Grafts In Liver Transplantation Research Articles

Viscoelastic Hemostatic Testing as a Diagnostic Tool for Hypercoagulability in Liver Transplantation: A Narrative Review.

Liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure in which various forms of coagulation dysfunction can occur, including perioperative hypercoagulability. The hemostasis balance in liver graft recipients with end-stage liver disease can shift to thrombosis or haemorrhage, depending on the associated risk factors and clinical conditions. Hypercoagulability can result in serious complications such as thromboembolism, which can affect the vessels of the newly transplanted liver graft. Standard coagulation tests (SCTs), such as prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), have a poor ability to diagnose and monitor an early stage of hypercoagulability. Recent studies demonstrated that viscoelastic hemostatic elastic tests (VETs), such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thromboelastography (TEG), are promising alternative tools for diagnosing hypercoagulability disorders. VETs measure clotting and clot formation time, clot strength (maximum clot firmness), fibrin and platelet contribution to clot firmness, and fibrinolysis, which makes them more sensitive in identifying liver graft recipients at risk for thrombosis as compared with SCTs. However, developing evidence-based guidelines for the prophylaxis and treatment of hypercoagulability based on VET results is still needed.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ameliorate hepatic injury in brain death rat donors with hemodynamic instability.

Donation after brain death (DBD) serves as the primary source for liver transplantation. However, livers obtained through DBD often incur damage due to unstable hemodynamics, potentially impacting transplantation outcomes. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) emerges as an optimal technique for donor liver retrieval and has found application in clinical settings. Despite its clinical implementation, the precise mechanisms through which ECMO enhances liver functions remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying how ECMO ameliorates liver function in brain-dead donors. We randomly assigned 18 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (350 ± 50 g) into three groups: Con (n = 6), DBD-assisted drug (n = 6), and DBD-assisted ECMO (n = 6). After 3 h of ECMO, the rats were sacrificed. We assessed and compared changes in heart rate, blood pressure, cumulative liver damage (evaluated through HE and TUNEL staining), serum levels of AST and ALT, alterations in serum oxidative stress factors (MDA, H2O2, SOD, and 8-OHdG), and serum concentrations of related inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) among rats in the Con, DBD-assisted drug, and DBD-assisted ECMO groups. Subsequently, we established a rat orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) model and transplanted livers obtained through the aforementioned methods. The post-transplantation status of the livers was observed. After 3 h of brain death, liver injury worsened, accompanied by a significant increase in serum transaminases, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and TUNEL staining. Strikingly, ECMO not only stabilized hemodynamics after DBD but also mitigated liver damage, leading to an alleviated status post liver transplantation. ECMO stabilizes hemodynamics, attenuates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, thereby enhancing the quality of liver grafts for transplantation.

Comparison of modified extended right lobe graft versus modified right lobe graft in adult living donor liver transplantation: Experience from Pakistan.

To compare the outcomes of modified extended right lobe graft (MERLG) and modified right lobe graft (MRLG) in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This retrospective study was performed at the Liver transplant department of the Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Gambat, Pakistan, from March 2019 to September 2020. The outcomes of 20 MERLG donors and recipients were compared to those of 74 MRLG donors and recipients. Demographics, operative parameters, complications, hospital stay, and one-year survival were compared between the two groups. The mean graft volume of the MERLG group was more (637.10 ± 71.35 g) than in the MRLG group (562.27 ± 57.77 g), (p= 0.001). Donor blood loss was higher in the MERLG group (680.10±170.60 ml) compared to the MRLG group (650.23±190.65 ml), p=0.527. In addition, the operative time was longer in the MERLG group (345.80±76.90 min) than in the MRLG group (318.12±100.80 min) (p= 0.257). The MERLG recipients were sicker (mean MELD score of 22.54±3.67) than the MRLG (18.86±4.37) (p=0.001). The drain output was higher in the MRLG group (1340 ± 470.32 ml) than in the MERLG group (1110 ± 450.60 ml) (P =0.045). No significant difference was found when comparing postoperative laboratory results and complications between the donor and recipient groups (p >0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 95% one-year survival in MERLG group compared to 90.7% in the MRLG group (p=0.549). With appropriate technical expertise, MERLGs are technically safe and feasible in LDLT donors without any added risks. MERLGs also yielded better outcomes in sick recipients.

The current landscape of in situ and ex situ machine perfusion utilization for liver grafts from cardiac donation after circulatory death donors in the US

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is driving the increase in deceased organ donors in the United States. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and ex situ machine perfusion (es-MP) have been instrumental in improving liver transplant outcomes and graft utilization. This study examines the current landscape of liver utilization from cardiac DCD donors in the United States. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file, all adult (≥18 years old) DCD donors in the United States from which the heart was used for transplantation from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023, were compared by procurement technique (NRP versus super rapid recovery [SRR]) and storage strategy (es-MP versus static cold storage). One hundred eighty-eight livers were transplanted from 309 thoracoabdominal NRP donors (61% utilization) versus 305 (56%) liver transplants from 544 SRR donors. es-MP was used in 20% (n = 38) of NRP cases versus 32% (98) of SRR cases. Of the liver grafts, 281 (59%) were exposed to NRP, es-MP, or both. While there is widespread utilization of machine perfusion, more research is needed to determine optimal graft management strategies, particularly concerning the use of multiple technologies in complementary ways. More complete data collection is necessary at a national level to address these important research questions.

Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes Achieved With Live Donor and Split Deceased Donor Liver Grafts in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of pediatric LT with left liver grafts, obtained either from a living donor (LD) or a split deceased donor (sDD). Retrospective single-center study from 2002 to 2022. All pediatric LT with left liver grafts (not including middle hepatic vein) from LD or sDD were included. Reduced grafts were not included. A total of 112 pediatric LT were performed: 58 with LD grafts and 54 with sDD grafts (17 split ex situ and 37 insitu). Donor characteristics were similar, apart from donor age (33 years in LD vs. 30 years in sDD, p = 0.03). Indications were similar with 55% biliary atresia in each group. Retransplantation was more frequently performed in the sDD group (2% vs. 15%, p = 0.01). Recipient age, weight, and PELD score at transplant were not significantly different between groups. Cold ischemia time was longer for sDD (158 min in LD vs. 390 min in sDD; p < 0.0001). Posttransplant peak ALT was higher with sDD grafts (1470 vs. 1063, p = 0.018), and hospital stay was longer with sDD grafts (27 vs. 21 days, p = 0.005). However, there was no difference between groups in terms of major morbidity (Dindo-Clavien grade ≥3), vascular and biliary complications, and 90-day mortality. Patient survival at 10 years was 93.1% for LD and 92.8% for sDD (p = 0.807). Graft survival at 10 years was 89.7% for LD and 83.1% for sDD (p = 0.813). Technically similar LD and sDD grafts achieve very similar postoperative and long-term outcomes with excellent patient and graft survival.

Expanding the Donor Pool to the Ultimate Level: Introducing the Revolutionary Hybrid Dual Graft Liver Transplant Using Domino and Living Donors.

Innovative solutions are crucial as the demand for liver transplants continues to outpace available grafts. Dual graft liver transplantation offers a promising avenue to address graft volume challenges while minimizing donor risks. This report introduces a groundbreaking approach, combining a full organ domino donor graft with a living donor graft for a hybrid dual graft liver transplant. A 2-y-old child with Maple syrup urine disease and a 40-y-old adult with end-stage liver disease became the focus of this unique case. A hybrid dual graft liver transplant was executed, uniting the domino donor's full organ graft with a living donor's left lateral segment. Precise vascular and biliary reconstructions facilitated a successful transplant. The hybrid dual graft liver transplant, merging domino donor and living donor grafts, presents a viable strategy to combat graft shortages, particularly in regions predominantly reliant on living donor transplants. Despite challenges, this pioneering approach should be embraced by established liver transplant centers because it enables concurrent living donor liver transplantation while prioritizing donor safety and recipient outcomes.

Effect of Remote Ischemic Conditioning on Organ Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundRemote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has shown great advantages in protecting organs from ischemia-reperfusion loss and applied research on RIC continues to increase. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively investigate the value of RIC for different organ transplantation. MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to November 1, 2023, for randomized controlled trials investigating whether RIC has an advantage in organ transplantation (including heart, lung, liver, and kidney) compared with controls. The primary outcomes varied according to the transplanted organ, including liver transplantation (graft loss, early allograft dysfunction, acute kidney injury, days in hospital, and mortality); kidney transplantation (delayed graft function, acute rejection (AR), graft loss, 50% decrease in serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, days in hospital, and mortality); heart and lung transplantation (AR, mortality). Two investigators independently selected suitable trials, assessed trial quality, and extracted the data. ResultsA total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included in this study, including six kidney transplants, three liver transplants, and one heart and lung transplant each, with 561 RIC cases and 564 controls, and a total of 1125 patients. The results showed that RIC did not reduce mortality in transplant patients compared with controls (liver transplant: RR0.9, 95% confidence interval [0.31-2.66]; kidney transplant: RR 0.76, 95% confidence interval [0.17-3.33]), graft failure rate (liver transplantation: RR 0.3, 95% confidence interval [0.07, 1.19]; kidney transplantation: RR 0.89, 95% confidence interval [0.35, 2.27]), length of hospital stay (liver transplantation: standard mean difference [SMD] 0.14, 95% confidence interval [−0.15, 0.42]; kidney transplantation: SMD −0.1, 95% confidence interval [−0.3, 0.11]). In addition, RIC did not improve early liver function after liver transplantation (RR 0.97, 95% confidence interval [0.55,1.7]), acute kidney injury after liver transplantation (RR 1.17 95% confidence interval [0.9, 1.54]), delayed functional recovery after renal transplantation (RR 0.84, 95% confidence interval [0.62, 1.15]), AR rate (RR 1.04, 95% confidence interval [0.72, 1.49]), 50% serum creatinine decline rate (RR 1.1, 95% confidence interval [0.88, 1.37]), glomerular filtration rate 3 months after surgery (SMD 0.13, 95% confidence interval [−0.05, 0.31]) and postoperative 12 months glomerular filtration rate (SMD 0.13, 95% confidence interval [−0.06, 0.31]). ConclusionRemote ischemic modulation does not improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing organ transplantation (heart, lung, liver, and kidney).

Viability assessment and transplantation of extended criteria donor liver grafts using normothermic machine perfusion

BackgroundThe scarcity of available liver grafts necessitates the use of organs from extended criteria donors, a practice associated with an increased risk of graft failure. A notable percentage of deceased donor liver allografts are rejected due to subjective criteria. Normothermic machine perfusion holds promise for introducing objective parameters into this decision-making process. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of standard criteria and extended criteria donor allografts after liver transplantation, following viability assessment, using normothermic machine perfusion. MethodsLiver allografts preserved by normothermic machine perfusion before liver transplantation at the University Hospital of Münster were retrospectively analyzed. Organs were stratified according to the Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index. In total, 101 liver grafts were included in this study and divided into 2 groups: (1) standard criteria donors with a Donor Risk Index <1.8 (DRI-low) and (2) extended criteria donors with a Donor Risk Index ≥1.8 (DRI-high). ResultsAn increased risk profile of donor livers, as assessed by the Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index, did not correlate with patient or graft survival. High-risk liver grafts were effectively transplanted into recipients with different risk levels after viability assessment by normothermic machine perfusion. However, the recipients’ model for end-stage liver disease scores showed a significant association with both overall patient and graft survival. ConclusionThe use of normothermic machine perfusion for viability assessment allows safe transplantation of high-risk donor livers and effectively addresses the disparity between donor liver availability and transplantation demand.

Abnormal Liver Biopsies of Donor Grafts in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: How Do They Fare?

BACKGROUND Little is known about outcomes of pediatric patients transplanted using donor liver grafts with abnormal biopsy results. We assessed donor liver biopsy data to report characteristics and outcomes of abnormal livers transplanted in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We identified pediatric patients who received a liver transplant from a biopsied deceased donor between 2015 and 2022 using the national database UNOS Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files. Recipients were excluded if they received multi-organ transplants or were lost to follow-up. Livers with ≤5% macrosteatosis, no fibrosis, and no inflammation were classified as normal livers (NL). Allografts with >5% macrosteatosis, any fibrosis, or any inflammation were considered abnormal livers (AL). Donor and recipient demographic data and outcomes were examined. RESULTS Of the 3808 total pediatric liver transplants in the study period, there were 213 biopsied donor liver allografts transplanted into pediatric recipients. Of those, 114 were NL and 99 were AL. 35.4% (35/99) of the AL had >5% macrosteatosis with a mean of 7.6±11.4%, 64.6% (64/99) had any inflammation, and 18.2% (18/99) had any fibrosis. AL donors were significantly older than NL donors. AL recipients had higher PELD scores. There were no significant differences in length of stay, rejection rates and causes, or allograft survival between AL and NL. Multivariable analysis revealed that inflammation was independently associated with a significantly greater risk for graft failure. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of abnormal livers are excellent. Inflammation was an independent risk factor for poor graft prognosis. Donor biopsies in pediatric liver transplantation can be a useful adjunct to assess outcomes.

HOPE Mitigates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Ex-Situ Split Grafts: A Comparative Study With Living Donation in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

Optimizing graft preservation is key for ex-situ split grafts in pediatric liver transplantation (PSLT). Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) improves ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and post-operative outcomes in adult LT. This study compares the use of HOPE in ex-situ partial grafts to static cold storage ex-situ partial grafts (SCS-Split) and to the gold standard living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). All consecutive HOPE-Split, SCS-Split and LDLT performed between 2018-2023 for pediatric recipients were included. Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS, drop ≥30% in systolic arterial pressure) and reperfusion biopsies served as early indicators of IRI. We included 47 pediatric recipients (15 HOPE-Split, 17 SCS-Split, and 15 LDLT). In comparison to SCS-Split, HOPE-Split had a significantly shorter cold ischemia time (CIT) (470min vs. 538min; p =0.02), lower PRS rates (13.3% vs. 47.1%; p = 0.04) and a lower IRI score (3 vs. 4; p = 0.03). The overall IRI score (3 vs. 3; p = 0.28) and PRS (13.3% vs. 13.3%; p = 1) after HOPE-Split were comparable to LDLT, despite a longer CIT (470min vs. 117min; p < 0.001). Surgical complications, one-year graft, and recipient survival did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, HOPE-Split mitigates early IRI in pediatric recipients in comparison to SCS-Split, approaching the gold standard of LDLT.

MKK4 inhibitor: the hope for liver failure prevention and potential small liver graft transplantation

MKK4 inhibitor: the hope for liver failure prevention and potential small liver graft transplantation

Normothermic Liver Machine Perfusion and Successful Transplantation of Split Liver Grafts: From Proof of Concept to Clinical Implementation.

Normothermic liver machine perfusion (NLMP) is advancing the field of liver transplantation (LT). Beyond improved preservation and organ assessment, NLMP helps to increase organ utilization. We herein address the feasibility and merit of NLMP in split liver transplantation (SLT) to postpone the transplantation of the second split graft to the following day. We analyzed the perfusion characteristics and outcomes of all consecutive adult recipients who underwent SLT following NLMP from February 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023. The primary endpoint was 90-d graft and patient survival. Secondary endpoints were posttransplant complications and 90-d morbidity. Three right and 3 extended right SLT following NLMP have been performed. NLMP was uneventful in all cases. Perfusion characteristics differed according to graft volume. Mean perfusion time was 17:00 h (±05:13) and bile production ranged between 8 and 21 mL/h. All split grafts fulfilled predefined center viability criteria during NLMP and were transplanted on the following day. The 90-d graft and patient survival rate was 100%. Three patients (50%) required an early relaparotomy, and 2 patients (33.3%) developed biliary complications. The 90-d morbidity as recorded by the comprehensive complication index was 62.7 (±24.7). NLMP of split liver grafts is technically feasible and safe. Through prolongation of preservation time, NLMP allows to safely postpone transplantation of the second split liver graft to the next day.

A narrative review: predicting liver transplant graft survival using artificial intelligence modeling.

Liver transplantation is the only treatment for patients with liver failure. As demand for liver transplantation grows, it remains a challenge to predict the short- and long-term survival of the liver graft. Recently, artificial intelligence models have been used to evaluate the short- and long-term survival of the liver transplant. To make the models more accurate, suitable liver transplantation characteristics must be used as input to train them. In this narrative review, we reviewed studies concerning liver transplantations published in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases between 2017 and 2022. We picked out 17 studies using our selection criteria and analyzed them, evaluating which medical characteristics were used as input for creation of artificial intelligence models. In eight studies, models estimating only short-term liver graft survival were created, while in five of the studies, models for the prediction of only long-term liver graft survival were built. In four of the studies, artificial intelligence algorithms evaluating both the short- and long-term liver graft survival were created. Medical characteristics that were used as input in reviewed studies and had the biggest impact on the accuracy of the model were the recipient's age, recipient's body mass index, creatinine levels in the recipient's serum, recipient's international normalized ratio, diabetes mellitus, and recipient's model of end-stage liver disease score. To conclude, in order to define important liver transplantation characteristics that could be used as an input for artificial intelligence algorithms when predicting liver graft survival, more models need to be created and analyzed, in order to fully support the results of this review.

The impact of macro- and micro-steatosis on the outcomes of patients who undergo liver transplant: Analysis of the UNOS-STAR database.

The presence of steatosis in a donor liver and its relation to post-transplantation outcomes are not well defined. This study evaluates the effect of the presence and severity of micro- and macro-steatosis of a donor graft on post-transplantation outcomes. The UNOS-STAR registry (2005-2019) was used to select patients who received a liver transplant graft with hepatic steatosis. The study cohort was stratified by the presence of macro- or micro-vesicular steatosis, and further stratified by histologic grade of steatosis. The primary endpoints of all-cause mortality and graft failure were compared using sequential Cox regression analysis. Analysis of specific causes of mortality was further performed. There were 9184 with no macro-steatosis (control), 150 with grade 3 macro-steatosis, 822 with grade 2 macro-steatosis and 12 585 with grade 1 macro-steatosis. There were 10 320 without micro-steatosis (control), 478 with grade 3 micro-steatosis, 1539 with grade 2 micro-steatosis and 10 404 with grade 1 micro-steatosis. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality or graft failure among recipients who received a donor organ with any evidence of macro- or micro-steatosis, compared to those receiving non-steatotic grafts. There was increased mortality due to cardiac arrest among recipients of a grade 2 macro-steatosis donor organ. This study shows no significant difference in all-cause mortality or graft failure among recipients who received a donor liver with any degree of micro- or macro-steatosis. Further analysis identified increased mortality due to specific aetiologies among recipients receiving donor organs with varying grades of macro- and micro-steatosis.

Good outcomes after repeated pediatric liver retransplantations: A justified procedure even in times of organ shortage.

Pediatric liver transplantations generally represent advanced surgery for selected patients. In case of acute or chronic graft failure, biliary or vessel complications, a retransplantation (reLT) can be necessary. In these situations massive adhesions, critical patient condition or lack of good vessels for anastomosis often are problematic. Between 2008 and 2021, 208 pediatric patients received a liver transplantation at our center. Retrospectively, all cases with at least one retransplantation were identified and stored in a database. Indication, intra- and postoperative course and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Altogether 31 patients (14.9%) received a reLT. In 22 cases only one reLT was done, 8 patients received 2 reLTs and 1 patient needed a fourth graft. Median age for primary transplantation, first, second and third reLT was 14 (range: 1-192 months), 60.5 (range: 1-215 months), 58.5 (range: 14-131 months) and 67 months, respectively. Although biliary atresia (42%) and acute liver failure (23%) represented the main indications for the primary liver transplantation, acute and chronic graft failure (1st reLT: 36%, 2nd reLT: 38%), hepatic artery thrombosis (1st reLT: 29%, 2nd reLT: 25%, 3rd reLT: 100%) and biliary complications (1st reLT: 26%, 2nd reLT: 37%) were the most frequent indications for reLT. OS was 81.8% for patients with 1 reLT, 87.5% with 2 reLTs and 100% with 3 reLTs. Pediatric liver retransplantation is possible with a good outcome even after multiple retransplantations in specialized centers. Nevertheless, careful patient and graft selection, as well as good preoperative conditioning, are essential.

Novel approach for reconstruction of the three-dimensional biliary system in decellularized liver scaffold using hepatocyte progenitors.

Reconstruction of the biliary system is indispensable for the regeneration of transplantable liver grafts. Here, we report the establishment of the first continuous three-dimensional biliary system scaffold for bile acid excretion using a novel method. We confirmed the preservation of the liver-derived extracellular matrix distribution in the scaffold. In addition, hepatocyte progenitors decellularized via the bile duct by slow-speed perfusion differentiated into hepatocyte- and cholangiocyte-like cells, mimicking hepatic cords and bile ducts, respectively. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated increased ALB, BSEP, and AQP8 expression, revealing bile canaliculi- and bile duct-specific genetic patterns. Therefore, we concluded that locally preserved extracellular matrices in the scaffold stimulated hepatic progenitors and provided efficient differentiation, as well as regeneration of a three-dimensional continuous biliary system from hepatic cords through bile ducts. These findings suggest that organ-derived scaffolds can be utilized for the efficient reconstruction of functional biliary systems.

P358 Impact of end-ileostomy versus ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on graft-survival following liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis

Abstract Background IBD-PSC patients may require both liver transplantation and ileoanal pouch (IPAA) construction. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding an increased rates of hepatic artery thrombosis, biliary strictures, and graft loss in individuals who underwent IPAA after liver transplantation compared to those who underwent end-ileostomy (EI). We hypothesized that graft survival was not negatively affected by IPAA compared with EI. Methods A prospectively maintained database from a large tertiary center was searched for patients meeting the inclusion criteria for liver transplantation, primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, and total colectomy with IPAA or EI. Univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated. Results Between January 1990 and December 2023, 55 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 46 (83.6%) underwent IPAA, and 9 (16.4%) underwent EI. The average age at colectomy (41.7 vs. 45.7 years; p=0.44), sex distribution (female: 26.1% vs. 22.2%, p=1), and MELD score before transplantation (20.3 vs. 14; p=0.06) were comparable between patients with IPAA and EI patients. The rates of re-transplantation (21.7% vs. 22.2%; p=1), hepatic artery thrombosis (8.7% vs. 0; p=1), episodes of acute rejection (32.6% vs. 44.4%; p=0.7), chronic rejection (4.3% vs. 11.1%; p=0.42), recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (23.9% vs. 22.2%; p=1), and biliary complications (21.7% vs. 33.3%; p=0.43) were similar between the IPAA and EI groups, respectively. None of the EI patients developed parastomal varices. Survival analyses for time to re-transplantation (p=0.97), overall survival (p=0.3), and time to graft loss or mortality (p=0.73) were similar. Conclusion In contrast to a previous study, we observed similar rates of liver transplant graft loss, biliary complications, and recurrent PSC after IPAA compared to those after end-ileostomy. IPAA may be associated with an increased rate of hepatic artery thrombosis.

A cost comparison of liver acquisition fees for donation after circulatory death versus donation after brain death donors.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors now represent over 30% of the deceased donor pool in the United States. Compared to donation after brain death, DCD is less likely to result in transplantation. For each potential donor whose organs cannot be utilized for transplantation (ie, dry run), fees are associated with the attempted donation, which add to the overall costs of organ acquisition. To better characterize the true costs of DCD liver acquisition, we performed a cost comparison of the fees associated with organ acquisition for DCD versus donation after brain death at a single transplant institute that comprises 2 liver transplant centers. Cost, recipient, and transportation data for all cases, including fees associated with liver acquisition from July 1, 2019, to October 31, 2021, were collected. We found that the total cost of DCD liver acquisition per liver transplant was $15,029 more than that for donation after brain death donation, with 18% of the costs of the DCD transplant attributed to dry runs. Overall, the costs associated with DCD transplantation accounted for 34.5% of the total organ acquisition costs; however, DCD transplantation accounted for 30.3% of the transplantation volume. Because the expansion of DCD is essential to increasing the availability of liver grafts for transplantation, strategies need to be implemented to decrease the costs associated with dry runs, including using local recovery, transferring donors to hospitals close to transplant centers, and performing more prerecovery organ analysis. Moreover, these strategies are needed to ensure that financial disincentives to DCD procurement and utilization do not reverse the gains made by expanding the organ donor pool using machine perfusion technologies.

Feasibility of venous cuff using an open round ligament or inferior mesenteric vein around the hepatic vein for a left lobe graft in living-donor liver transplantation.

Living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an established treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure, and outflow reconstruction is considered one of the most vital techniques in LDLT. To date, many strategies have been reported to prevent outflow obstruction, which can be refractory to liver dysfunction and can cause life-threatening graft loss or mortality. In addition, in this era of laparoscopic hepatectomy in donor surgery, especially LDLT using a left liver graft, it has been predicted that cutting the hepatic vein with automatic linear staplers will lead to more outflow-related problems than with conventional open hepatectomy because of the short neck of the anastomosis orifice. We herein review 10 cases of venoplasty performed with a novel venous cuff system using a donor's round ligament around the hepatic vein in LDLT with a left lobe graft, which makes anastomosis of the hepatic vein sterically easy for postoperative venous patency.

Current Understanding of Marginal Grafts in Liver Transplantation.

End-stage liver disease (ESLD), stemming from a spectrum of chronic liver pathologies including chronic liver failure, acute cirrhosis decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma, imposes a significant global healthcare burden. Liver transplantation (LT) remains the only treatment for ESLD. However, the escalating mortality on transplant waitlists has prompted the utilization of marginal liver grafts in LT procedures. These grafts primarily encompass elderly livers, steatotic livers, livers from donation after circulatory death, split livers and those infected with the hepatitis virus. While the expansion of the donor pool offers promise, it also introduces concomitant risks. These encompass graft failure, biliary and cardiovascular complications, the recurrence of liver disease and reduced patient and graft survival. Consequently, various established strategies, ranging from improved donor-recipient matching to surgical interventions, have emerged to mitigate these risks. This article undertakes a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape, evaluating the viability of diverse marginal liver grafts. Additionally, it synthesizes approaches aimed at enhancing the quality of such marginal liver grafts. The overarching objective is to augment the donor pool and ameliorate the risk factors associated with the shortage of liver grafts.