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INTRODUCTION: Uterine transplantation was developed for the treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility. As it is a new modality of transplantation, there is still room for technical improvement. A factor that impacts graft survival in organ transplantation is the warm ischemia time. In uterine transplantation specifically, at least two vascular anastomoses are performed on each side of the uterus, and the graft revascularization takes place when the vascular clamps of the arteries and veins are released on both sides simultaneously. For this reason, the warm ischemia time in uterine transplant is expected to be considerably long. The purpose of this study was to compare the sequential technique of uterine graft revascularization, which aims to reduce the warm ischemia time of the procedure, with the simultaneous revascularization technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the procedure, the uterine auto-transplantation technique was performed using 10 non-pregnant adult ewes weighing about 45 kg, divided into two groups: simultaneous revascularization group (5 animals) and sequential revascularization group (5 animals). To evaluate the groups, we analyzed the procedure and warm ischemia times, graft macroscopy, hemodynamic, laboratory, and histological parameters of the uterus. RESULTS: The sequential revascularization technique group had similar surgical procedure times, and the warm ischemia time was significantly shorter with medians of 32 min in the sequential group versus 72 min in the simultaneous group (p < 0.008). The graft macroscopy and hemodynamic, laboratory, and histological parameters evaluated were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential revascularization technique proved to reduce the warm ischemia time in the sheep uterine auto-transplantation model without compromising graft viability.

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BACKGROUND: Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation is indicated for patients with concomitant end-stage liver disease and end-stage renal disease. The traditional technique involves separate implantations of the liver and the kidney. In the en bloc approach, the liver is recovered en bloc with the right kidney and the donor renal artery is anastomosed to the donor splenic artery. We aimed to compare the outcomes of the traditional and en bloc techniques for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation in a single center. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study involved all adult patients who underwent simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation from brain-dead donors from January 2017 to December 2022. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were included: 10 transplanted with the traditional technique and 5 with the en bloc approach. Patients in the en bloc group presented higher body mass index, shorter kidney cold and total ischemia times, shorter overall surgical time and longer kidney warm ischemia time (29.07 kg/m2vs 23.20 kg/m2 [P = .048]; 560 minutes vs 880 minutes [P = .026]; 615 minutes vs 908 minutes [P = 0.025]; 405 minutes vs 485 minutes [P = .046]; 46 minutes vs 33.5 minutes [P = 0.027], respectively). Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 2 patients of the en bloc group and ureteroureterostomy in the remaining 3 patients. One patient in the en bloc group presented stenosis of renal artery anastomosis and underwent percutaneous angioplasty. This same patient eventually developed late urinary fistula. In the traditional technique group, there were 2 cases of renal vein thrombosis and 1 of ureteral stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the traditional technique, the en bloc approach is feasible and safe, reducing kidney total ischemia time and overall surgical time.

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Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC) is the liver's second most common neoplasm. Until now, surgery is the only curative option, but only 35% of the cases are considered resectable at the diagnosis, with a post-resection survival of around 30%. Advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care related to liver transplantation (LT) have facilitated the expansion of indications for hepatic neoplasms. Method: This study is a comprehensive review of the global experience in living donor LT (LDLT) for treating iCC and describes our first case of LDLT for an unresectable iCC. Results: While exploring LT for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma dates to the 1990s, the initial outcomes were discouraging, marked by poor survival and high recurrence rates. Nevertheless, contemporary perspectives underscore a reinvigorated emphasis on extending the frontiers of LT indications within the context of the "oncologic era." The insights gleaned from examining explants, wherein incidental iCC was categorized as hepatocellular carcinoma in the preoperative period, have demonstrated comparable survival rates to small hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings substantiate the potential viability of LT as a curative alternative for iCC. Another investigated scenario pertains to "unresectable tumors with favorable biological behavior," LT presents a theoretical advantage by providing free margins without the concern of a small future liver remnant. The constraint of organ shortage persists, particularly in nations with low donation rates. LDLT emerges as a viable and secure alternative for treating iCC. Conclusion: LDLT is an excellent option for augmenting the graft pool, particularly in carefully selected patients.

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INTRODUCTION: Polycystic liver disease and giant hepatic hemangioma may present with severe symptom burden and indicate orthotopic liver transplantation. The left-to-right piggyback approach is a useful technique for performing total hepatectomy of enlarged livers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of liver transplantation in patients with benign massive hepatomegaly. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study involving all adult patients who underwent liver transplantation due to benign massive hepatomegaly from January 2002 to June 2023. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent liver transplantation (21 cases of polycystic live disease and 1 case of giant hepatic hemangioma). During the same time, there were 2075 transplants; therefore, benign massive hepatomegaly accounted for 1.06% of cases. Most patients (59.09%) were transplanted using the left-to-right piggyback technique. Seven patients had previous attempted treatment of hepatic cysts. Another patient previously underwent bilateral nephrectomy and living-donor kidney transplantation. Among these patients, in 5 cases there were massive abdominal adhesions with increased bleeding. Four of these 8 patients died in the very early perioperative period. In comparison to patients without previous cysts manipulation, massive adhesions and perioperative death were significantly higher in those cases (62.5 vs 0%, P = .002 and 50% vs 0%, P = .004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation due to polycystic liver disease and giant hemangioma is a rare event. Total hepatectomy is challenging due to the enlarged native liver. The left-to-right piggyback technique is useful, because it avoids vena cava twisting and avulsion of its branches. Massive adhesions due to previous cysts manipulation may lead to increased bleeding, being a risk factor for mortality.

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BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery thrombosis is the most common vascular complication of liver transplantation. When occurring late in the postoperative course, it may have no clinical repercussions, and conservative treatment may be implemented. Some patients, however, will develop severe biliary complications due to ischemic cholangiopathy and require retransplantation. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of retransplantation in this population. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study involving all adult patients who underwent liver retransplantation due to late hepatic artery thrombosis from January/2010 to December/2022. RESULTS: During the study period, 1378 liver transplants were performed in our center; 147 were retransplantations, with 13 cases of late hepatic artery thrombosis (0.94%). All had symptomatic ischemic cholangiopathy. Twelve of them had already presented previous cholangitis, bilomas, or liver abscesses and had undergone biliary stenting or percutaneous drainage. The median time between the first liver transplant and late hepatic artery thrombosis diagnosis and between this diagnosis and retransplantation were 73 and 50 days, respectively. Arterial reconstruction using splenic artery, celiac trunk, or arterial conduit from the aorta was performed in 7 cases, whereas biliary reconstruction was mostly done with choledochojejunostomy (n = 8). There were 4 perioperative deaths, 2 due to primary non-function and 2 due to refractory shock after exceedingly complex retransplants. CONCLUSION: Liver retransplantation due to late hepatic artery thrombosis is a rare condition that should be offered to patients who develop severe biliary complications and recurrent infections. It is nonetheless a challenging procedure associated with significant perioperative mortality.

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BACKGROUND: Liver adenomatosis is characterized by multiple adenomas diffusely distributed throughout the liver parenchyma. Studies addressing liver transplantation for those cases are scarce, and the criteria used to indicate transplantation are still debatable. OBJECTIVE: To report a single-center experience of liver transplantation for diffuse adenomatosis. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study involving all adult patients who underwent liver transplantation due to adenomatosis from January/2010 to June/2023. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were identified, corresponding to 0.89% of liver transplants performed during the study period. The mean age was 33 ± 6.55 years, and most of them were female (n = 9, 69.23%). There were 12 transplants with deceased donors and 1 with a right lobe from a living donor. The most frequent reason to preclude liver resection was multiple and large unresectable adenomas in patients without previous liver disease (n = 8, 61.58%), followed by underlying liver disease (Abernethy Malformation, n = 3, 23.07%) and recurrence after liver resection (n = 2, 15.38%). The indications for liver transplantation were high risk of malignant transformation (n = 7, 53.84%), increasing size and number of nodules (n = 3, 23.07%), confirmed malignant transformation (n = 2, 15.38%), and hemorrhage (n = 2, 15.38%). There was 1 perioperative death due to primary non-function. Another patient died during follow-up because of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Liver adenomatosis is a rare indication for liver transplantation, with acceptable post-transplant outcomes. Unresectable adenomas with high-risk or confirmed malignant transformation are the main indications for transplant. Reasons for unresectability involve underlying liver disease, multiple and large high-risk nodules, and recurrence after previous resection.

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BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation is a rare condition that can lead to spontaneous bleeding, depending on its extent and location. Treatment involves endovascular and surgical approaches in addition to liver retransplantation in cases of graft failure. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old female underwent deceased donor liver transplantation due to cryptogenic cirrhosis and schistosomiasis with an uneventful postoperative course. However, 18 days after the operation, she presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, hypotension, and lipothymia. A computed tomography scan revealed a hepatic artery anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, and due to hemodynamic instability, emergency laparotomy was indicated. During the operation, the pseudoaneurysm was found to be ruptured, and the recipient's hepatic artery was ligated due to life-threatening bleeding. She later developed ischemic cholangiopathy and biliary complications, eventually undergoing retransplantation 7 months after the emergency operation. The patient remains well 11 months after the retransplantation. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of life-threatening rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, which required emergency ligation of the recipient's hepatic artery and subsequent liver retransplantation due to biliary complications.

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Summary: People with cirrhosis of the liver are at risk for complications that can worsen their quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality. Contrary to previous beliefs, cirrhosis does not protect against the development of thromboembolic events, and cirrhotic patients may have higher rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Background and aims: The study of chronic venous disease and its impact on patients with cirrhosis is unknown in the literature and may be an important fact since this condition also had impact on quality of life and morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of DVT (Deep Venous thrombosis) in outpatients with cirrhosis and the degree of chronic venous insufficiency, evaluating possible correlations between clinical and laboratory aspects of cirrhotic patients with these pathologies. Methods: Patients with cirrhosis were evaluated in the outpatient clinic of the Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Service of HC-FMUSP from November 2018 to November 2022, with clinical evaluation, venous disease questionnaires, data collection of imaging and laboratory tests, and venous color Doppler ultrasound. The information was analyzed by the University of São Paulo (USP) Statistics Department. Results: There was a prevalence of 7.6% of DVT in studied patients, VCSS score 6.73 and severe CEAP classification (C4-6) 32.1%. There was no association of DVT with qualitative variables by the Fisher test such as Child Turcotte Pugh Scale (CTP) (p = 0.890), dichotomized INR values (p = 0.804), etiology of cirrhosis (p = 0.650) and chronic kidney disease (p > 0.999), nor with quantitative variables by t-student's such as age (p = 0.974), Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.997), MELD score (p = 0.555), Albumin (p = 0.150) and Platelets (p = 0.403). We found that as the severity of ascites increases, there is an increase in the proportion of patients classified in the category indicating more severe clinical manifestations of chronic venous disease (C4 to C6). The mean age (54 years) was higher in patients with DVT than in those without. The mean BMI of patients without DVT (25.7 kg/m2) is lower than that of patients with DVT (27.0 kg/m2). The prevalence of DVT is higher in patients with thrombophilia (20.0%) than in those without (7.0%). This suggests an association between the two variables. The descriptive measures of the MELD score, the cirrhosis scale used for liver transplant waiting lists, did not indicate an association of this scale with the occurrence of DVT. Conclusion: The incidence of VTE (Venous Thromboembolic Events) and CVD (Chronic Venous Disease) within the sample surpassed that of the general population; nevertheless, more studies are required to validate these results. Concerning venous thromboembolism, no correlation was observed between the variables within the sample and the augmented risk of VTE. Regarding chronic venous disease, studies have shown that edema and orthostatism are correlated with increased severity of CVD on the VCSS scales. Statistical dispersion methods suggest that patients with higher BMI and more severe liver disease (according to the Child-Pugh score) are more likely to experience worsening of CVD. About chronic venous disease, studies have shown that edema and orthostatism are correlated with increased severity of CVD on the VCSS scales.

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Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a relatively uncommon but highly aggressive primary liver cancer that originates within the liver. The aim of this study is to review the molecular profile of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its implications for prognostication and decision-making. This comprehensive characterization of ICC tumors sheds light on the disease's underlying biology and offers a foundation for more personalized treatment strategies. This is a narrative review of the prognostic and therapeutic role of the molecular profile of ICC. Knowing the molecular profile of tumors helps determine prognosis and support certain target therapies. The molecular panel in ICC helps to select patients for specific therapies, predict treatment responses, and monitor treatment responses. Precision medicine in ICC can promote improvement in prognosis and reduce unnecessary toxicity and might have a significant role in the management of ICC in the following years. The main mutations in ICC are in tumor protein p53 (TP53), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A). The rate of mutations varies significantly for each population. Targeting TP53 and KRAS is challenging due to the natural characteristics of these genes. Different stages of clinical studies have shown encouraging results with inhibitors of mutated IDH1 and target therapy for ARID1A downstream effectors. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions are an important target in patients with ICC. Immune checkpoint blockade can be applied to a small percentage of ICC patients. Molecular profiling in ICC represents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and managing this complex liver cancer. As our comprehension of ICC's molecular intricacies continues to expand, so does the potential for offering patients more precise and effective treatments. The integration of molecular profiling into clinical practice signifies the dawn of a new era in ICC care, emphasizing personalized medicine in the ongoing battle against this malignancy.

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Introduction: Patients with liver cirrhosis are at a higher risk of hospitalization. The present review aimed to assess the risk of thromboembolism and its burden on hospitalized cirrhotic patients. Materials and methods: A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021256869) was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, and a manual search of references. It evaluated studies that compare cirrhotic patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) with cirrhotic patients without VTE or studies that compare cirrhotic patients with non-cirrhotic patients. No restrictions were set for the date of publication or language. The last search was conducted in June 2021. Results: After selection, 17 studies were included from an initial search of 5,323 articles. The chronic liver disease etiologies comprise viral, alcohol, autoimmune, NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), cryptogenic, hemochromatosis, cholestasis, and drug-related. The included studies were conflicted regarding the outcomes of VTE, pulmonary embolism, or bleeding. Patients with cirrhosis associated with VTE had prolonged length of hospital stay, and patients with cirrhosis were at higher risk of portal thrombosis. Conclusion: In-hospital cirrhotic patients are a heterogeneous group of patients that may present both thrombosis and bleeding risk. Clinicians should take extra caution to apply both prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation strategies. Systematic review registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42021256869].

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BACKGROUND Adequate donor and recipient matching in liver transplantation is crucial to improve patient survival. Our objective was to propose and validate a new model for predicting outcomes using donor and recipient scoring criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data of all patients (n=932) who underwent liver transplantation (n=1106) from January 2006 to December 2018. For score standardization, 30% (n=280) of patients were randomly selected for analysis and divided into 3 categories: ≤4 points, 5 to 8 points, and >8 points. Scoring system validation was performed on a dataset with 70% (n=652) of the patients. RESULTS Survival of the stratified group (30%) was significant (P<0.001). Scores of 4 to 8 points presented lower risk of death (1.74 [CI 0.97-3.13; P=0.062]), while >8 points presented higher risk (2.74 [CI 1.36-5.57; P=0.005]). In the validation score (70%), global survival was significant (P<0.0016); patients with scores of 4 to 8 points had lower risk of death (1.16 [CI 1.16-2.38; P=0.005]); and scores >8 points (2.22 [CI 1.40-3.50; P<0.001]), retransplant, fulminant hepatitis, previous large abdominal/biliary tree surgery, MELD score, and serum creatinine before liver transplantation >1.5 mg/dL (P<0.05) presented higher risk. Individual recipient factors with 4 to 8 points had a lower risk of death (2.29 [CI 1.82-2.87; P<0.0001]) than those with scores >8 points (4.02 [CI 2.22-7.26; P<0.0001]). CONCLUSIONS A novel prognostic-based scoring system using donor and recipient characteristics was proposed and clinically validated. Two-factor scoring indicated the superiority of the predictability outcome and improved prediction of higher mortality.

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BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has spread worldwide and has become a public health emergency and a pandemic of international concern. The solid organ donation system was no different. This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the liver transplant (LT) system in Brazilian territory. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all liver donor records allocated in São Paulo State, Brazil, 1 year before and 1 year during the COVID-19 pandemic. We defined the pre-COVID-19 (PRE) period as between April 2019 and April 2020 and the post-COVID-19 (POST) period as between April 2020 and April 2021. Moreover, we compared LT performed in our institution during these periods. To evaluate outcomes, we compared 30-day survival after LT. RESULTS: In the PRE period, 1452 livers were offered for donation in São Paulo State and other Brazilian territories. Of these, 592 were used in LT. In the POST period, 1314 livers were offered for donation, but only 477 were used in LT. Organ refusal was higher in the POST period (P < .05). Our center performed 127 and 156 LTs in these periods, respectively, and an increase above 20% was significant (P = .039). There was no difference in 30-day survival between the periods (87.2% vs 87.9%, P > .5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic harmed potential and allocated donors and LTs performed. However, it is possible to maintain the LT volume of a transplant center without compromising survival outcomes through preventive strategies against COVID-19 propagation.

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BACKGROUND: The small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is characterized by prolonged hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and/or encephalopathy caused by a small liver graft that cannot sustain the metabolic demands of the recipient after a partial liver transplant (PLT). Models of PLT in pigs are excellent for studying this syndrome. This review aimed to identify the different porcine models of SFSS in the literature and compare their technical aspects and therapeutics methods focused on portal inflow modulation (PIM). METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the porcine experimental model and SFSS. The MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO databases were electronically searched and updated until June 20, 2021. The MeSH terms used were ''ORGAN SIZE'' AND ''LIVER TRANSPLANTATION". RESULTS: Thirteen SFSS porcine models were reported. Four were performed with portocaval shunt to PIM and 3 with mesocaval shunt to PIM. A few studies focused on clinical therapeutics to PIM; a study described somatostatin infusion to avoid SFSS. Initially, studies on PIM showed its potentially beneficial effects without mentioning the minimum portal flow that permits liver regeneration. However, an excessive portal diversion could be detrimental to this process. CONCLUSIONS: The use of porcine models on SFSS resulted in a better understanding of its pathophysiology and led to the establishment of various types of portal modulation, surgical techniques with different complexities, and pharmaceutical strategies such as somatostatin, making clear that without reducing the portal vein pressure the outcomes are poor. With the improvement of these techniques, SFSS can be avoided.

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BACKGROUND: Identifying anatomic variations of the hepatic artery is essential in liver transplantation. The artery supply is crucial for the procedure's success, and, in some cases of anatomic variations, they need reconstruction. Hepatic artery thrombosis is a severe vascular complication. This study evaluated the prevalence of anatomic variations and correlated arterial reconstructions with hepatic artery thrombosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records, adult patients undergoing liver transplant, donor's arterial anatomy, arterial reconstructions, and thrombosis after transplant from January 2019 to December 2020. RESULTS: Among 226 cases, 71% had normal anatomy. All these patients met Michel's classification subtypes, of which 161 (71%) were class I, which is the most common. The second most common variation was class II, with 25 donors (11%), followed by class III, with 17 donors (7.5%). Anatomic artery variations were a risk factor for hepatic artery thrombosis development (odds ratio [OR], 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-22.5; P = .002). In the same way, the artery reconstruction was associated with hepatic artery thrombosis arising with postoperative time (OR, 18.0; 95% CI, 4.9-57.5; P < .001). Global hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in 11 cases (4.87%). CONCLUSION: Anatomic hepatic artery variations are frequent and do not make liver transplant unfeasible. However, variations that require reconstruction may raise the risk of thrombosis.

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BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients who have end-stage liver disease and require liver transplantation has dramatically increased. On the other hand, liver grafts from elderly donors have been offered more frequently for transplantation. The present study aims to analyze the results of liver transplants performed with donors and recipients aged ≥70 years. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study of deceased donors liver transplants that involved recipients aged ≥7070 years or recipients who received grafts from donors aged ≥70 years from 2011 to 2021. A literature review on the results of liver transplantation in elderly recipients was also performed. RESULTS: Thirty septuagenarian recipients were included; their overall 1- and 5-years survival was 80% and 76.6%, respectively. The prevalence of recipients aged ≥70 years in our department was 2.65%. Twenty recipients received grafts form septuagenarian donors; their overall 1- and 5-years survival was 75%. The prevalence of donors aged ≥70 years in our department was 1%. In the literature review, 17 articles were analyzed. The 5-years survival of recipients aged ≥70 years ranged from 47.1% to 78.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Septuagenarian recipients and patients who received grafts from elderly brain-dead donors present adequate overall survival after liver transplantation. Optimized donor-recipient matching is paramount for achieving good outcomes. The combination of high-risk donors with septuagenarian recipients should be avoided as well as using grafts of elderly donors that present others risk factors. Thus, the age of the donor or recipient alone cannot be considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation.

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BACKGROUND: The classic piggyback technique uses the union of the 3 hepatic veins to perform the cavo-caval anastomosis. However, due to the lateral localization of the right hepatic vein, the partial clamping of the vena cava in this technique significantly reduces the venous return to the right atrium. To avoid this, we adopted in 2015 a modified piggyback technique, in which we use the common trunk of the middle and left hepatic veins and also perform a lateral incision toward the right in the anterior wall of the vena cava in order to widen the final ostium of the cavo-caval anastomosis. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of hepatic venous outflow obstruction between those 2 techniques. METHODS: Retrospective study of liver transplant recipients undergoing venography for suspected hepatic venous outflow obstruction from January 2009 to June 2021. Patients undergoing transplantation with living donors or split grafts and pediatric cases were excluded from the study. RESULTS: From January 2009 to December 2014 and from January 2015 to June 2021, 587 (group 1) and 730 (group 2) deceased-donor liver transplants were performed with the classic and the modified piggyback techniques, respectively. The incidence of cases with suspected hepatic venous outflow obstruction in groups 1 and 2 were 1.87% (n = 11) and 0.95% (n = 7), respectively (P = 0,15). The number of confirmed patients with outflow blockage that required endovascular treatment during venography in groups 1 and 2 were 4 (0.68%) and 5 (0.68%), respectively (P = 0,31). CONCLUSIONS: This modified piggyback technique did not increase the incidence of hepatic venous outflow obstruction at our service.

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INTRODUCTION: Donor hepatic artery thrombosis (dHAT) identified during liver procurement and backtable is a rare and little-reported event that can make liver transplants unfeasible. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of dHAT identified during liver grafts procurements or backtable procedures. All grafts were recovered from brain-dead donors. The demographic characteristics of the donors and the incidence of dHAT were analyzed. The data were also compared to a cohort of donors without dHAT. RESULTS: There was a total of 486 donors during the study period. The incidence of dHAT was 1.85% (n = 9). The diagnosis of dHAT was made during procurement in 5 cases (55.5%) and during the backtable in 4 (44.4%). Most donors were female (n = 5), with an average BMI of 28.14 ± 6.9 kg/m2, hypertensive (n = 5), and with stroke as cause of brain death (n = 8). The most prevalent site of dHAT was a left hepatic artery originating from the left gastric artery (n = 4). Of the 9 cases reported, 2 livers were used for transplantation, and 7 were discarded. Comparing those cases to a cohort of 260 donors without dHAT, we found a higher incidence of anatomic variations in the hepatic artery (P = .01) and of stroke as cause of brain death (P = .05). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of dHAT before liver procurement is a rare event, however it may become a treacherous pitfall if the diagnosis is late. Grafts with anatomic variations recovered from women with brain death due to stroke and with past history of hypertension seem to be at a higher risk of presenting dHAT.

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BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is a valuable therapeutic option for overcoming the deceased donor shortage. Modified right lobe graft (MRLG) keeps the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk with the remnant liver to improve donor safety. Hemostasis in the MHV tributary reconstruction can be tricky; surgical stitches and energy coagulation are ineffective. Fibrin glues are excellent vascular sealants but are poor in maintaining hemostasis in an active hemorrhage or preventing resection surface-related complications after liver resection. We propose applying fibrin sealant during back table graft preparation to seal the hepatic edge and MHV reconstruction to avoid bleeding after graft revascularization. METHODS: Our retrospective cohort study included all adult patients undergoing LDLT between August 2017 and December 2021. During the back table procedure, we performed the reconstruction of the inferior right hepatic vein and/or MHV tributaries from segment 5 (V5) and segment 8 (V8) using a vein harvested from a nonrelated deceased donor. Before initiating the hepatic graft implantation, we applied fibrin sealant in the resected parenchyma, especially in the V5 and V8 anastomosis, to seal the hepatic edge and hepatic vein reconstruction. RESULTS: No bleeding was identified in the hepatic edge, and blood product transfusion was unnecessary for any recipients after reperfusion. CONCLUSION: In LDLT using MRLG with MHV reconstruction, the fibrin sealant, when applied on the raw hepatic surface, and vascular reconstruction during back table graft preparation avoided bleeding after graft revascularization.

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BACKGROUND: Setting up new liver transplant (LT) centers is essential for countries with organ shortages. However, good outcomes require experience, because LT learning depends on a high number of surgeries. This study aims to describe how a new center was set up from a partnership between the new center and an experienced one. The step-by-step preparation process, the time needed and the results of the new center are depicted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mentoring process lasted 40 months, in which half of the 52 patients included on the transplant list received LT. After the mentorship, a 22-month period was also analyzed, in which 46 new patients were added to the waiting list and nine were operated on. RESULTS: The 30-day survival rates during (92.3%) and after (66.7%) the partnership were similar to the other LT centers in the same region, as well as the rates of longer periods. The waiting time on the LT list, the characteristics of the donors and the ischemia times did not differ during or after the mentorship. CONCLUSION: The partnership between universities is a suitable way to set up LT centers, achieving good results for the institutions and the patients involved.

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AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common neoplasm, and half of the patients with CRC develop liver metastasis. The best prognostic factor for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the possibility of performing a resection with free margins; however, most of them remain unresectable. The justification for performing liver transplantation (LT) in patients with CRLM regards an increase in the number of resectable patients by performing total hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to provide a Brazilian protocol for LT in patients with unresectable CRLM. METHOD: The protocol was carried out by two Brazilian institutions, which perform a large volume of resections and LTs, based on the study carried out at the University of Oslo. The elaboration of the protocol was conducted in four stages. RESULT: A protocol proposal for this disease is presented, which needs to be validated for clinical use. CONCLUSION: The development of an LT protocol for unresectable CRLM aims to standardize the treatment and to enable a better evaluation of surgical results.

OBJETIVO: O câncer colorretal é a terceira neoplasia mais frequente e metade dos pacientes desenvolvem metástase hepática. O melhor fator prognóstico na metástase hepática de câncer colorretal (MHCCR) é a possibilidade de ressecção com margens livres, porém a maioria permanece irressecável. O racional em realizar transplante hepático (TH) em pacientes portadores de MHCCR está na ampliação do número de pacientes ressecáveis através de uma hepatectomia total. Apresentar protocolo brasileiro para realização de transplante hepático em pacientes com MHCCR irressecável. MÉTODO: O protocolo foi realizado por duas instituições com grande volume de ressecções e transplantes hepáticos no Brasil, baseado no trabalho realizado pela Universidade de Oslo. A elaboração foi dividida em 4 etapas. RESULTADO: É apresentada proposta de protocolo para esta doença a ser validada na aplicação clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível elaborar protocolo de transplante hepático para MHCCR irressecável a fim de uniformizar o tratamento e melhor avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos.

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