Anastomosis In Liver Transplantation Research Articles

346.5: Reno-Portal Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation With Complex Portal Vein Thrombosis. Results of a Single Center Experience in Mexico

346.5: Reno-Portal Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation With Complex Portal Vein Thrombosis. Results of a Single Center Experience in Mexico

Strategies for a successful hepatic artery anastomosis in liver transplantation: A review of 51 cases

Hepatic artery reconstruction is a critical aspect of liver transplantation. The microsurgeon faces several challenges when reconstructing the hepatic artery-the donor hepatic artery stalk is short and often a poor match for the usually hypertrophic recipient vessels. Previous inflammation impedes vessel dissection, and recipient vessels have a tendency to delaminate with manipulation. We review 51 consecutive liver transplantations to highlight these problems and propose strategies for a successful reconstruction of the hepatic artery. A prospective study involving all adult patients undergoing liver transplantation at the Singapore General Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 was undertaken. All hepatic artery anastomoses were performed by 2 microsurgeons at 10x magnification. Patients were started on a standard immunosuppressive regimen. Postoperative ultrasound scans on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14 were used to confirm arterial patency. There were 51 patients who underwent liver transplantation during the study period. Of this number, 31 patients received deceased donor grafts and 20 received living donor grafts. A total of 61 anastomoses were performed (5 dual anastomosis, 4 radial artery interposition grafts) with 1 case of hepatic artery thrombosis that was successfully salvaged. The mean (range) postoperative resistive index and hepatic artery peak systolic velocity were 0.69 (0.68-0.69) and 1.0m/s (0.88-1.10m/s), respectively. Hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation is poorly tolerated. The challenges of hepatic artery reconstruction in liver transplantation are related to vessel quality and length. The use of microsurgical technique, appropriate recipient vessel selection, minimisation of vessel manipulation with modified instruments, variation in anastomosis techniques, and use of radial artery interpositional grafts are useful strategies to maximise the chances of success.

Long term outcomes and complications of reno-portal anastomosis in liver transplantation: results from a propensity score-based outcome analysis.

Diffuse splanchnic vein thrombosis (DSVT) remains a serious challenge in liver transplantation (LT). Reno-portal anastomosis (RPA) has previously been reported as a valid option for management of patients with DSVT during LT. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-transplant renal function and surgical outcomes of patients with DSVT who underwent RPA during LT. Between January 2005 and December 2017, 1270 patients underwent LT at our institution, including 16 with DSVT managed with RPA (RPA group). We compared renal function and surgical outcomes in these patients to outcomes in 48 propensity score (PS)-matched patients without thrombosis (control group), using a 1:3 matching model. The two groups had similar rates of postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT), renal dysfunction as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and overall postoperative complications (Clavien grade III), although the RPA group had a higher incidence of postoperative upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (31.3% vs 4.2%; P=0.009) that had no clinical consequence. There were no significant differences in five-year graft and patient survival rates between the groups (P=0.133 and P=0.166, respectively). RPA is an established technique in the management of patients with DSVT during LT, with comparable outcomes to patients without thrombosis. Our report is the first to demonstrate similar surgical outcomes, including long-term renal function, in LT recipients with or without RPA.

Tips for removing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stent located deep to the union site of SMV & splenic vein during liver transplantation

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is usually used for patients with end-stage liver disease as a bridge to liver transplantation. Additional techniques are required for removing the stent to perform vessel anastomosis in liver transplantation. A 57-year-old female had hepatitis B treated with Entecavir. She underwent TIPS 25 months before living donor transplantation. She had liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly and patent TIPS without bland thrombus in the portal vein on the CT scan. First, after performing full liver mobilization for total hepatectomy, we clamped the proximal hilum using a vessel clamp. And then, all hepatic veins were transected. Intrahepatic hilum transection was performed including intrahepatic portal vein. The TIPS stent's tip in the portal side was removed using the eversion technique. Since then, the TIPS stent's tip in the IVC side was removed after IVC total clamping. Case 2 had the stent's tip down to SMV, so the stent was cut at the middle after eversion as much as possible to anastomosis the portal vein. Safe and accurate stent removal is required when performing liver transplantation in patients who have TIPS.

Hepatic Artery Microvascular Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The operating microscope is used in many centers for microvascular hepatic arterial reconstruction in living as well as deceased donor liver transplantation in adult and pediatric recipients. To date, a systematic review of the literature examining this topic is lacking. This systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Three different electronic databases (PubMed, Embase OVID, and Cochrane CENTRAL) were queried. A total of 34 studies were included. The rate of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in noncomparative studies (28) ranged from 0% to 10%, with 8 studies reporting patient deaths resulting from HAT. Within comparative studies, the rate of HAT in patients who underwent arterial reconstruction using the operating microscope ranged from 0% to 5.3%, whereas the rate of HAT in patients who underwent arterial reconstruction using loupe magnification ranged from 0% up to 28.6%, and 2 studies reported patient deaths resulting from HAT. Two comparative studies did not find statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Our comprehensive systematic review of the literature seems to suggest that overall, rates of HAT may be lower when the operating microscope is used for hepatic arterial reconstruction in liver transplantation. However, matched comparisons are lacking and surgical teams need to be mindful of the learning curve associated with the use of the operating microscope as compared with loupe magnification, as well as the logistical and time constraints associated with setup of the operating microscope.

Renoportal anastomosis in liver transplantation and its impact on patient outcomes: a systematic literature review.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is commonly encountered during liver transplantation (LT). Depending on the grade of thrombosis, varied management strategies are indicated. The aims of this study are to clarify the contemporary role of renoportal anastomosis (RPA) in patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) undergoing LT and to systematically analyze all reported cases of RPA. A systematic literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses statement guidelines. The study was limited to studies reported in English between January 1997 and May 2017. Only retrospective single center studies were included in the analysis. A total of 66 patients with SVT were reported to have undergone RPA during LT. Transient renal dysfunction was reported in 12 patients (18.1%), variceal hemorrhage in 2 patients (3%), early portal vein (PV) re-thrombosis in 2 patients (3%), chronic renal dysfunction in 2 patients (3%), and late PV re-thrombosis in 1 patient (1.5%). The overall patient and graft survival were each 80%. This analysis illustrates the decades-long evolution of a technique practiced across the field of transplantation. Postoperative complications and graft survival appear to be encouraging, even in the setting of SVT.

Placement of an aortohepatic conduit as an alternative to a standard arterial anastomosis in liver transplantation

Placement of an aortohepatic conduit as an alternative to a standard arterial anastomosis in liver transplantation

Placement of an Aortohepatic Conduit as an Alternative to Standard Arterial Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of placement of an aortohepatic conduit on graft and patient survival after liver transplantation (LT) in selected patients with an inadequate recipient hepatic artery (HA) for a standard arterial anastomosis.Material/MethodsOf 331 patients who underwent deceased donor LT, 25 (7.6%) who received placement of an aortohepatic conduit at the time of transplantation were included. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including postoperative complications, conduit patency, and graft and patient survival rates, were analyzed.ResultsAll 25 patients included in this study presented a high preoperative Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (25.4±8.6; range, 6–42) and high rates of retransplantation (n=11, 44%) or previous abdominal – pelvic surgery (n=5, 20%). The observed postoperative vascular complications were portal vein thrombosis in 3 cases (12%) and anastomosis-site bleeding of the aortohepatic conduit in 1 case (4%); there was no HA thrombosis or stenosis in our analysis. With a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 0–69 months), all aortohepatic conduits were patent, and the graft and patient survival rates were 84% and 68%, respectively. The causes of death were graft failure (n=4), pneumonia (n=3), and cerebrovascular accidents (n=1).ConclusionsOur results indicate that placement of an aortohepatic conduit is a feasible alternative to a standard arterial anastomosis in selected patients whose HA and surrounding potential inflow arteries are not suitable for standard arterial anastomosis.

Hanging Hepato-Atrial Anastomosis in Deceased-Donor Liver Transplantation for Budd-Chiari Syndrome With Extensive Vena Cava Obliteration: A Case Report

IntroductionAlthough outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) have improved as the result of progress in surgical procedures, a failure to restore sufficient graft outflow may yield fatal consequences including graft dysfunction and even graft loss to date. In particular, patients with pre-existing obliterated venous drainage, such as those with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), are at high risk of having venous complications followed by conventional LT. In selected cases, the transplant surgeons are compelled to modify the surgical procedures of LT from the conventional procedure. MethodsWe describe an LT performed in a BCS patient with complete inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction. A procedure that we named “hanging hepato-atrial anastomosis” was performed, in which 2 major modifications were made. One modification was the dissection of the lower inlet of the right atrium by use of a trans-abdominal approach and hepato-atrial anastomosis. This was performed by exposing the thoracic IVC through a trans-abdominal approach. The other modification was the manufacture of a blind pouch from the graft's infra-hepatic IVC without anastomosis. ResultsModifications were made possible as the result of meticulous examination of the patient's vascular anatomy before the operation. Fortunately, the patient had a heavy network of pre-vertebral veins that drained blood from the lower extremity and both kidneys to the azygos–hemi-azygos veins. ConclusionsWe learned that a meticulous assessment of vascular anatomy and complete understanding of hemodynamics are the keys to the successful LT for BCS in patients with extensive IVC abnormality. Thoracotomy may not be necessary to explore thoracic IVC when performing hepato-atrial anastomosis in LT for BCS.

W Technique for Biliary Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation

Biliary anastomoses in Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are considered technically arduous and are accountable for the majority of OLT surgical complications. In this ‘How I do It’ article, we present a new biliary anastomosis technique. It has been performed in our service since 2011 in more than 300 liver transplants. In our series, 5.7% of the patients submitted to duct-to-duct anastomosis with a follow-up greater of 6 months developed biliary complications. Future studies should enhance this surgical technique, in order to minimize the OLT complications.

Clinical Outcome of Internal Stent for Biliary Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation.

Introduction. This study analyzed the incidence and management of biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT) with internal stent or without stent. Method. The medical record of all patients who underwent LT and were hospitalized between December, 2009 and March, 2013 were reviewed. All patients were grouped into two groups (internal stent group vs no stent group). Result. There were 29 deceased donor liver transplantation (58%) and 21 living donor liver transplantation (42%). There were 2 perioperative mortalities, and these 2 patients were excluded for this study. The overall biliary complication rate was 6.45% in the internal stent group and 17.65% in the no stent group. The rate of anastomotic stricture was 3.23% (n=1) in the stent group and 11.76% (n=2) in the no stent group. The rate of bile leak in the stent group was 3.23% (n=1), in contrast, bile leak never occurred in the no stent group. The rate of biliary obstruction was 0% in the stent group and 5.88% (n=1) in the no stent group. Conclusion. The overall rate of biliary complication in the internal stent group was lower than in the no stent group and most of the biliary complications can be treated successfully with endoscopic or radiologic intervention.

Clinical Outcome of Internal Stent for Biliary Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation

BackgroundThis study analyzed the incidence and management of biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT) with or without internal stent. MethodsThe medical record of all patients who underwent LT and were hospitalized from December 2009 to March 2013 were reviewed. Patients were grouped into 2 groups (internal stent group vs no stent group). ResultsThere were 29 deceased-donor liver transplantations (58%) and 21 living-donor liver transplantations (42%). There were 2 perioperative mortalities, and those 2 patients were excluded from this study. The overall biliary complication rate was 6.45% in the internal stent group and 17.65% in the no stent group. The rate of anastomotic stricture was 3.23% (n = 1) in the stent group and 11.76% (n = 2) in the no stent group. The rate of bile leak was 3.23% (n = 1) in the stent group and 0% in the no stent group. The rate of biliary obstruction was 0% in the stent group and 5.88% (n = 1) in the no stent group. ConclusionsThe overall rate of biliary complications in the internal stent group was lower than in the no stent group, and most of the biliary complications could be treated successfully with endoscopic or radiologic intervention.

Hanging of the Hepatic Veins Septa: A Safe Control Prior and During Outflow Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation

Inferior vena cava (IVC) preservation during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is known as the “piggyback” technique. The end-to-side anastomosis is constructed between the graft's IVC and recipient's hepatic veins using a Satinsky side clamp applied in a transverse position. To stabilize the large Satinsky clamp and preserve a sufficient vascular stump after hepatectomy and before graft implantation, we propose a technical innovation consisting of hanging the septa between the left and middle hepatic vein and between the middle and right hepatic vein using 2 tapes. This technique showed some advantages when performing the caval outflow anastomosis, representing a further technical refinement of the piggyback end-to-side technique for the implantation on the 3 hepatic veins. From November 2001 to September 2012, we performed 272 consecutive OLT at our institution with the piggyback technique using the hanging of the hepatic veins septa in all cases. In conclusion, the hanging of the 3 hepatic veins septa presented in this study represents a simple, safe and reproducible technique for the outflow anastomosis using the piggyback technique.

Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy Versus Duct-to-Duct Biliary Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Meta-Analysis

BackgroundRoux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy and duct-to-duct anastomosis are potential methods for biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation (LT) for recipients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). However, there is controversy over which method yields superior outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of duct-to-duct versus Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis in patients undergoing LT for PSC. MethodsStudies comparing Roux-en-Y versus duct-to-duct anastomosis during LT for PSC were identified based on systematic searches of 9 electronic databases and multiple sources of gray literature. ResultsThe search identified 496 citations, including 7 retrospective series, and 692 patients met eligibility criteria. The use of duct-to-duct anastomosis was not associated with a significant difference in clinical outcomes, including 1-year recipient survival rates (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–1.60; P = .95), 1-year graft survival rates (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.72–1.71; P = .64), risk of biliary leaks (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.59–2.59; P = .33), risk of biliary strictures (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 0.98–4.06; P = .06), or rate of recurrence of PSC (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.19–4.78; P = .94). ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in 1-year recipient survival, 1-year graft survival, risk of biliary complications, and PSC recurrence between Roux-en-Y and duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis in LT for PSC.

Management of complications after varicoportal anastomosis in liver transplantation

The presence of portal vein thrombosis is a potential limitation for liver transplantation. An intraoperative diagnosis is linked to extensive surgical treatment and massive postoperative complications and mortality. We present a surgical less risky method for the treatment of intraoperatively diagnosed portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis that served as salvage therapy for a patient who underwent liver transplantation in our centre. Postoperative complications were ascites and renal failure. Persistent ascites required repeated paracentesis during the first month after liver transplantation but medical treatment sufficed thereafter. Moderate renal failure as defined by the K/DOQI-guidelines improved gradually and dialysis was never indicated. Six months after transplantation, the patient had normal liver function and adequate renal function.

Continuous Versus Interrupted Suture for Hepatic Artery Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: Differences in the Incidence of Hepatic Artery Thrombosis

Background Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is a serious complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and remains a significant cause of graft loss. HAT following OLT has been reported in 3% to 9% of patients. Among the surgical factors considered to be associated with HAT, arterial reconstruction might be the most important. The goal of this study was to compare the incidence of HAT between interrupted suture (IS) and continuous suture (CS) techniques during hepatic artery reconstruction in liver transplantation. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive liver transplantations occurring between May 2002 and December 2006, including medical records for: age, gender, cold ischemic time, warm ischemic time, type and number of arterial anastomosis. Hepatic artery anastomoses were performed using a 7-0 prolene with a running CS in the first 105 patients (CS group), and with an IS in the last 95 patients (IS group). Results Statistical analysis of age, gender, cold and warm ischemia time, and number of hepatic artery anastomoses was not different between the CS and IS groups. Eleven episodes of HAT were identified in the CS group (10%) and two episodes (2%) in the IS cohort, a significant difference (P = .0173). Conclusions Our results suggested that IS might be a better choice for hepatic artery anastomosis with a lower incidence of HAT.

Significance and specificity of vascular anastomosis in liver transplantation: Our experience

Transplantation is the method of choice in the treatment of terminal liver diseases with acute and structural damage of liver tissue and congenital liver diseases. The aim of our study was to determine specificity and significance of vascular anastomosis in liver transplantation by postoperative evaluation of vascular anastomosis function. The study included 16 patients with 16 liver transplantations and one re-do liver transplantation. In all patients, preoperative angiography and postoperative duplex sonographic and angiographic evaluation of vascular anastomosis were performed. Preoperative angiographic evaluation did not reveal anomalies in liver blood vessels of transplant candidates. In one patient, we identified and angiographically confirmed stenosis on anastomosis of the hepatic artery on the 7th postoperative day. In another patient, we had artificial thrombosis of the hepatic artery branch due to the liver biopsy. The successful performance of vascular anastomosis in liver transplantation is significant for adequate liver graft perfusion, good postoperative graft function and overall outcome of the liver transplantation.

Biliodigestive Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: Review of 13 Years

Hepaticojejunostomy is a good alternative technique for biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation. Among 517 liver transplants performed between March 1992 and July 2005, 33 involved hepaticojejunostomy, namely, 18 men and 12 women of average age: 44.8 years. The main cause for this technique was retransplant ( n = 10), secondary biliary cirrhosis ( n = 5), alcoholic cirrhosis ( n = 5), HCV cirrhosis ( n = 2), primary biliary cirrhosis ( n = 1), cryptogenic cirrhosis ( n = 1), sclerosing cholangitis ( n = 3), fulminant liver failure ( n = 1), autoimmune cirrhosis ( n = 1), and insulinoma metastasis ( n = 1). Choledochojejunostomy was performed for all Roux-en-Y loops, with an average cold ischemia time of 361.16 minutes (180–780). The biliary complications were biliary fistula in four cases (13.3%), including two who required surgery; stenosis of the anastomosis in two cases (6.6%) including one diagnosed by HIDA that resolved with medical treatment and the other, diagnosed by cholangio-MRI, requiring a new hepaticojejunostomy; and biliary peritonitis in three cases (10%), all of whom required surgery. The vascular complications were thrombosis of the hepatic artery ( n = 1), which required retransplantation, and pseudoaneurysm of hepatic artery ( n = 1). No biliary complications occurred. The 6-month patient survival was 80% and the 6-month graft survival was 77%; no patient died due to biliary complications. Hepaticojejunostomy is a technique with higher morbidity than choledocho-choledochostomy, but it is the best alternative when the latter is not possible.

Biliary reconstruction using non‐penetrating, tissue everting clips versus conventional sewn biliary anastomosis in liver transplantation

Background. Biliary complications occur following approximately 25% of liver transplantations. Efforts to decrease biliary complications include methods designed to diminish tissue ischemia. Previously, we reported excellent short‐term results and decreased biliary anastomosis time in a porcine liver transplant model using non‐penetrating, tissue everting clips (NTEC), specifically VCS® clips. Methods. We examined the incidence of biliary anastomotic complications in a group of patients in whom orthotopic liver transplantation was performed with biliary reconstruction using NTEC and compared that group to a matched group treated with biliary reconstruction via conventional end‐to‐end sewn choledochocholedochostomy. Patients were matched in a 1:2 fashion by age at transplantation, disease etiology, Child‐Turcot‐Pugh scores, MELD score or UNOS status (prior to 1998), cold and warm ischemia times, organ donor age, and date of transplantation. Results. Seventeen patients had clipped anastomosis and 34 comparison patients had conventional sewn anastomosis. There were no differences between groups in terms of baseline clinical or demographic data. The median time from completion of the hepatic artery anastomosis to completion of clipped versus conventional sewn biliary anastomosis was 45 (interquartile range = 20min) versus 47min (interquartile range = 23min), respectively (p=0.12). Patients were followed for a mean of 29 months. Biliary anastomotic complications, including leak or anastomotic stricture, were observed in 18% of the clipped group and 24% of the conventional sewn group. Conclusions. Biliary reconstruction can be performed clinically using NTEC as an alternative to conventional sewn biliary anastomoses with good results.

Caval Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: Prospective Experience of Verona Liver Transplantation Program

Caval anastomosis in liver transplantation has been modified to avoid outflow complications. Classic cava replacement is rarely indicated; most liver transplantation teams use a piggy-back (PB) technique. At the start of our liver transplantation program, we opted for a latero-lateral (L-L) caval anastomosis. In our prospective experience, the L-L caval anastamosis was safe and feasible in all 24 adult patients. No vascular complications occurred. Graft and patient survival rates were both 96% at 11 months follow-up.