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Twenty percent of intestinal transplant recipients will require a surgical alternative to conventional primary abdominal wall closure. Abdominal wall transplant is a developing technique that is increasingly performed for this purpose in isolated intestinal or multivisceral recipients; however, adequate closure of the donor is paramount while simultaneously obtaining a large enough graft. The aim of this study is to describe alternative surgical techniques for closure of the donor in cases in which abdominal wall graft extraction hinders subsequent donor abdominal closure.We describe the cases of 2 young donors in whom intestinal extraction was not carried out and in whom wall closure was not feasible, following standard techniques after abdominal wall graft extraction. We performed 2 different procedures to obtain adequate closure. 1. Hemifascia and hemiabdominal wall graft extraction: It is an option when the recipients require an extension of the abdominal aponeurosis yet have enough skin to guarantee skin closure. The perfusion of both epigastric arteries is needed. The remaining cutaneous half is used for closing the donor's abdomen.2. Hemiabdominal wall graft extraction: Full-thickness abdominal wall is harvested from the donor, selecting the most vascularized half. It is an alternative for recipients who need a skin implant in addition to an aponeurosis extension. This option should be used for recipients who do not require a large fascial graft but do require a significant cutaneous graft. The nontransplanted half of full-thickness abdominal wall is used for donor closure.Abdominal wall transplant allows for expansion of the abdominal cavity in organ recipients and reduces the risk of compartmental syndrome and subsequent ischemia. However, the donor wall defect must be considered. The choice of donation technique was based on the magnitude of the defect in the donor as well as the size of defect to be covered in the recipient while ensuring a tight and complete closure of the donor's abdomen.Abdominal wall graft extraction can be performed using nonconventional techniques that account for the extension and type of coverage needed by the recipient while guaranteeing proper closure of the donor.

The McCluskey index has been used as a tool to predict massive bleeding (6 red blood cells units) during orthotropic liver transplantation. The objective of this study is to verify its efficacy at our institution.Between May 1998 and December 2017, we performed 1216 orthotropic liver transplantations, of which 1016 had sufficient data registered with respect to hemoderivative transfusion. We divided these patients into groups based on the original study of McCluskey. This study was approved by the ethical committee of our Institution and was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score in the 4 groups was 7.5 (range, 7-8) for low risk; 13 (range, 3-32) for medium risk, 17 (range, 8-41) for high risk, and 25 (range, 11-36) for very high risk (P.001). No significant differences were observed regarding body mass index or hospital stay. No differences have been found in the number of suboptimal donors among the groups. With respect to hemoderivative transfusions, we observed the following for red blood cells: 7 (range, 6-8) units for low risk; 5.5 (range, 0-74) for medium risk; 7 (range, 0-73) for high risk, and 12 (range, 5-30) for very high risk (P.001) and transfusion of plasma: 12 (range, 10-15) units for low risk; 11 (range, 0-89) for medium risk; 14 (range, 0-76) for high risk, and 13 (range, 3-30) for very high risk (P = .001).The McCluskey index is a good indicator of the risk of hemorrhage and hence the necessity of transfusion.

Introduction Intraoperative bleeding during liver transplantation has been correlated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality and decrease in patient and graft survival. Materials and Methods Between January 2006 and December 2016 we performed 783 orthotopic liver transplants. After applying exclusion criteria, we found liver grafts from donors after circulatory death (DCD, group A) were used in 69 patients and liver grafts from donors after brain death (group B) were used in 265 patients. Results No difference was found in terms of sex, body mass index, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, indication for transplantation, intensive care unit stay, and Child-Pugh score. The mean transfusion of hemoderivates was as follows: red blood cell 9 (0-28) units in group A vs 6 (0-20) units in group B (P = .004) and fresh frozen plasma 10 (0-29) units in group A vs 9.5 (0-23) in group B (P = .000). The only 2 factors related to massive blood transfusion (>6 units of red blood cell) were uncontrolled DCD condition (odds ratio = 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-4.31; P = .004), and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (odds ratio = 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-4.55; P = .001). Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 81.3%, 70.2%, and 68.9% in group A vs 89%, 83.7%, and 78% in group B (P = .070). Conclusion The use of liver grafts from DCDs is associated with increased necessity of transfusion of hemoderivates in comparison with the use of liver grafts from donors after brain death.

Introduction The hepatic cystic tumour is a very rare neoplasm, representing about 5% of all cystic liver neoplasms. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult and can lead to confusion. The aim of this study is to analyze a number of cases operated at our centre with an histologic diagnosis of liver cystic neoplasms and also to describe the sintomathology, diagnosis and management as per the recent classification. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed including all the cystic liver neoplasms operated between January 2000 and December 2019. The study was performed based on the pre-existing pathology archives. The 2010 previous cases were reclassified following the new 2010 OMS classification. Results The study sample was of 10 patients, identifying 6 of them as mucinous cystic liver neoplasms, and the other 4 as intraductal papillary biliary neoplasms. The majority of the patients were women (8/10) and the median age was 47 years. Regarding the treatment, 3 hepatectomy and 7 enucleations were performed. Frozen section intraoperatively was not required in any case. In one case, variable cellular atypia with areas of adenocarcinoma was observed, and the patient received neoadyuvant chemotherapy with taxol and carboplatin. In all cases the resection margins were negative. Conclusion Cystic liver neoplasms are infrequent tumours with a difficult differential diagnosis. Therefore, with a high radiological suspicious, the treatment should be a complete resection to avoid recurrences and malignancies.

Resumen Introduccion La neoplasia quistica hepatica es una neoplasia poco frecuente, que representa aproximadamente el 5% de las lesiones quisticas del higado. El diagnostico preoperatorio es dificil y puede causar confusion. El objetivo del estudio es analizar una serie de casos operados en nuestro centro con diagnostico anatomopatologico de neoplasia quistica hepatica y describir la sintomatologia, diagnostico y tratamiento de acuerdo con la actual clasificacion. Metodos Se realizo un analisis retrospectivo de todas las neoplasias quisticas hepaticas operadas entre enero de 2000 y diciembre de 2019. El estudio se baso en los informes de anatomia patologica ya existentes. Los casos anteriores al 2010 fueron reclasificados segun la clasificacion de la OMS del ano 2010. Resultados La muestra total del estudio resulto en 10 pacientes: 6 fueron neoplasias mucinosas quisticas hepaticas y 4 neoplasias papilares intraductales biliares. La mayoria de los pacientes fueron mujeres (8/10) y la edad media fue de 47 anos. En cuanto al tratamiento, hubo 3 hepatectomias y 7 enucleaciones. En ningun caso se realizo una biopsia intraoperatoria de los margenes quirurgicos. En un caso se observo atipia celular variable con zonas de adenocarcinoma, por lo que el paciente recibio quimioterapia adyuvante con taxol y carboplatino. En todos los casos los margenes de reseccion fueron negativos. Conclusion Las neoplasias quisticas hepaticas son tumores poco frecuentes, que plantean un dilema en el diagnostico diferencial, por lo que, ante la sospecha radiologica, el tratamiento de eleccion deberia ser la reseccion completa del tumor para evitar su malignizacion y la recidiva.

The utilization of livers from donation after uncontrolled circulatory death (uDCD) increases the availability of liver grafts, but it is associated with a higher incidence of biliary complications (BCs) and lower graft survival than those organs donated after brain death. From January 2006 to December 2016, we performed 75 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) using uDCD livers. To investigate the relationship of BCs with the use of uDCD OLT, we compared patients who developed BCs (23 patients) with those who did not (non-BC group, 43 patients) after excluding cases of hepatic artery thrombosis (a known cause of BC) and primary nonfunction. The groups had similar uDCD donor maintenance, donor and recipient characteristics, and perioperative morbidity/mortality rates, but we observed a higher rate of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis C virus in the non-BC group. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary dilation, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography dilation, Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ), a T-tube, and retransplantation were used for BC management. In the BC group, 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 91.3%, 69.6%, and 65.2%, respectively, versus 77.8%, 72.9%, and 72.9%, respectively, in the non-BC group (P = 0.89). However, 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates were 78.3%, 60.9%, and 56.5%, respectively, in the BC group versus 77.8%, 72.9%, and 72.9%, respectively, in the non-BC group (P = 0.38). Multivariate analysis did not indicate independent risk factors for BC development. In conclusion, patient and graft survival rates were generally lower in patients who developed BCs but not significantly so. These complications were managed in the majority of patients through radiological dilation, endoscopic dilation, or Roux-en-Y HJ. Retransplantation is necessary in rare cases after the failure of biliary dilation or surgical procedures.

Difficulty in obtaining adequate abdominal wall closure due to loss of the abdominal domain is a frequent complication of multivisceral, isolated intestinal transplantation and in some cases of liver transplantation. Various methods for primary closure have been proposed, including the use of synthetic and biological meshes, as well as full-thickness abdominal wall and non-vascularized rectus fascia grafts. We describe a novel technique for abdominal wall procurement in which the graft is perfused synchronously with the abdominal organs and can be transplanted as a full-thickness wall or as a non-vascularized rectus fascia graft. We performed six transplants of non-vascularized rectus fascia in three intestinal transplants, one multivisceral transplant, and two liver transplants. The size of the covered abdominal wall defects ranged from 17 cm x 7 cm to 25 cm x 20 cm. Only one patient developed graft infection secondary to enterocutaneous fistula requiring surgical correction and removal of the fascia graft. This patient, as well as two other patients, died due to sepsis. Our procurement technique allows removal of the rectus fascia graft to cover the abdominal wall defect, providing a feasible solution for treatment of abdominal wall defects in recipients after abdominal organ transplantation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The authors did not receive any funding for this work.

Whether immunosuppression impairs severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2‐specific T‐cell‐mediated immunity (SARS‐CoV‐2‐CMI) after liver transplantation (LT) remains unknown. We included 31 LT recipients in whom SARS‐CoV‐2‐CMI was assessed by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and interferon (IFN)‐γ FluoroSpot assay after a median of 103 days from COVID‐19 diagnosis. Serum SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA. A control group of non‐transplant immunocompetent patients were matched (1:1 ratio) by age and time from diagnosis. Post‐transplant SARS‐CoV‐2‐CMI was detected by ICS in 90.3% (28/31) of recipients, with higher proportions for IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ than CD8+ responses (93.5% versus 83.9%). Positive spike‐specific and nucleoprotein‐specific responses were found by FluoroSpot in 86.7% (26/30) of recipients each, whereas membrane protein‐specific response was present in 83.3% (25/30). An inverse correlation was observed between the number of spike‐specific IFN‐γ‐producing SFUs and time from diagnosis (Spearman's rho: ‐0.418; P‐value = 0.024). Two recipients (6.5%) failed to mount either T‐cell‐mediated or IgG responses. There were no significant differences between LT recipients and non‐transplant patients in the magnitude of responses by FluoroSpot to any of the antigens. Most LT recipients mount detectable —but declining over time— SARS‐CoV‐2‐CMI after a median of 3 months from COVID‐19, with no meaningful differences with immunocompetent patients.

Abdominal wall transplantation has been consolidated as an alternative to primary abdominal wall closure in intestinal and multiple organ transplant recipients. Given that it is feasible to obtain the visceral graft and the abdominal wall graft from the same donor, abdominal wall transplantation could offer satisfactory outcomes and be easily coordinated. Non-vascularized fascia is one of the alternatives for abdominal wall closure in transplantation. We report two cases of non-vascularized fascia transplantation in intestinal and multivisceral transplants, respectively. Both donors were young (23 and 18 years old). Both recipients had endured multiple previous surgeries, and no surgical alternatives for primary wall repair could be offered. In both cases, a complete abdominal wall flap was retrieved from the donor, however, due to the characteristics of the recipient's abdominal wall defect, only non-vascularized fascia was used after removing skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue from the graft. Abdominal wall transplantation is an option to consider for abdominal wall closure in patients with multiple previous surgeries and no alternatives for primary wall repair.

Resumen El cierre de la pared abdominal despues del trasplante de organos abdominales, especialmente en los casos de trasplante intestinal y multivisceral, sigue siendo un reto en muchos pacientes debido al importante numero de intervenciones previas al trasplante, asi como al edema de asas que dichos injertos presentan. Ante la imposibilidad de cierre primario y debido a las complicaciones en el uso de mallas, surge la opcion del trasplante de la pared abdominal. Existen diversas opciones para dicho procedimiento, desde el empleo unicamente de la fascia no vascularizada hasta el trasplante de espesor completo de la pared abdominal. Revisamos la literatura en cuanto al uso de los injertos referidos y presentamos 2 casos de trasplante de fascia no vascularizada realizados en nuestra unidad de trasplante.

AIM To increase the number of available grafts. METHODS This is a single-center comparative analysis performed between April 1986 and May 2016. Two hundred and twelve liver transplantation (LT) were performed with donors ≥ 70 years old (study group). Then, we selected the first cases that were performed with donors < 70 years old immediately after the ones that were performed with donors ≥ 70 years old (control group). RESULTS Graft and patient survivals were similar between both groups without increasing the risk of complications, especially primary non-function, vascular complications and biliary complications. We identified 5 risk factors as independent predictors of graft survival: recipient hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positivity [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-3.56; P = 0.00]; recipient age (HR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02-1.06; P = 0.00); donor age X model for end-stage liver disease (D-MELD) (HR = 1.00; 95%CI: 1.00-1.00; P = 0.00); donor value of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (HR = 1.00; 95%CI: 1.00-1.00; P = 0.00); and donor value of serum sodium (HR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.94-0.99; P = 0.00). After combining D-MELD and recipient age we obtained a new scoring system that we called DR-MELD (donor age X recipient age X MELD). Graft survival significantly decreased in patients with a DR-MELD score ≥ 75000, especially in HCV patients (77% vs 63% at 5 years in HCV-negative patients, P = 0.00; and 61% vs 25% at 5 years in HCV-positive patients; P = 0.00). CONCLUSION A DR-MELD ≥ 75000 must be avoided in order to obtain the best results in LT with donors ≥ 70 years old.

Resumen Introduccion La quimioembolizacion transarterial (QETA) es considerada una opcion terapeutica utilizada en el tratamiento del carcinoma hepatocelular y de las metastasis hepaticas secundarias del carcinoma colorrectal, tumores neuroendocrinos y melanoma ocular. Aunque es un procedimiento seguro, no esta exento de complicaciones, siendo la mas frecuente la colecistitis aguda. Otras complicaciones descritas son el tromboembolismo pulmonar, el absceso hepatico, lesiones de la mucosa gastrointestinal, lesiones de la via biliar, etc. El objetivo principal del estudio es revisar y describir las complicaciones derivadas de la QETA en el tratamiento de los tumores hepaticos. Metodos Se ha realizado un analisis retrospectivo de todas las QETA practicadas en nuestro centro entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2016. En dicho periodo se realizaron 322 QETA en 196 pacientes. Resultados Del total de procedimientos, 258 (80%) fueron realizados en hombres y 64 (20%) en mujeres. Ademas, la edad media de los pacientes fue de 66,5 anos. Las complicaciones mayores derivadas de la QETA fueron descompensacion edemo-ascitica (6 casos), colecistitis aguda (4), pancreatitis aguda (3), rotura hepatica (1), absceso hepatico (1) y deterioro de la funcion renal (1). Ademas, el sindrome postembolizacion se objetivo en 71 (22%) casos. En el analisis multivariante se observo que el antecedente cardiovascular (OR: 4,5; IC 95%: 1,2-17; p = 0,025) es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones post-QETA. Conclusiones Las complicaciones derivadas de la QETA son poco frecuentes y con una baja incidencia de mortalidad.

Introduction Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered a therapeutic option. It is mostly used in hepatocellular carcinoma or liver colorectal, neuroendocrine or melanoma metastases. Although it is considered a safe procedure, TACE presents complications, such as acute cholecystitis, which is the most common. Other procedure-related complications include pulmonary embolism, hepatic abscess, bile duct injury, gastric mucosa injury and, less frequently, acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study is to review the complications following TACE for liver tumors. Methods We performed a retrospective study including all the TACE procedures performed in a single center during the period between January 2013 and December 2016. Results Out of the 196 patients with liver tumors who had undergone 322 TACE, 258 (80%) were male and 64 (20%) were female. Mean patient age was 66.5 years. Major complications after chemoembolization included: decompensation with edema/ascites (6 patients), acute cholecystitis (4), acute pancreatitis (3), liver rupture (1), liver abscess (1) and renal failure (1). Postembolization syndrome appeared in 71 (20%) patients. On multivariate analysis, it was observed that concomitant cardiovascular disease (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.2–17; P=.025) is a risk factor for the development of complications. Conclusions TACE is a safe and effective procedure for liver tumor treatment. The majority of the complications are rare and present a low incidence of mortality.

Controversy exists regarding whether the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) differs when using livers from donation after controlled circulatory death (DCD) versus livers from donation after brain death (DBD). The aim of this cohort study was to analyze rates of HCC recurrence, patient survival, and graft survival after OLT for HCC, comparing recipients of DBD livers (n=103) with recipients of uncontrolled DCD livers (uDCD; n=41). No significant differences in tumor size, tumor number, serum alpha-fetoprotein, proportion of patients within Milan criteria, or pre-OLT bridging therapies were identified between groups, although the waitlist period was significantly shorter in the uDCD group (p=0.04). HCC recurrence was similar between groups. Patient survival was similar between groups, but graft survival was lower in the uDCD group. Multivariate analysis identified recipient age (p=0.03), pre-OLT bridging therapy (p=0.02), and HCC recurrence (p=0.04) as independent risk factors for patient survival and pre-OLT transarterial chemoembolization (p=0.04) as the single risk factor for HCC recurrence. In conclusion, similar patient survival and lower graft survival were observed in the uDCD group. However, the use of uDCD livers appears to be justified due to shorter waitlist time and similar HCC recurrence in both groups.

Controversy exists regarding whether the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) differs when using livers from donation after controlled circulatory death (DCD) versus livers from donation after brain death (DBD). The aim of this cohort study was to analyze rates of HCC recurrence, patient survival, and graft survival after OLT for HCC, comparing recipients of DBD livers (n = 103) with recipients of uncontrolled DCD livers (uDCD; n = 41). No significant differences in tumor size, tumor number, serum alpha-fetoprotein, proportion of patients within Milan criteria, or pre-OLT bridging therapies were identified between groups, although the waitlist period was significantly shorter in the uDCD group (p = 0.040). HCC recurrence was similar between groups. Patient survival was similar between groups, but graft survival was lower in the uDCD group. Multivariate analysis identified recipient age (p = 0.031), pre-OLT bridging therapy (p = 0.024), and HCC recurrence (p = 0.048) as independent risk factors for patient survival and pre-OLT transarterial chemoembolization (p = 0.045) as the single risk factor for HCC recurrence. In conclusion, similar patient survival and lower graft survival were observed in the uDCD group. However, the use of uDCD livers appears to be justified due to a shorter waitlist time, and lower waitlist dropout and HCC recurrence rates.

Introduction There is controversy regarding the use of older grafts for liver transplantation (LT) in HCV-infected patients, but the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) can radically change that debate. Methods The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate outcomes of the use of liver grafts from donors older than 70 years in recipients with HCV infection who underwent pre- or post-LT treatment with DAA. We compared two groups of patients who underwent LT using livers >70 years; the groups were defined according to antiviral therapy: non-DAA therapy group (n = 62; LT between May 1996 and December 2013), and DAA therapy group (n = 31; LT between January 2014 and December 2019). Results Thirty (96.8%) patients of DAA therapy and nine (14.5%) of non-DAA therapy (21 patients underwent complete therapy with interferon-ribavirin) achieved sustained viral response (SVR). One, 3-, and 5-year patient survival were 83.9%, 67.7%, and 56.5% in the non-DAA group vs 93.5%, 88.4%, and 88.4% in the DAA group (P = 0.04); the 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival were 77.4%, 62.9%, and 51.6% in the non-DAA group vs. 88.6%, 83.7%, and 83.7% in the DAA group (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis demonstrated donor female sex and DAA therapy as protective factors of graft survival. Conclusions Pre- or post-LT therapy with DAA in HCV-infected patients has achieved an almost overall SVR. The use of liver grafts >70 years in these patients treated with DAA was associated with significantly higher 5-year patient and graft survival in DAA group compared to non-DAA group. Thus, the introduction of DAA therapy has allowed the safe use of livers >70 years in HCV-positive recipients.

Background Which are the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2) infection in liver transplant (LT) recipients? Methods We attempted to address this question by reviewing our single‐center experience during the first two months of the pandemics at a high incidence area. Results Nineteen adult patients (5 females) were diagnosed by May 5th, 2020. Median age was 58 (range 55‐72), and median follow‐up since transplantation was 83 (range 20‐183) months. Cough (84.2%), fever (57.9%) and dyspnea (47.4%) were the most common symptoms. Thirteen patients (68.4%) had pneumonia in X‐ray/CT scan. Hydroxychloroquine was administered in 11 patients, associated with lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon β in 2 cases each. Immunomodulatory therapy with tocilizumab was used in 2 patients. Immunosuppression (IS) was halted in one patient, and modified in only other two due to potential drug interactions. Five (26.3%) patients were managed as outpatient. Two patients (10.5%) died, 10 (52.6%) were discharged home, and 2 (10.5%) were still hospitalized after a median follow‐up of 41 days from the onset of symptoms. Baseline IS regimen remained unchanged in all surviving recipients, with good liver function. Conclusions Our preliminary experience shows a broad spectrum of disease severity in LT patients with COVID‐19, with a favorable outcome in most of them without needing to modify baseline IS.

Background Graft primary non-function (PNF) is the most severe complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and is frequently associated with livers from uncontrolled circulatory death (uDCD). Methods We reviewed retrospectively the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of patients showing PNF after receiving uDCD liver grafts. The series comprises 75 OLT performed during 11 years. Results The incidence of PNF using uDCD livers was 8%. We compared patients who developed PNF (n = 6) vs. patients without PNF (n = 69). Mean pump flow of donors during normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) was significantly lower in PNF (p = .032). Day 1 post-OLT levels of transaminases and the incidence of renal complications and postoperative mortality were also significantly higher in the PNF group, but 5-year patient survival was similar in both groups (66.7% in PNF and 68.5% in non-PNF). All PNF patients underwent re-OLT, and 2 died. PNF incidence has decreased in the last 5-years. Binary logistic regression analysis confirmed final ALT value >4 times the normal value as risk factor for PNF, and median donor pump flow >3700 ml/min as protective effect. Conclusions Adequate donor pump flow during NRP was a protective.

The hepatic cystic tumour is a very rare neoplasm, representing about 5% of all cystic liver neoplasms. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult and can lead to confusion. The aim of this study is to analyze a number of cases operated at our centre with an histologic diagnosis of liver cystic neoplasms and also to describe the sintomathology, diagnosis and management as per the recent classification.A retrospective analysis was performed including all the cystic liver neoplasms operated between January 2000 and December 2019. The study was performed based on the pre-existing pathology archives. The 2010 previous cases were reclassified following the new 2010 OMS classification.The study sample was of 10 patients, identifying 6 of them as mucinous cystic liver neoplasms, and the other 4 as intraductal papillary biliary neoplasms. The majority of the patients were women (8/10) and the median age was 47 years. Regarding the treatment, 3 hepatectomy and 7 enucleations were performed. Frozen section intraoperatively was not required in any case. In one case, variable cellular atypia with areas of adenocarcinoma was observed, and the patient received neoadyuvant chemotherapy with taxol and carboplatin. In all cases the resection margins were negative.Cystic liver neoplasms are infrequent tumours with a difficult differential diagnosis. Therefore, with a high radiological suspicious, the treatment should be a complete resection to avoid recurrences and malignancies.

Introduction Simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation (SPKT) constitutes the therapy of choice for diabetes type 1 or type 2 associated with end-stage renal disease, because is the only proven method to restore normo-glicemic control in the diabetic patient. Methods Retrospective and descriptive study of a series of 175 patients who underwent SPKT from March 1995 to April 2016. We analyze donor and recipient characteristics, perioperative variables and immunosuppression, post-transplant morbi-mortality, patient and graft survival, and risk factors related with patient and graft survival. Results Median age of the donors was 28 years and mean age of recipients was 38.8±7.3 years, being 103 males and 72 females. Enteric drainage of the exocrine pancreas was performed in 113 patients and bladder drainage in 62. Regarding post-transplant complications, the overall rate of infections was 70.3%; graft pancreatitis 26.3%; intraabdominal bleeding 17.7%; graft thrombosis 12.6%; and overall pancreas graft rejection 10.9%. The causes of mortality were mainly cardiovascular and infectious complications. Patient survival at 1, 3 and 5-year were 95.4%, 93% and 92.4%, respectively, and pancreas graft survival at 1, 3 and 5-year were 81.6%, 77.9% and 72.3%, respectively. Conclusions In our 20-year experience of simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation, the morbidity rate, and 5-year patient and pancreas graft survivals were similar to those previously reported from the international pancreas transplant registries.

Resumen Introduccion El trasplante de pancreas-rinon simultaneo constituye el tratamiento de eleccion en la diabetes tipo 1 o tipo 2 con fallo renal terminal o preterminal (dialisis o predialisis), por ser la unica terapia que consigue el estado euglucemico (insulino-independiente) en el paciente diabetico. Metodos Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de una serie de 175 pacientes trasplantados de pancreas-rinon simultaneo entre marzo de 1995 y abril de 2016. Se analizan las caracteristicas de los donantes y receptores, variables perioperatorias e inmunosupresion, morbimortalidad postrasplante, supervivencia del paciente e injerto y factores de riesgo de supervivencia del paciente e injerto. Resultados La mediana de edad de los donantes fue de 28 anos y la media de los receptores, de 38,8 ± 7,3 anos, siendo 103 hombres y 72 mujeres. La derivacion duodeno-enterica se realizo en 113 casos y la duodeno-vesical, en 62. Las tasas de complicaciones postrasplante fueron las siguientes: infeccion global (70,3%), pancreatitis del injerto (26,3%), hemorragia intraabdominal (17,7%), trombosis del injerto (12,6%) y rechazo pancreatico global (10,9%). Las causas de mortalidad fueron fundamentalmente cardiovasculares e infecciosas. La supervivencia del paciente a 1, 3 y 5 anos fue del 95,4, del 93 y del 92,4%, respectivamente, mientras que la del injerto correspondio al 81,6, al 77,9 y al 72,3%, respectivamente, durante el mismo periodo. Conclusiones En nuestra experiencia de 20 anos de trasplante pancreatico-renal simultaneo las tasas de morbilidad y supervivencia del paciente y del injerto a 5 anos son similares a las referidas en los registros internacionales de trasplante pancreatico.

Abdominal wall transplant is developed in the context of intestinal and multivisceral transplant, in which it is often impossible to perform a primary wall closure. Despite the fact that abdominal wall closure is not as consequential in liver transplant, there are circumstances in which it might determine the success of the liver graft, especially in situations that compromise the abdominal cavity and facilitate an abdominal compartment syndrome. Case 1 A 14-year-old girl suffering from cryptogenic cirrhosis with severe portal hypertension that causes ascites and severe malnutrition. Uneventful liver transplant, with a graft procured from a 14-year-old donor. At the time of wall closure it was decided to implant a nonvascularized fascia graft to supplement the right side of the transverse incision, with a 17 x 7 cm defect. This required reintervention after 4 months for biliary stricture. At that point, the wall graft was almost completely integrated into the native tissue. Case 2 A 63-year-old man, transplanted for hepatitis C virus+ hepatocellular carcinoma+ nonocclusive portal thrombosis. Thirty-six hours after transplant the patient developed portal thrombosis. Thrombectomy and closure with biological mesh were performed. After 24 hours he was reoperated on for abdominal compartment syndrome and temporary closure with a Bogota bag. Six days later he underwent omentectomy, intestinal decompression, and left components separation, identifying a 25 x 20 cm defect. For definitive closure, a nonvascularized fascia graft procured from a different donor was used, accomplishing a reduction in intra-abdominal pressure. Nonvascularized fascia transplantation is an interesting alternative in liver transplant recipients with abdominal wall closure difficulties.

[Background & Aims] Although there is increasing interest in its use, definitive evidence demonstrating a benefit for postmortem normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) liver transplantation is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare results of cDCD liver transplants performed with postmortem NRP vs. super-rapid recovery (SRR), the current standard for cDCD., [Methods] This was an observational cohort study including all cDCD liver transplants performed in Spain between June 2012 and December 2016, with follow-up ending in December 2017. Each donor hospital determined whether organ recovery was performed using NRP or SRR. The propensity scores technique based on the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance covariates across study groups; logistic and Cox regression models were used for binary and time-to-event outcomes., [Results] During the study period, there were 95 cDCD liver transplants performed with postmortem NRP and 117 with SRR. The median donor age was 56 years (interquartile range 45–65 years). After IPTW analysis, baseline covariates were balanced, with all absolute standardised differences, [Conclusions] The use of postmortem NRP in cDCD liver transplantation appears to reduce postoperative biliary complications, ischaemic type biliary lesions and graft loss, and allows for the transplantation of livers even from cDCD donors of advanced age., [Lay summary] This is a propensity-matched nationwide observational cohort study performed using livers recovered from donors undergoing cardiac arrest provoked by the intentional withdrawal of life support (controlled donation after circulatory death, cDCD). Approximately half of the livers were recovered after a period of postmortem in situ normothermic regional perfusion, which restored warm oxygenated blood to the abdominal organs, whereas the remainder were recovered after rapid preservation with a cold solution. The study results suggest that the use of postmortem normothermic regional perfusion helps reduce rates of post-transplant biliary complications and graft loss and allows for the successful transplantation of livers from older cDCD donors.

RESUMEN Introducción: el cáncer de vesícula biliar es la neoplasia más frecuente de vías biliares y el sexto de los tumores del aparato digestivo, presentando un pronóstico ominoso, con una supervivencia a cinco años alrededor del 5%. Suele diagnosticarse de forma tardía y la única posibilidad de curación es la resección quirúrgica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el cual fueron analizados 92 pacientes (64 mujeres y 28 hombres) diagnosticados por anatomía patológica con cáncer de vesícula entre enero de 2000 y enero de 2016. Resultados: la edad media de la serie fue 72 ± 11 años. Los síntomas de los pacientes al ingreso fueron: dolor abdominal (78%), anorexia (77%), náuseas (76%) e ictericia (45%). La cirugía se indicó en los 92 (100%) pacientes y se realizó una resección con intención curativa en 59 (64%) de ellos. Entre los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en la cirugía inicial, la colecistectomía simple se efectuó en 69 (75%) y la colecistectomía extendida, en once (11%) pacientes. La cirugía de rescate se realizó en 15 pacientes después del hallazgo tumoral en la pieza de colecistectomía, realizando una resección curativa R0 en diez pacientes. Además, la terapia adyuvante se utilizó en 30 (33%) pacientes. La mediana de la supervivencia de nuestra serie fue de 12,5 meses, con supervivencias del 57%, 30% y 20% a uno, tres y cinco años, respectivamente. Conclusión: en conclusión, en todos los pacientes se debe plantear el tratamiento quirúrgico con resección tumoral completa, siempre y cuando la situación clínica del paciente lo permita. ABSTRACT Introduction: gallbladder cancer is the most common biliary neoplasm and the sixth most common tumor of the digestive system. The disease has an ominous prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 5%. It is usually diagnosed late and surgical resection is the only potential cure. Methods: a retrospective study was carried out in 92 patients with a pathological diagnosis of gallbladder cancer from January 2000 to January 2016. Results: the mean age of cases was 72 ± 11 years; 64 subjects were females and 28 were males. Symptoms at admission included abdominal pain (78%), anorexia (77%), nausea (76%) and jaundice (45%). Surgery was indicated in 92 (100%) patients and 59 (64%) underwent a curative/intent resection. The initial surgical procedures included simple cholecystectomy in 69 (75%) cases and extended cholecystectomy in eleven (11%) subjects. Rescue surgery was performed in 15 patients with tumor tissue in the cholecystectomy specimen; ten individuals underwent an R0 curative resection. Adjuvant therapy was administered in 30 (33%) patients. The median survival in our series was 12.5 months, with survival rates of 57%, 30% and 20% at one, three and five years, respectively. Conclusion: to conclude, surgical treatment with a complete tumor resection should be considered for all patients, provided that their clinical status allows it.

Background Controversy remains with regard to the higher risk of intra-abdominal infections and lower patient and graft survival when peritoneal dialysis (PD) rather than hemodialysis (HD) is used in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT). Methods From March 1995 to December 2015, we performed 165 SPKTs. Prior to transplant, patients received hemodialysis (group HD; n = 98) or peritoneal dialysis (group PD; n = 67). A comparison was made to analyze post-transplant complications and patient, pancreas, and kidney graft survivals. Results Donor, pretransplant, and perioperative recipient variables were similar in both groups. Overall rates of infections (69.4% in HD vs 73.1% in PD; P = .50) and intra-abdominal infections (31.6% in HD vs 35.8 in PD; P = .57) were similar in both groups. The rates of pancreatitis, hemorrhage or thrombosis of the graft, duodenal graft leak, relaparotomy, transplantectomy, pancreas rejection, and retransplantation were similar in both groups. Patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years (95.9%, 93.9%, and 93.9% in HD vs 95.5%, 92.2%, and 90.4% in PD; P = .54) and pancreas graft survival (83.6%, 78.0%, and 71.8% in HD vs 79.2%, 77.4%, and 71.0% in PD; P = .8) were similar in both groups. Kidney graft survival was similar in both groups. Pancreas graft thrombosis, rejection, and relaparotomy for intra-abdominal complications were independent predictors of lower pancreas graft survival, but dialysis modality did not influence patient or graft survival. Conclusions Pre-SPKT modality of dialysis does not significantly influence overall or intra-abdominal infection and patient, pancreas, or kidney graft survivals.

Background The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically, even in the population awaiting a liver transplantation. Despite their associated complications, we cannot consider morbid obesity any longer as an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation. Dietary approaches alone are usually completely ineffective. Bariatric surgery is the gold-standard treatment for morbid obesity and can be performed before, during, or after transplantation. Materials and methods At our Liver Transplantation Unit, a single surgeon performed a sleeve gastrectomy in 8 patients with liver cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcohol, or HCV. The Child score was A in 6 patients and B in the remaining 2 patients. Two of our patients had portal hypertension with mild esophageal varices. The procedure was performed laparoscopically in 7 cases (87.5%); in the other case, it was performed by open approach due to portal hypertension and according to patient preferences. Results Patients showed no postoperative morbidity or mortality. The mean postoperative body mass index of our patients was 37.4, 33.3, and 30.3 kg/m2 at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, respectively. The mean percentage excess weight loss of our patients was 42.9%, 62.2%, and 76.3% at 3, 6, and 12 months. Two of the patients have already undergone a successful liver transplant. Conclusion Bariatric surgery in selected patients with compensated cirrhosis and without significative portal hypertension is reasonable. There are not clear guidelines on the use of bariatric surgery in patients with cirrhosis. In our experience, the sleeve gastrectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with compensated cirrhosis; in a short time, the sleeve gastrectomy can improve candidacy in morbidly obese patients awaiting transplantation.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) constitutes the therapy of choice for diabetes type1 or type2 associated with end-stage renal disease, because is the only proven method to restore normo-glicemic control in the diabetic patient.Retrospective and descriptive study of a series of 175 patients who underwent SPKT from March 1995 to April 2016. We analyze donor and recipient characteristics, perioperative variables and immunosuppression, post-transplant morbi-mortality, patient and graft survival, and risk factors related with patient and graft survival.Median age of the donors was 28years and mean age of recipients was 38.8±7.3years, being 103 males and 72 females. Enteric drainage of the exocrine pancreas was performed in 113 patients and bladder drainage in 62. Regarding post-transplant complications, the overall rate of infections was 70.3%; graft pancreatitis 26.3%; intraabdominal bleeding 17.7%; graft thrombosis 12.6%; and overall pancreas graft rejection 10.9%. The causes of mortality were mainly cardiovascular and infectious complications. Patient survival at 1, 3 and 5-year were 95.4%, 93% and 92.4%, respectively, and pancreas graft survival at 1, 3 and 5-year were 81.6%, 77.9% y 72.3%, respectively.In our 20-year experience of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, the morbidity rate, and 5-year patient and pancreas graft survivals were similar to those previously reported from the international pancreas transplant registries.

Background: The aim of the study is to design a predictive model of graft rejection in liver transplant recipients based on donor chimerism (DC) quantification, functional study of Natural Killer cells and cytokine levels. Methods: Seventy-four liver transplant recipients and their respective donors were studied, providing a total of 468 post-transplantation samples in the chimerism study. A total of 23 Liver Transplant patients and their respective donors took part in HLA typing and KIR genotyping, phenotyping, and cytotoxicity studies. 62 liver transplant recipients were analyzed in this cytokine study (62 pre-transplant and 109 post-transplant serum samples). Chimerism study was carried out by quantitative real time PCRs and 7 indels and 14 SNPs were detected with TM probes. A study of NK-cell subsets was performed on fresh samples by multiparametric flow cytometry (Becton Dickinson). KIR genotyping and KIR ligand were analyzed by PCR with a KIR typing Kit (Milteny Biotec). Cytotoxicity assays were monitored in a conventional 2-hour europium-TDA release assay (Perkin-Elmer). Biorad “17-plex Kit on a luminex” platform was used for cytokines measurement. Results and conclusions: High chimerism levels during the first months after transplantation were related to a lower probability of rejection. A CD56 bright NK cell subset appeared to dominate the early post-transplant period following liver transplantation. A tendency to high frequency of graft rejection was observed in cases with KIR-ligand mismatches. Donors lacking C1 ligands exhibited increased risk of acute rejection. Cytokine levels predicted events in liver transplant recipients: low TNFα levels in pre-transplant recipient samples were associated with liver disease relapse and low IL17 and TNFα levels and high GMCSF and IL1β levels were associated with low rejection free survival. Finally IL6 levels showed an adverse impact on recipient overall survival.

Background Hepatitis C (HCV) is among the most common causes of end-stage liver disease worldwide. The donor shortage leads us to consider alternative organ sources such as HCV-positive donors. The outcomes of these transplants must be evaluated thoroughly since there is universal recurrence of disease among HCV-positive liver transplant recipients. Methods From January 2005 to April 2011, we performed 143 liver transplants (OLT) to treat end-stage liver disease secondary to HCV infection. Thirteen patients (9,1%) received livers from HCV-positive donors. A control group consisted of 130 HCV-positive patients who underwent OLT during the same period with organs from HCV-negative donors. Donor HCV status was assessed by 2 tests: HCV antibodies and viral load. Not only recipient and graft survivals were analyzed, but also frequency, timing and severity of hepatitis recurrence. Results Among 143 transplants performed in HCV-positive recipients during a 6-year period from January 1, 2005, to April 30, 2011, 9.1% of patients received an organ from an anti-HCV–positive donor, 72.7% of whom showed a negative viral load. The vast majority (80%) of our patients suffered hepatitis during their follow-up, 22.4% of which were severe cases. Conclusions No significant difference in patient or graft survival was observed between the 2 groups. A high percentage of grafts with initial positive serology for HCV showed no viral replication. Grafts from HCV-positive donors can be considered to be a safe, effective source for liver donation.