Search

Background: This study investigated and compared the efficacy, safety, radiation exposure, and financial compensation of two modalities for percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG): multislice computed tomography biopsy mode (MS-CT BM)-guided and fluoroscopy-guided (FPRG). The aim was to provide insights into optimizing radiologically assisted gastrostomy procedures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of PRG procedures performed at a single center from January 2018 to January 2024. The procedures were divided into two groups based on the imaging modality used. We compared patient demographics, intervention parameters, complication rates, and procedural times. Financial compensation was evaluated based on the tariff structure for outpatient medical services in Switzerland (TARMED). Statistical differences were determined using Fisher's exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The study cohort included 133 patients: 55 with MS-CT BM-PRG and 78 with FPRG. The cohort comprised 35 women and 98 men, with a mean age of 64.59 years (±11.91). Significant differences were observed between the modalities in effective dose (MS-CT BM-PRG: 10.95 mSv ± 11.43 vs. FPRG: 0.169 mSv ± 0.21, p < 0.001) and procedural times (MS-CT BM-PRG: 41.15 min ± 16.14 vs. FPRG: 28.71 min ± 16.03, p < 0.001). Major complications were significantly more frequent with FPRG (10% vs. 0% in MS-CT BM-PRG, p = 0.039, φ = 0.214). A higher single-digit number of MS-CT BM-guided PRG was required initially to reduce procedure duration by 10 min. Financial comparison revealed that only 4% of MS-CT BM-guided PRGs achieved reimbursement equivalent to the most frequent comparable examination, according to TARMED. Conclusions: Based on our experience from a retrospective, single-center study, the execution of a PRG using MS-CT BM, as opposed to FPRG, is currently justified in challenging cases despite a lower incidence of major complications. However, further well-designed prospective multicenter studies are needed to determine the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of these two modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative acute kidney injury is associated with an increase in hospital length of stay and mortality. Intraoperative hemodynamics and fluid management may contribute to acute kidney injury. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between intraoperative duration of hypotension with adverse events after laparoscopic liver resection., Methods: A prospective cohort including adult patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection between January 2010 and June 2022. Cumulative time below mean arterial blood pressure thresholds and association with major adverse events composing of postoperative acute kidney injury (≤2 days) and complications (Dindo-Clavien ≥3a) ≤30 days were assessed., Results: In 360 patients, the median age was 61 years, 206 (57%) were male, median body mass index was 26.3, and 129 (36%) patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute kidney injury was recorded in 3 (0.8%) patients as stage 1, 6 (1.7%) patients as stage 2, and 7 (1.9%) patients as stage 3. Major adverse events occurred in 31 (8.6%) patients, and the median estimated blood loss was 200 mL. On continuous analysis, a threshold <60 mmHg at ≥15 minutes was found for major adverse events. The mean arterial blood pressure <55 mmHg for ≥20 minutes was associated with an increased risk of major adverse events (odds ratio 7.72; P < .001). In patients with >15 minutes of mean arterial blood pressure <60 mmHg, higher intravenous volume was associated with increase in major adverse events (P = .045), whereas adjusted intravenous volume was not associated with major adverse events (P = .657), acute kidney injury (P = .681), or blood loss (P = .875)., Conclusions: Laparoscopic liver resection is a safe procedure with a low risk of acute kidney injury. After ≥15 minutes at mean arterial blood pressure <60 mmHg, the risk of major adverse events increases. Greater intravenous fluid infusion volume was associated with an observed risk for major adverse events, suggesting that mean arterial blood pressure should be managed by vasoactive agents., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest/Disclosure Gonzalo Sapisochin discloses consultancy for Astra-Zeneca, Roche, Novartis, Integra, and HepaRegeniX; has received financial compensation for talks for Roche, Astra-Zeneca, Chiesi, and Integra; a grant from Roche; and has research collaborations with AstraZeneca, Natera, Roche, Stryker, and HeparegeniX. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Solitary hepatocellular carcinoma measuring ≤3 cm represents approximately 30% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases, yet treatment guidelines lack robust evidence. This study compares oncologic outcomes after ablation, liver resection, and liver transplantation for solitary, small hepatocellular carcinoma., Methods: We systematically searched databases up to 7 February 2022, for studies including adults with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm treated by any ablation, liver resection, or liver transplantation. We excluded non-hepatocellular carcinoma cancers, recurrent/metastatic diseases, and alternative therapies. A frequentist network meta-analysis assessed 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival using only adjusted effect estimates while accounting for bias risk., Results: We identified 80 studies (4 randomized controlled trials, 72 retrospectives, and 4 prospective cohorts) with 28,211 patients. In the network meta-analysis for 5-year overall survival (26 studies), liver transplantation was associated with the lowest mortality hazard (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.73, referenced to liver resection), followed by liver resection (reference), whereas ablation had the greatest mortality hazard (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.49, referenced to liver resection). For 5-year recurrence-free survival (19 studies), liver transplantation had the best outcome (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.63, referenced to liver transplantation), followed by liver resection (reference), with ablation showing the least favorable outcome (hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-1.93, referenced to liver resection)., Conclusions: This network meta-analysis provides the evidence for comparing treatment modality outcomes for solitary, small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma. LT emerges as the superior choice for achieving a better 5-year OS, followed by liver resection, then ablation. When feasible to preserve liver function, liver resection can be prioritized. Ablation with close surveillance should be reserved for individuals unfit for surgery., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest/Disclosure Gonzalo Sapisochin discloses consultancy for Astra-Zeneca, Roche, Novartis, Evidera, Natera, Integra, and HepaRegeniX. Gonzalo Sapisochin has received financial compensation for talks for Roche, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, and Integra. Gonzalo Sapisochin has received a grant from Roche. Gonzalo Sapisochin has research collaborations with Astra-Zeneca, Roche, Natera, and Stryker. All other authors have no relevant financial disclosures., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Posttransplant HCC recurrence significantly impacts survival, yet its management is challenging due to limited evidence. With recent advancements in HCC treatment, updated data on managing recurrent diseases are needed. In this retrospective study across 6 centers (2000-2022), we employed Cox proportional-hazards regression and log-rank tests to assess survival differences. A prognostic score model was developed to categorize patient survival. The efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors was evaluated through propensity score matching. In our study, 431 of 3349 (14%) patients with HCC who underwent transplantation developed recurrence within a median interval of 18 (IQR: 9-32) months. One hundred forty-seven (34%) underwent curative-intent treatments, 207 (48%) received palliative treatments, and 77 (18%) were given best-supportive care. Patients undergoing curative-intent treatments had better survival from the time of recurrence with a median survival of 45 (95% CI: 36-63) months and 1/3/5-year survival of 90%/56%/43% compared to those receiving noncurative treatments (median: 11 [95% CI: 10-13] mo, 1/3/5-y survival of 46%/10%/7%, log-rank p < 0.001). Patients with recurrence diagnosed in the era 2018-2022 showed improved survival over the previous era (HR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.47-0.86]). Multivariable analysis identified 5 prognostic factors: ineligibility for curative-intent treatment (HR: 3.5 [95% CI: 2.7-4.6]), recurrence within 1 year (HR: 1.7 [95% CI: 1.3-2.1]), poor tumor differentiation (HR: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1-1.9]), RETREAT score ≥3 (HR: 1.4 [95% CI: 1.1-1.8]), and alpha-fetoprotein at recurrence ≥400 ng/mL (HR: 1.4 [95% CI: 1.1-1.9]). These factors contributed to a prognostic scoring system (0-9) that stratified patients into 3 prognosis groups. Both propensity score-matched analysis and multivariable regression indicated that lenvatinib was not statistically superior to sorafenib in terms of efficacy. Curative-intent treatments should be advocated for patients with posttransplant recurrence whenever possible. Prognostic factors linked to aggressive tumor biology significantly influence survival. Advancements in HCC management have improved survival outcomes over the past 5 years., (Copyright © 2024 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a curative treatment for various liver diseases, reducing waitlist times and associated mortality. We aimed to assess the overall survival (OS), identify predictors for mortality, and analyze differences in risk factors over time. Adult patients undergoing LDLT were selected from the United Network for Organ Sharing database from inception (1987) to 2023. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for analysis, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were conducted. In total, 7257 LDLT recipients with a median age of 54 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 45-61 years), 54% male, 80% non-Hispanic White, body mass index of 26.3 kg/m 2 (IQR: 23.2-30.0 kg/m 2 ), and model for end-stage liver disease score of 15 (IQR: 11-19) were included. The median cold ischemic time was 1.6 hours (IQR: 1.0-2.3 hours) with 88% right lobe grafts. The follow-up was 4.0 years (IQR: 1.0-9.2 years). The contemporary reached median OS was 17.0 years (95% CI: 16.1, 18.1 years), with the following OS estimates: 1 year 95%; 3 years 89%; 5 years 84%; 10 years 72%; 15 years 56%; and 20 years 43%. Nine independent factors associated with mortality were identified, with an independent improved OS in the recent time era (adjusted hazards ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.71). The median center-caseload per year was 5 (IQR: 2-10), with observed center-specific improvement of OS. LDLT is a safe procedure with excellent OS. Its efficacy has improved despite an increase of risk parameters, suggesting its limits are yet to be met., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interests The authors of this manuscript have conflicts of interest to disclose as described by the American Journal of Transplantation. G. Sapisochin discloses consultancy for Astra-Zeneca, Roche, Evidera, Novartis, HepaRegenix, and Integra; has received financial compensation for talks for Roche, Astra-Zeneca, Chiesi, and Integra; and has received a grant from Roche. None of the other authors have any conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 American Society of Transplantation & American Society of Transplant Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Assess the impact of having a living donor on waitlist outcomes and overall survival through an intention-to-treat analysis., Background: Living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) offers an alternative to deceased donation in the face of organ shortage. An as-treated analysis revealed that undergoing LDLT, compared to staying on the waiting list, is associated with improved survival, even at Model for End-stage Liver Disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score of 11., Methods: Liver transplant candidates listed at the Ajmera Transplant Centre (2000-2021) were categorized as pLDLT (having a potential living donor) or pDDLT (without a living donor). Employing Cox proportional-hazard regression with time-dependent covariates, we evaluated pLDLT's impact on waitlist dropout and overall survival through a risk-adjusted analysis., Results: Of 4,124 candidates, 984 (24%) had potential living donors. The pLDLT group experienced significantly lower overall waitlist dropouts (5.2%vs. 34.4%, P<0.001) and mortality (3.8%vs. 24.4%, P<0.001) compared to the pDDLT group. Possessing a living donor correlated with a 26% decline in the risk of waitlist dropout (adjusted hazard ratio 0.74, 95%CI 0.55-0.99, P=0.042). The pLDLT group also demonstrated superior survival outcomes at 1- (84.9%vs. 80.1%), 5- (77.6%vs. 61.7%), and 10-year (65.6%vs.52.9%) from listing (log-rank P<0.001) with a 35% reduced risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.65, 95%CI 0.56-0.76, P<0.001). Moreover, the predicted hazard ratios consistently remained below 1 across the MELD-Na range 11-26., Conclusions: Having a potential living donor significantly improves survival in end-stage liver disease patients, even with MELD-Na scores as low as 11. This emphasizes the need to promote awareness and adoption of LDLT in liver transplant programs worldwide., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Gonzalo Sapisochin discloses consultancy for Astra-Zeneca, Roche, Evidera, Novartis, HepaRegenix, and Integra. Gonzalo Sapisochin has received financial compensation for talks for Roche, Astra-Zeneca, Chiesi, and Integra. Gonzalo Sapisochin has received a grant from Roche. None of the other authors have any conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Physical deconditioning affects patients suffering from end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative option for ESLD. Growing evidence suggests that pre-habilitation is beneficial in reducing post-surgical morbidity and mortality. We investigated physical activity (PA) in patients awaiting LT in a country with long waiting times., Methods: Prospective, single center, longitudinal study in Bern, Switzerland between June 2019 and February 2020 (halted due to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic), with follow-up data up to six months post-transplant. Patients were instructed to use a wrist tracker (FitBit) to monitor PA, which was assessed using mixed-effects generalized linear models. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (BASEC ID 2019-00606)., Results: Thirty-five patients were included [71% male, median 59 years, body mass index (BMI) 28 kg/m 2 , lab Model End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 11], 17 (49%) pre-frail and 5 (14%) frail according to the Liver Frailty Index (LFI). Twenty-eight patients underwent transplantation with 0 ninety-day mortality and 15 (53.6%) composite adverse clinical outcome. Median daily steps were 4,661 [interquartile range (IQR), 1,685-8,609] and weekly moderate PA (MPA) was 41 min (IQR, 0-127 min). Longitudinal analysis showed that female patients and patients on nutritional support had an increase in MPA between weeks 20 and 40. A significant decrease was seen in MPA after week 40, whilst no significant association was seen with age, Child-Pugh Score, LFI or quality of life at time of inclusion. MPA was significantly associated with the occurrence of the composite clinical endpoint after week 30 of waiting time (odds ratio 0.882, P=0.026). World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended MPA was significantly associated with less adverse composite clinical outcomes (P<0.001)., Conclusions: In patients listed for LT, MPA decreased over time, showing a significant association with adverse outcome, specifically after week 30 on the waiting list. Our data support the implementation of routine pre-habilitation in patients awaiting LT., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://hbsn.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/hbsn-23-399/coif). C.B. received grant from Stiftung für Leberkrankheiten Bern. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Importance: Bariatric surgery is an evolving surgical field with increasing cases per year, as obesity is prevalent, especially in developed countries. Complication diagnosis and management can be challenging. Marginal ulcers and anastomosis perforation are rare, but their incidence is likely underestimated., Case Presentation: To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case with a two and a half years history of recurrent ischemia, marginal ulcers, and recurrent perforation after laparoscopic omega loop gastric bypass, most likely due to an abuse of an over-the-counter (OTC) sympathomimetic nasal spray. The complications (Clavien-Dindo classification IIIb) caused the necessity of recurrent hospitalizations and diagnostic interventions and an open conversion into Roux-Y gastric bypass in a damage control manner., Clinical Discussion and Conclusion: Conclusively, we advocate evaluating drug abuse, including OTC medications that patients might not report on a daily-based medical history, as an etiology for marginal ulcers and anastomosis perforation, especially in late and recurrent cases., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)