university tertiary hospital with specialized hepatology service, one public hospital with gastroenterology service, and a private liver transplant center located within a 3-km radius. The demographic and clinical parameters were recorded on a prospectively maintained database. The clinical profile, demographics, characteristics of HCC and the allocated treatment were noted and compared among the four centers. In total, 672 patients were enrolled from June 2016 till January 2020. Abdominal pain (64.3%) and weight loss (47.3%) were the most common symptoms. Most common identified etiology was hepatitis B (39%). The cancer center received lesser patients with hepatitis C and those with advanced stage of HCC. The private transplant center reported the highest proportion of NASH, which was also significantly higher in those belonging to higher socioeconomic strata, and lowest proportion of alcoholic cirrhosis. Metastasis was seen in almost one-fifth (19%) cases at diagnosis. Portal vein thrombosis was evident in 40%. Adherence to treatment guidelines was seen in three-fourth cases (76%). Hepatitis B is the most common underlying cause for HCC, whereas other causes like NASH are on the rise. Etiologic profile may vary with selective specialization of centers catering to patients with HCC. Adherence to guideline while allocating treatment was high among all centers with highest non-adherence in BCLC A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is an important cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, in Third World countries like India. In this disorder, it results in obstruction and cavernomatous transformation of portal vein with or without the involvement of intra-hepatic portal vein, splenic vein, or superior mesenteric vein resulting in portal hypertension and esophagogastric varices. Extensive collateral circulation develops, involving paracholecystic, paracholedochal and pancreaticoduodenal veins which results in formation of ectopic varices, and portal biliopathy. Besides variceal bleeding, patients may have symptoms of portal biliopathy, hypersplenism, and growth retardation. Although the liver may appear normal, functional compromise develops in the long term. Patients with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction are usually young and belong to India and other Asian countries. The variceal bleeding in EHPVO can be managed by endoscopic obliteration of varices, or by portosystemic shunt surgery. In this case report, we present a case of 15 year old male, with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction due to combined deficiency of Protein C and Protein S recanalized by short-term low molecular heparin plus oral Rivaroxaban therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bleeding from esophageal varices causes significant mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic liver disease. With upper GI endoscopy not available in many centers and in rural India, certain noninvasive methods can help to aid in the prediction of the presence of large esophageal varices. Early identification of large varices helps in prophylaxis to prevent bleeding until definitive management is done. Here in this study, we are using platelet count/spleen diameter ratio in predicting the large esophageal varices and comparing its sensitivity and specificity with non-invasive parameters. Study: This is a cross-sectional study (Prospective study) in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Patients admitted to SSIMS & RC, DAVANAGERE between January 2021 and June 2021 with a diagnosis of chronic liver disease were included in the study. Patients were assessed for ascites, splenomegaly, ultrasonographic measurements like splenic size and portal vein diameter, and laboratory parameters like hemoglobin, platelet count, total bilirubin, prothrombin time and serum albumin. The ratio of platelet count with spleen diameter was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done. Results: Incidence of large varices were seen in 44%. By ultrasonography, 22 were found to have splenomegaly while 28 were found to have normal spleen dimensions. Patients with large esophageal varices had significantly lower platelet counts as compared to those without. Spleen diameter was greater while platelet count/spleen diameter ratio was lower in patients with large esophageal varices. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors for the presence of large varices were palpable spleen, low platelet count, spleen size >13.8 mm, portal vein >13 mm and splenic vein >11.5 mm. The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio had a sensitivity and specificity of 87 % and 85% respectively which was more than other parameters. Hence platelet count/spleen diameter ratio can be a reliable indicator for predicting the presence of large esophageal varices than other non-invasive parameters. Conclusion: Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio is more accurate and a strong predictor of large esophageal varices than any other non-invasive parameters in patients with chronic liver disease which warrant the need for prophylaxis and early intervention to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anatomical variations of celiac and hepatic arteries are relatively common and impact operative time and technique. Intraoperative identification of the entire course of these vessels can be a challenge due to limited surgical field and increases the chance of iatrogenic injury. Aim: To evaluate and describe the origin and prevalence of retroportal course of hepatic arteries seen in Computed Tomography (CT) angiography in a large series of patients. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, affiliated to a tertiary cancer centre in Southern India. CT angiogram done between January 2020 to June 2021 were included. Total of 326 abdominal CT angiograms were studied for celiac axis variations, variations in the origin and branching pattern of hepatic arteries, trajectory of the hepatic artery and its relation to portal vein. The branching pattern of celiac axis was analysed with adherence to the modified definition of Common Hepatic Artery (CHA) and it was classified as normal/variant/ambiguous. Based on the origin and branching pattern, hepatic arteries were divided into standard/replaced/accessory and classic/variant divisions, respectively. Variant divisions include trifurcation, duplicate or double hepatic artery and late origin of Gastro Duodenal Artery (GDA). Retroportal hepatic arteries under each variation was identified separately and their prevalence calculated. Confidence interval was calculated using simple proportionfrequency analysis open Epi version 3 software. Results: The age of the patients varies from 3 to 83 years (mean age 53.7 years). 207 (63.49%) cases were male and 119 (36.5%) cases were female. 262 (80.37%) cases had a normal celiac axis anatomy. Eight specific types of celiac axis variations were observed in 48 (14.72%) cases. In the remaining 16 (4.91%) cases, the celiac axis anatomy was ambiguous. CHA originated from the celiac axis, Superior Mesentric Artery (SMA) and aorta in 294 (90.18%), 10 (3.07%) and 6 (1.84%) cases respectively. Out of the 52 replaced Right Hepatic Artery (rRHA), 48 (14.72%), 3 (0.92%) and 1 (0.30%) cases had Right Hepatic Artery (RHA) replaced to the SMA, aorta and GDA, respectively. Except for the one rRHA from GDA, all of them had a retroportal course. Classic branching pattern of hepatic artery was seen in 154 (47.24%). Trifurcation, early branching of RHA and early branching of LHA were found in 49 (15.03%), 4 (1.22%) and 8 (2.45%) respectively. 63 (70%) cases of variations in hepatic artery origin, 15 (16.67%) cases of variations in hepatic artery branching and 12 (13.33%) cases of variations in celiac axis contributed to a total of 90 cases with retroportal hepatic artery. Prevalence of retroportal hepatic artery in the present study is 27.61% (confidence interval 22.82-32.8) and the most common cause was aberrant RHA origin. Conclusion: Knowledge about the origin and prevalence of retroportal course of hepatic artery will help the surgeon to approach it systematically. Preoperative knowledge of the variations in origin and branching patterns and its influence on the trajectory will help in a better intraoperative identification of these variant vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women with Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) are mostly young and belong to Asian countries. In the Indian subcontinent, 20–30% variceal bleeds are caused by EHPVO. Hence pregnancy is a concern in such patients. The objective of this study is to observe the maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with EHPVO. Materials and Method: Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction was studied retrospectively in 28 pregnancies in 20 women from Jan 2011 to July 2018 at a tertiary hospital in South India and the pregnancy outcomes were observed during this period. Institutional Review Board approval obtained. Results: The mean age of the women was 24.3 years and the mean age of diagnosis was 18.5 years. Splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and anaemia were seen in 22 (78.5%), 17 (60.7%) and 8 (28.5%) of pregnancies, respectively. Rate of abortions and preterm deliveries were 2 (7.1%,n=28) and 10 (35.7%,n=28). There was one stillbirth (3.6%) in the study group. EHPVO was diagnosed in 25 (89.3%) women prenatally in our series. During pregnancy only one woman had variceal bleed, which was managed conservatively. Blood and blood product transfusion was required in 7(25%) of women and there was no maternal mortality. Conclusion: Pregnancies in EHPVO have good maternal and neonatal outcomes, provided they are taken care of by a multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary care centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation in India has grown exponentially in the last decade with 135 centers now performing between 1500–2000 transplants a year, 10% of which are pediatric. Survival rate surpassing 90% has been achieved, and India is now an important regional liver transplant hub in South and South-East Asia. The indications have expanded to include increasing number of liver-based metabolic disorders that may or may not cause liver disease. Recipients, who were previously considered non-transplantable such as those with pre-existing portal vein thrombosis, can be successfully managed with innovative microvascular techniques. The donor pool has grown with the use of marginal grafts and ABO incompatible organs. Financial constraints are being overcome by crowd funding and increasing philanthropic efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation in India has grown exponentially in the last decade with 135 centers now performing between 1500–2000 transplants a year, 10% of which are pediatric. Survival rate surpassing 90% has been achieved, and India is now an important regional liver transplant hub in South and South-East Asia. The indications have expanded to include increasing number of liver-based metabolic disorders that may or may not cause liver disease. Recipients, who were previously considered non-transplantable such as those with pre-existing portal vein thrombosis, can be successfully managed with innovative microvascular techniques. The donor pool has grown with the use of marginal grafts and ABO incompatible organs. Financial constraints are being overcome by crowd funding and increasing philanthropic efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vasculobiliary and vascular injuries following cholecystectomy are the most serious complications requiring complex surgical management resulting in greater patient morbidity and mortality.Methodology: The study was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital of North India. Records of patients referred for biliary or vascular injury sustained during cholecystectomy were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients with vascular injury between January 2009 and March 2018. Clinical profile, hospital course and outcome of these patients were analysed.Results: Over nine years, 117 patients were referred for cholecystectomy related complications. Total incidence of vascular injury was 5.1% (6/117). Combined vasculobiliary injury (VBI) occurred in 3.4% (4/117) while isolated vascular injury was present in 1.7% patients (2/117). Most (5/6) patients were operated for uncomplicated gall stone disease. Incidences of portal vein (PV) and right hepatic artery (RHA) injuries were equal (3/6). PV injuries were repaired either during cholecystectomy (1/3) or during re-exploration after damage control packing (2/3). RHA injuries presented as pseudoaneurysm and were managed surgically (2/3) or by coil embolization (1/3). All VBI referrals (4/117) were following open cholecystectomy. In VBI patients, vascular injury was diagnosed intra-operatively in two while it was diagnosed several weeks after cholecystectomy in two others. Biliary injury manifested as bile leak post-operatively in all four of them. Nature of biliary injury could be characterized in only 50% (2/4) patients. Definitive repair of biliary injury was performed in one patient only. There was one mortality in our series.Conclusion: Vascular injury is an uncommon complication of cholecystectomy with catastrophic outcome if not managed timely and properly. Adequate surgeon training, keeping the possibility of aberrant vasculobiliary anatomy in all cases, and proper surgical technique is crucial for prevention of such injuries. However in such an event, proper documentation and referral to tertiary centre will help in decreasing morbidity and further litigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) anatomical relationships between the hepatic veins and portal structures can serve as a guide to plan resections in donor hepatectomy during living donor liver transplantation. We present the first case report from India on the use of a 3D printed liver model, as an assist to living donor liver transplantation. A 3D model of the donor liver with hepatic venous structures printed within it was prepared using image acquisition data. The model was used for a simulated cut preoperatively, to mimic the donor hepatectomy based on the venous structures seen through the transparent material used for making the liver model. The volume of the graft measured by volume displacement in the actual surgery was compared with the volume of the model after the simulated cut. The calculated volume of the graft was 359 ml as per the preoperative simulation, and the observed weight/volume was 380 gm/310 ml. Three-dimensional printing of liver models using imaging data can help predict the actual size of the graft after donor hepatectomy, in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) is most commonly caused by acute and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Variceal gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a potentially life-threatening event in such patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SVT in CP patients and the risk of variceal GI bleeding. Materials and Methods: A total of 187 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of CP were assessed for the presence of SVT at the gastroenterology department of a tertiary care hospital. Thirty seven patients had evidence of SVT. Patients with portal vein thrombosis or cirrhosis were excluded. Potential factors associated with SVT were assessed. Results: Of the 187 CP patients assessed, 37 patients (19.8%) (male 33; female 4; mean age 41.9 years) had evidence of SVT. Among patients with SVT, most common etiology of CP was alcohol abuse (70.3%). Seven patients (18.9%) with SVT presented with clinically significant upper GI bleeding. The source of GI bleeding was gastric varices in three patients (8.1%) and non-variceal source in four patients (10.8%). All three patients with gastric varices were managed by splenectomy. There were no new variceal bleeding episodes in other 33 patients (89.2%) during mean follow-up of 16.4 months. On comparison of patients with and without SVT, the factors associated with significantly higher incidence of SVT were smoking (P = 0.019, odds ratio 3.021, 95% confidence interval 1.195–7.633) and presence of pseudocyst (P = 0.008, odds ratio 3.743, 95% confidence interval 1.403–9.983). Complete resolution of SVT was seen in three patients (8.1%) after resolution of underlying pseudocyst. Conclusion: SVT is a common complication of CP, particularly in patients with pseudocysts and history of smoking. Most patients remain asymptomatic and the risk of variceal bleeding is low. Splenectomy is the treatment of choice in patients with variceal bleeding. Conservative approach is preferred in other patients. Resolution of pseudocysts may lead to resolution of SVT in some patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report the management of two patents from the Indian subcontinent with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction presenting with anticipated difficult airway. A Macintosh blade was used to secure the airway after using various instruments designed for difficult airway. To the best of our knowledge, no case has previously been reported in which a Macintosh blade was used successfully in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction with a difficult airway.Case Presentation: Two women (case 1 and case 2) of South Asian ethnicity with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction presented for an elective splenorenal shunt. They both had micrognathia and restricted mouth openings. They had similar airway profiles with mouth openings of just 2 cm, Mallampati class IV, a thyromental distance <4 cm, a hyomental distance <2.5 cm, and a sternomental distance of 10 cm. Awake intubation was attempted in both patients after standard airway preparation in the form of preoperative 4 % lignocaine nebulization and 2 % viscous lignocaine gargle along with an on-table supralaryngeal nerve block using 2 % lignocaine and transtracheal infiltration with 4 % lignocaine. The patient in case 1 tolerated the procedure well whereas the patient in case 2 had to be given propofol 60 mg. Endotracheal intubation with a 6.5 mm polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube was attempted using a Truview EVO2, an Airtraq, and a Miller blade no. 3 but was unsuccessful. Finally, a trial intubation was performed successfully with a Macintosh blade with a stubby handle assisted by a Frova Intubating Introducer in case 1 and a gum elastic bougie in case 2.Conclusions: Although many instruments have been introduced to manage difficult airways, our experience in these cases suggests that the Macintosh blade can be used first when attempting endotracheal intubation before using other instruments. Patients from the Indian subcontinent with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction are often found to have associated temporomandibular joint ankyloses (hence difficult airways). We hypothesize that a difficult intubation should be anticipated in these patients. Such an association has not been made before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectal variceal bleeding occurs in 38% of patients with portal hypertension leading to an overall mortality in 5%. Conventional management involves endoscopic measures utilizing sclerotherapy/glue injection/banding ligation or surgical management. Some patients, mostly Child A or B cirrhotics, pose difficulty for traditional management and have been shown to benefit from transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPSS) or interventional balloon occluded shunt embolization procedures, balloon occluded transvenous obliteration being the most common used modality, however, seldom reported in literature. In this report, we present the case, through striking images and real time step by step procedural video; of a difficult to control rectal variceal bleeding in a Child C cirrhotic in whom, balloon occluded antegrade glue embolization of multiple shunts was performed with beneficial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze anatomy of the celiac trunk through its diameter, length, and variation of its branches. We studied 40 cadavers (25 males and 15 females) in the various colleges in the west India for the variation in the celiac trunk. Dissection of the celiac trunk was performed after opening of the peritoneal cavity. The length of the celiac trunk up to the common hepatic artery was observed. Diameter of the celiac trunk and distance between the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery were observed. We found cases of rare vascular variation in the branching pattern and the common hepatic artery, which arises from the superior mesenteric artery and there is abnormal relation between the common hepatic artery portal vein and the bile duct. In a case we have observed that the superior mesenteric artery gives acute angulations downward on the right side. This type of study of celiac trunk and presence of variation in hepatic arteries will allow the surgeon to practice safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy, liver resections, or vascular recombination in transplantation and, thereby, avoid errors and patient morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate pregnancy outcome in women with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). A total of 26 pregnancies in 14 women with EHPVO were evaluated for maternal and perinatal outcomes in a tertiary centre of Northern India. Fourteen pregnancies were evaluated prospectively while the details of 12 previous pregnancies in the same women were studied retrospectively. Mean age of pregnant women with EHPVO was 24.5 years and approximately one-third were primigravidae. Only one patient was diagnosed as EHPVO in the index pregnancy. The presenting event was hematemesis in 71% of the patients; others presented with thrombosis, pain abdomen and jaundice or incidental splenomegaly. The incidence of abortion, preterm deliveries and still births was 20%, 15.4% and 7.7%, respectively. Underlying hypercoagulable and prothrombotic state was diagnosed in around one-fifth of the patients. Half of these women required platelet transfusion in the intrapartum period due to hypersplenism resulting in thrombocytopenia. Anemia was seen in 40% of the patients; however, no other major complications were seen as a result of EHPVO. The vaginal delivery rate and obstetrical outcome were similar as in general population. Pregnancy outcome is expected to be successful in women with EHPVO if disease is adequately controlled prior to pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the demographic features, etiology, clinical, radiology and laboratory findings in children with Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) from the North Indian Gangetic Plain., Methods: A prospective analysis of 53 patients of EHPVO (<14 y of age) was done. Data for clinical presentation, laboratory workup, endoscopic procedures, growth and development, management and outcome were analyzed., Results: A total of 53 patients (32 male, 21 female) with mean age of 8.66 ± 3.32 y at presentation were included. Growth retardation was present in 30 (56.60 %) patients at time of diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms were upper gastrointestinal bleeding (86.80 %) and an incidental finding of splenomegaly (13.2 %). Hematological parameters of hypersplenism were present in 9 (17 %) patients. Protein C (PC), Protein S (PS), antithrombin III (AT) deficiency were found in 8 (20 %), 4 (10 %) and 6 (15 %) of the patients respectively in 40 patients tested. On first endoscopy, esophageal varices were present in all patients. Endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST)/band ligation (EBL) was performed in 46 bleeder patients and success rate was 83.3 % for sclerotherapy and 90 % for band ligation., Conclusions: The etiology of EHPVO in the majority of patients remains elusive. It results in impaired somatic growth. Sclerotherapy and endoscopic banding are effective means for treatment for bleeding varices. It is still not clear whether deficiency of anticoagulant proteins is a primary event or secondary to disease process.

Background: Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) is a heterogenous disease with regards to etiology, pathogenesis, age, and geographical location. This study analyzed our experience with EHPVO in adults aged >20 years. EHPVO associated with pancreatitis and abdominal lymph node tuberculosis compressing the portal vein was excluded., Methods: Retrospective analysis of the hospital database from January 2000 to December 2009 was done. All patients with liver disease who are attending our department were also prospectively evaluated with Doppler ultrasound for the portal venous system to study the prevalence of EHPVO. Clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings; work up for thrombophilia; treatment given; and follow up were evaluated., Result: In the retrospective analysis, primary EHPVO in adults was seen in 108/10,095 (1 %), and in the prospective analysis, it was seen in 16/2,188 (0.73 %). The main clinical presentations were abdominal pain and variceal bleed. Imaging findings included portal cavernoma, portal biliopathy, gallbladder calculi, collaterals, and ascites. The major causative factors identified were hyperhomocysteinemia, antiphospholipid antibodies, and myeloproliferative disorders, while, in a third of patients, none of these risk factors could be identified. Twelve patients were subjected to surgery, while the remaining patients were managed either by medical, endoscopic, or interventional radiological techniques. More than 2 years of follow up was available in 90 patients; two patients died due to uncontrolled bleeding, seven patients required surgery, seven patients showed deterioration in liver function, and one patient developed hepatocellular carcinoma. In the prospective study, three patients were subjected to surgery, and the others were managed medically., Conclusion: Primary EHPVO is an uncommon cause of portal hypertension in adults in India, and its etiological spectrum is comparable to the West.

Objective: To study the rates of variceal recurrence and rebleeding following sclerotherapy and its effect on clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with portal hypertension., Methods: A total of 237 patients with portal hypertension together with esophageal variceal bleeding were included in the study. There were 138 patients with cirrhosis (group I), 42 with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (group II), and 57 with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (group III). Baseline data and post-obliteration follow-up for rebleeding rates and changes in clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded., Results: In all, 106 patients in group I, 31 in group II and 43 in group III experienced obliteration of varices. The recurrence of grade II varices occurred in 17 patients (9.4%) during a mean period of 9 months. Rebleeding from varices was observed in 4 patients (3.8%) in group I and 1 (3.2%) in group II, while none in group III experienced rebleeding. There was a significant improvement in ascites, jaundice, liver status, international normalized ratio and platelet count in group I patients after variceal eradication (P < 0.05). The main cause of death in the cirrhotic patients was active liver disease but not rebleeding., Conclusions: Following obliterative endoscopic sclerotherapy, rates of recurrence and rebleeding were significantly low when patients are kept under close observation. Disappearance of varices or reduction of variceal size improves the liver status in surviving cirrhotic patients., (© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Digestive Diseases © 2012 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background and Aims: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and hyperammonemia are seen in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). Inflammation has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotics. This study assessed serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and their correlation with hyperammonemia, (1)H-magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy-derived brain glutamine, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived metrics in patients with EPHVO, with and without MHE., Methods: Neuropsychological tests, DTI, (1)H-MR spectroscopy, and estimation of blood ammonia and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α[TNF-α] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were done in 20 patients with EHPVO and eight healthy controls., Results: Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), blood ammonia, brain glutamine, and mean diffusivity were increased in both patient groups, as compared to controls. Patients with MHE (n-12) had significantly higher TNF-α, IL-6, blood ammonia, brain glutamine, and mean diffusivity, signifying brain edema, than controls. A significant, positive correlation was seen between TNF-α and IL-6 and between blood ammonia and TNF-α, IL-6, and brain glutamine. Significant, positive correlations of TNF-α, IL-6, and blood ammonia with mean diffusivity values were seen in various brain regions, including spectroscopy voxel-derived mean diffusivity., Conclusion: Patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction have inflammation and hyperammonemia made evident by higher blood TNF-α, IL-6, ammonia, and brain glutamine levels. A significant correlation between hyperammonemia, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cerebral edema on DTI in various brain regions suggests that both these factors play a role in the pathogenesis of MHE in these patients., (© 2011 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Objectives: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) leads to deterioration in patient quality of life and could be a marker for future episodes of clinical hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in liver cirrhosis. Whether MHE predicts HE in extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is not known. We studied the incidence of overt HE in EHPVO patients with MHE., Methods: Consecutive patients (from October 2006 to July 2007) with a diagnosis of EHPVO were followed up at 3-month intervals. MHE was diagnosed by abnormal psychometry (>2 s.d.) and/or P300 auditory event-related potential (P300 ERP) (>2.5 s.d.), and HE was diagnosed as per West-Heaven criteria. Critical flicker frequency (CFF) was also measured at baseline and after 1 year., Results: Thirty-two EHPVO patients (age, 23.2+/-10.8 years; M/F 22:10) were followed up for 1 year. Of 32 patients, P300 ERP was prolonged in 8 (25%) (371.8+/-13.9 ms), 9 (28%) had abnormal psychometric tests, and CFF was <38 Hz in 8 (25%) patients after a follow-up of 13.5+/-2.4 months. Of 12 patients who had MHE at baseline, 9 (75%) patients continued to have MHE, and in 3 (25%) patients it disappeared. One (5%) of the remaining 20 patients developed MHE during the follow-up. Venous ammonia level was higher in patients with MHE (79.7+/-17.0 micromol/l; range 33-124) compared with patients without MHE (46.6+/-19.8 micromol/l; range 24-78, P<0.001) on follow-up. Similarly, patients who had spontaneous shunts (n=10) had significantly higher venous ammonia levels (82.4+/-20.3 vs. 47.1+/-16.7 micromol/l; P=0.001) than those who had no shunt (n=22). Neither patients who had MHE nor those who did not have MHE at baseline developed HE., Conclusions: Seventy-five percent of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction patients with MHE continued to have MHE, and new-onset MHE developed in 5% over 1 year. In this small sample, patients with EHPVO and MHE did not progress to overt encephalopathy within the relatively short time frame studied.

Background: Extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction due to portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an important cause of portal hypertension in several regions including India. The cause of thrombosis in these patients remains unclear. We studied the frequency of mutations in genes for coagulation factors V and II (prothrombin) in 61 Indian patients with PVT and 49 healthy control subjects., Methods: The presence of factor V Leiden mutation and of G20210A prothrombin gene mutation was determined using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Chi-squared test was used to compare patients and controls., Results: Of the 61 patients (median age 11 years; 47 male) studied, 49 were children. One of 61 (1.6%) patients with PVT was heterozygous for factor V Leiden mutation and none had the G20210 prothrombin gene mutation. The frequencies of these mutations were not different from those in control subjects (2/49 and 0/46, respectively)., Conclusion: Factor V Leiden and G20210 prothrombin gene mutations are infrequent in Indian patients with PVT. Thus, these mutations are unlikely to be responsible for PVT in the Indian population.

Objective: Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by arterial hypoxemia in patients with chronic liver disease caused by abnormal intrapulmonary vasodilations. Data on its frequency vary from 5% to 29%. Most of these studies are from the West and in patients with cirrhosis. We, therefore, studied the prevalence of HPS in patients with liver cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO)., Methods: We studied 54 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis (42 men and 12 women; mean age = 44.2 +/- 13 yr; Child grade A: 13, B: 22, and C: 19) and 50 patients with EHPVO (31 men and 19 women; mean age = 23.3 +/- 7.8 yr) Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made by history, liver function abnormalities, endoscopy, and sonography, whereas EHPVO was diagnosed by demonstration of a block in the splenoportovenous axis on sonography. Each of the patients underwent chest x-ray, arterial blood gas analysis, contrast-enhanced echocardiography (CEE), and pulmonary function tests. HPS was diagnosed in a patient with positive CEE, in the presence of hypoxia (PaO2 < 70 mm Hg) and/or elevated alveolar arterial oxygen gradient of > 20 mm Hg in the absence of any underlying cardiopulmonary disease., Results: Ten of 54 patients (18.5%) with cirrhosis were positive on CEE compared with two of 50 patients (4%) with EHPVO. Six of the 10 patients positive with cirrhosis for CEE had associated hypoxia, whereas only one EHPVO patient with positive CEE had an elevated pulmonary alveolar arterial oxygen gradient of > 20 mm Hg. Thus, the incidence of HPS was 11.1% in patients with cirrhosis, compared with 2% in patients with EHPVO. One patient with HPS and cirrhosis had clinical cyanosis., Conclusion: HPS occurs more commonly in patients with cirrhosis but can also be seen in patients with EHPVO.

Aim of the Study: To study the clinical profile of extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) in a tertiary referral centre in Mumbai., Methodology: Retrospective analysis of records of 113 patients with EHPVO, treated between January 1984 and May 1996., Results: Thirty eight of 54 (70.4%) patients in whom information was available were delivered at home. Eleven of the 50 (22%) had umbilical sepsis after birth. Median disease duration was 5 years (range 4 months-31 years), with age at initial presentation 13 (range 0.5-45) years; 24 (20%) patients presented after age 20 years. Eleven presenting initially with splenomegaly bled after 3 (1-14) years. Number of bleeding episodes per patient was 2.5 (1-12). 13 of 44 (29.6%) patients bled (first bleed or recurrence) after age 20 years. Twenty five (22.3%) had ascites at some time, 17/102 (16.7%) had hypersplenism, and hypoalbuminaemia was present in 20/103 (19.2%). Endoscopic sclerotherapy obliterated varices in 47/52 (90.4%) in 10.5 (3-40) sessions over 7 (1-100) months. Twenty three patients underwent surgery: devascularisation in 20 (with splenectomy in seven), distal lieno-renal shunt in two, and meso-caval shunt in one patient. Follow-up was available in 68 (60.2%) patients. Rebleeding after sclerotherapy occurred in 27/64 (42.2%), with median one (1-5) per patient; recurrence of varices was noted in 15/35 (42.9%) patients over 12 (3-39) months. Varices were present in 12 patients 163 (33-305) months after surgery., Conclusions: Home delivery and umbilical sepsis may be risk factors in the development of EHPVO. A significant number of patients present or continue to bleed from varices after age 20. Variceal sclerotherapy is effective for eradication of oesophageal varices.

We prospectively evaluated 139 consecutive children presenting to the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Lucknow, India) with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from January 1991 to November 1994. Our aims were to find out whether the causes of GI bleeding in a developing country differed from developed countries and how the application of newer diagnostic techniques would help in the diagnosis of GI bleeding. Barium studies, endoscopy, technetium-99m-labelled (erythrocytes and pertechnetate) scans, selective abdominal angiography using a digital subtraction technique and rectal endoscopic ultrasonography were performed. Upper GI bleeding (n = 75) was variceal in 71 (95%) children (extrahepatic portal venous obstruction in 65, cirrhosis in six) and non-variceal in four (5%) cases (Henoch-Schonlein purpura, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, drug-induced gastric erosions and pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery due to idiopathic chronic calcific pancreatitis). Causes of lower GI bleeding (n = 64) were colitis (27 cases; 42%), colorectal polyps (26 cases; 41%), enteric fever (n = 3), solitary rectal ulcer (n = 3), portal hypertensive colopathy (n = 2), colonic arteriovenous malformation (n = 1) and internal haemorrhoids (n = 1). One patient remained undiagnosed. Angiography performed in four children was diagnostic in two. In one child with massive lower GI bleeding from portal colopathy, the bleeding site (caecum) was localized by intra-operative colonoscopy, while in the other child with portal colopathy, rectal endoscopic ultrasonography was performed to substantiate the diagnosis. We conclude that the causes of upper GI bleeding in children in developing countries are different from those in developed countries (variceal bleeding due to extrahepatic portal venous obstruction is the most common cause, while peptic ulcer is rare). However, the spectrum of lower GI bleeding is similar to that of developed countries. Application of newer diagnostic techniques is helpful and safe in the identification of the cause of GI bleeding in children.