Dariusz Wasiak

The Objective of Psychological Evaluation in the Process of Qualifying Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Psychosocial and behavioral variables play an important role in both the development and treatment of obesity. Therefore, in the process of qualifying the patient for bariatric surgery, it is necessary to professionally evaluate his/her psychological state. Such evaluation is very helpful in the identification of factors potentially disturbing the effectiveness of the treatment. Clinical interviews with a group of 80 patients were conducted by a psychologist in the pre- and post-surgical period. The qualitative analysis of the interviews led to the identification of the major elements which should become the object of psychological evaluation in the process of qualifying patients for bariatric surgery. Conducting a clinical interview comprising these elements allows one to evaluate their potential influence on the process of surgical treatment of obesity and to provide optimal psychological support for the patient before and after the surgery.

Detrimental Effect of Aprotinin Ban on Amount of Blood Loss During Liver Transplantation: Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND Aprotinin, a plasmin inhibitor, had been used for reduction of intraoperative bleeding caused by hyperfibrinolysis during extensive surgery. Prophylaxis with aprotinin to limit blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) had been widely applied until the drug was weaned off the therapeutic list for severe complications. We compared the need for blood and blood products transfusion in patients undergoing OLT with and without the use of aprotinin. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 150 patients, who underwent OLT between March 2004 and August 2008 and were divided into 2 groups: the APRO group (n = 111) after induction of anesthesia was given a bolus of 500 kIU of aprotinin in a 30-minutes infusion followed by 140 kIU/h till the end of the OLT in which aprotinin was not administered, and the NON-APRO group (n = 39). RESULTS Patients from the NON-APRO group needed significantly more units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) than the APRO group (5.53 ± 4.89 vs 3.99 ± 3.58 units; P = .037). Avoidance of aprotinin administration (β = 1.408), Child-Pugh score (β = 0.519), and duration of anhepatic phase (β = 0.03) affected the volume of transfused blood according to multiple regression analysis (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the important prophylactic role aprotinin used to have during OLT in limiting the need for blood transfusions. Further research and progress in methods of blood loss minimization and monitoring of hemostasis are needed to warrant safe liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation for HCV cirrhosis; cautious optimism after 10 years of experience

BACKGROUND Currently, HCV (hepatitis C virus) cirrhosis is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LTx) in Europe and North America among adults. Very early after LTx, histological examinations of liver biopsies in a group of HCV-positive recipients show important differences compared to other indications for transplantation. MATERIAL/METHODS We described results of 121 primary LTx for HCV cirrhosis. HCV-RNA PCR was positive in 94% of primary graft recipients prior to LTx. Co-existing HCC was diagnosed in 20.66% of recipients. RESULTS One-year, 5-year, and 10-year survivals in the HCV-positive recipient group were 87.6%, 85.9%, and 84.3%, respectively. Symptomatic recurrent hepatitis was diagnosed in 58/121 (47.54%) recipients, and 41.3% presented with recurrence within the first 6 months. None of the PCR-negative recipients developed recurrent hepatitis prior to LTx. The rescue therapy for recurrent HCV hepatitis consist of Interferon and Ribavirin; the sustained virologic response (SVR) was obtained in 50% and 41% of recipients at 24 and 48 weeks, respectively, after treatment cessation. CONCLUSIONS Despite almost universal recurrence of HCV after LTx, results of transplantation are relatively good. Modification of immunosuppression, younger organ selection, and avoiding steroid pulses for rejection improve the results. Inclusion of combination therapy with interferon and Ribavirin allows for more than 40% SVR.

Bariatric surgery as a bridge for kidney transplantation in obese subjects. Case report

BACKGROUND The epidemiological studies indicate that the problem of obesity and associated metabolic syndrome affects the steadily increasing population. The obesity also applies to the patients with the end-stage renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. Morbid obesity is a contraindication to renal transplantation procedure. A significant excess weight greatly increases the waiting time for transplantation, increases the risk of surgical complications, including complications due to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The combination of these risk factors with the immunosuppressive therapy may worsen the symptoms associated with the renal failure, contribute to the deterioration of graft function, shorten the survival, and increase the risk of patient death. CASE REPORT In this paper we described the first Polish case of kidney transplantation, in a patient after bariatric surgery. The patient was disqualified from kidney transplantation because of obesity and referred to our department for metabolic surgery and weight reduction before potential kidney transplantation. 10 months post the bariatric surgery patient was selected as a kidney transplant recipient from a deceased donor. Both procedures have been performed in this same center. CONCLUSIONS Bariatric surgery procedures are safe and effective in patients with end-stage renal disease. Bariatric procedures may be considered as a procedural bridge for a group of morbidly obese patients with renal failure, allowing them to be qualified for transplantation.

The First Polish Liver Transplantation after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND Morbid obesity is associated with liver pathology, most commonly non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) leading to cirrhosis. However, the morbid obesity impedes qualification for organ transplantation. CASE REPORT We present a case report of a 56-year-old woman who underwent bariatric procedure followed by liver transplantation (LTx). Her initial weight was 130.2 kg (BMI 50.9 kg/m2). The patient had a history of arterial hypertension, diabetes, gonarthrosis, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and no history of alcohol abuse. She underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure. The routine intraoperative liver biopsy revealed fibrosis (III°), steatosis (II°), and intra-acinar inflammation. The operation led to a substantial loss of weight. Two years after the surgery the patient was referred to the Transplantation Clinic of Department of General Surgery and Transplantology with suspicion of liver failure due to advanced cirrhosis, which could be a result of previously diagnosed NASH and, probably, excessive alcohol use after bariatric surgery. The patient was qualified for elective LTx, which was performed 3 years after the RYGB. Immediately before LTx, the patients weight was 65 kg (BMI 25.4 kg/m²). The postoperative period was complicated by bleeding into the peritoneal cavity, which required reoperation. She also had renal failure, requiring renal replacement therapy. One year after LTx, she showed stable liver function with normal transaminases activity and bilirubin concentration, remission of diabetes, and good renal function. CONCLUSIONS Steatohepatitis in morbidly obese patients may lead to cirrhosis. Bariatric procedure can be a bridge to liver transplantation for morbidly obese patients with advanced liver fibrosis.

Accelerated hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate after postoperative direct-acting antivirals treatment – preliminary report

Aim of the study New interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has led to major progress in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. Current outcomes are promising, especially in compensated cirrhosis. However, there are reports of accelerated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after surgery in patients treated with DAAs. The influence of DAA therapy on the timing and frequency of recurrence after surgical treatment needs further observation. Material and methods Fifty-one HCV infected patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and history of surgical treatment for HCC in 2012-2016 were analyzed in a case-control study. Nineteen patients received DAA therapy (DAA group) after tumor remission achieved by surgery and 32 patients were not treated with DAA (NDAA group). Follow-up included multiphase computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the liver and alpha-fetoprotein level in 3-6-month intervals. Results An sustained virological response was achieved in 18 (95%) DAA treated patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence was observed in 8 (42.1%) patients from the DAA group and in 21 (65.6%) from the NDAA group (p = 0.058). Relapse occurred within 265 days after surgery in the DAA group vs. 532 days in the NDAA group (p = 0.033). The one-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 47.3% vs. 75% in the DAA and NDAA group respectively (p = 0.45). Conclusions Use of DAA therapy in patients with a history of HCC may result in significantly accelerated relapse of the disease. The number of analyzed patients in this study is too small to state unquestionable conclusions. Further observation with a longer follow-up and larger patient group is needed. The study confirms that contemporary HCV treatment is highly effective.

The effects of in vitro hemodilution and fibrinogen concentrate substitution on thromboelastometry analysis in patients qualified for liver transplantation - preliminary results.

BACKGROUND Dilutional coagulopathy might cause life-threatening hemorrhages in liver transplantation. Liver insufficiency is usually accompanied by alteration in fibrinogen (Fib) synthesis, which is one of the main clotting factors providing appropriate hemostasis. Intraoperative hemodilution results in further Fib concentration reduction enhancing coagulopathy and blood loss. Exogenous Fib substitution might prevent this. METHODS A prospective study with a control group was designed. The study group consists of patients with cirrhosis who qualified for liver transplantation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly established. The blood collected from participants was diluted up to 30% and 60% with crystalloid (saline) or colloid (hydroxyethyl starch) in 2 parallel series. The first series consisted of diluted blood, the second of diluted blood with Fib concentrate. Thromboelastometry tests were performed on every blood sample. After collecting data from the first 12 participants, we performed a preliminary analysis. RESULTS The maximum clot formation (MCF) in the EXTEM test decreased with progressive blood dilution in both study arms. The MCF values were lower than 35 mm in every diluted blood sample of the study group. The recovery of decreased MCF after Fib concentrate substitution was observed in both groups. The improvement in clot formation was also expressed as amplitude of clot firmness in the 10th minute (A10) in the FIBTEM test. CONCLUSIONS Clot formation is disturbed more profoundly by hemodilution in cirrhotic patients. Fib concentrate substitution might be effective in the management of dilutional coagulopathy.

The epidemiology of hepatocellular cancer in Poland

Introduction This article summarize the available data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) epidemiology in Poland. Data regarding the HCC incidence rate are divergent. Statistical data presented by NFZ appear more credible in that matter than data published by the Polish Oncology Center (POC). Material and methods The analysis included data from the Polish Bibliography Database (GBL), the Polish National Health Fund Institution (NFZ), the scientific paper “Malignant neoplasms in Poland” issued by POC and the central liver transplant registry maintained by the Polish transplant coordinating center “Poltransplant” (2010-2015). Results Data regarding the HCC incidence rate are divergent. Statistical data presented by NFZ appear more credible in that matter than data published by POC. Conclusions The occurrence of HCC in Poland is at the average European level and is similarly rising. The incidence rate is underestimated. It is due to faulty epidemiology data collection techniques. The highest risk group comprises men over the age of 50 with concomitant liver cirrhosis. The most common HCC etiology is HCV infection.

Complete Blood Count of Deceased Donors and the Results of Liver Transplantation

Introduction Evaluating donor characteristics is mandatory for the recipients’ safety and aiding predicting outcomes. The aim was to assess whether abnormalities in complete blood count (CBC) of DBD liver donor present risk factors. Methods Early and long-term results [1-year recipient (1RS+/1RS-) and graft (1GS+/1GS-) survival, 5-year recipient (5RS+/5RS-) and graft (5GS+/5GS-) survival rates] of liver transplantation were evaluated in connection with donor CBC [HGB (g/dl), HCT (%), WBC(k/mm3), PLT(k/mm3)] respectively for 2804 transplantations in the years 1998‐2013 and 1724 in the years 1998‐2009. Data originated from Poltransplant’s records. Results Figure.1 Figure. No caption available. Conclusions 1. Abnormalities in donor CBC do not influence the early and long-term recipient survival. 2.PLT does not affect the early and long-term transplant outcomes. 3.WBC affects early and late graft survival; reaches lower values in donors providing recipients with at least 1 and 5-year graft function, possibly because of the corresponding risk of infection transmission. 4.Significant deviations of HGB and HCT in groups of grafts that survived and not survived five years, do not display clinical justification.

Geography of the Referred Potential Liver Recipients and Donors in Poland in 2004

Our aim was to assess the accessibility of potential liver recipients to cadaveric organs and the ability of transplant teams to realize recipients needs in Poland in 2004. Our calculations revealed that in Poland the number of cadaveric liver transplants was two to three times lower than in other countries and is insufficient to meet the needs, also the number of referred potential liver recipients is two to three times lower than expected.