Sascha Weiss

Brain Death Activates Donor Organs and Is Associated with a Worse I/R Injury After Liver Transplantation

The majority of transplants are derived from donors who suffered from brain injury. There is evidence that brain death causes inflammatory changes in the donor. To define the impact of brain death, we evaluated the gene expression of cytokines in human brain dead and ideal living donors and compared these data to organ function following transplantation.

Biliary reconstruction using a side-to-side choledochocholedochostomy with or without T-tube in deceased donor liver transplantation: a prospective randomized trial.

Objective:The biliary anastomosis is still one of the major causes for morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation. The optimal method of reconstruction remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess biliary complications after liver transplantation using a choledochocholedochostomy with or without a temporary T-tube. Background Data:Several reports have suggested that biliary reconstruction without T-tube is a safer method with a lower rate of biliary complications compared with T-tube insertion. Methods:A total of 194 recipients of deceased donor liver grafts were randomized. In group 1 the biliary reconstruction was performed by side-to-side choledochocholedochostomy with (n = 99) and in group 2 (n = 95) without a T-tube. The T-tube was removed after 6 weeks. Results:The overall biliary complication rate was significantly increased in group 2 (P < 0.0005). Biliary leaks occurred in 5 patients in group 1 and in 9 patients in group 2 (5.05% vs. 9.47%; P = 0.2756 ns). Anastomotic strictures of the bile duct were seen in 7 patients in group 1 and in 8 patients in group 2 (7.07% vs. 8.42%; P = 0.7923 ns). Two of the patients in group 1 and 5 patients in group 2 developed an ischemic type biliary lesion (2.02% vs. 5.26%; P = 0.2716 ns). The rate of reoperations was comparable in both groups. The rate of invasive interventions was higher in the group without T-tubes (9% vs. 18%, P = ns), as was the rate of cholangitis (5% vs. 11%. P = ns) and pancreatitis (4% vs. 14%, P = 0.0218). No complications after removal of the T-tube were observed. Conclusion:This study is a large prospective randomized trial to assess biliary complications that occur following liver transplantation, after anatomizing the bile duct with or without T-tubes. A significant increased rate of complications in the group without T-tube insertion was observed. In summary, our results indicate that the usage of T-tubes is safe and an excellent tool for the quality control of biliary anastomoses.

Eighteen years of liver transplantation experience in patients with advanced Budd‐Chiari syndrome

The long‐term results of liver transplantation for Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS) and timely indication for the procedure are still under debate. Innovations in interventional therapy and better understanding of underlying diseases have improved therapy strategies. The aim of this study was the analysis of patient and disease characteristics, outcome, and specific complications. Between September 1988 and December 2006 we performed 42 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) in 39 patients with BCS. A total of 29 (74%) women and 10 men (26%) had a median age of 35 years; the median follow‐up period was 96 months. Etiologically, 27 patients had a preoperative diagnosis of hematologic disease, including myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), followed by factor V Leiden mutation and antiphospholipid syndrome. The actuarial 5‐year and 10‐year survival rates were 89.4% and 83.5%, respectively, compared to 80.7% and 71.4%, respectively, for other indications (n = 1742). Retransplantation was necessary in 3 patients (7.1%) with portal vein thrombosis or recurrent BCS. Although the number of bleeding events was similar, incidence of vascular complications was significantly higher in patients with BCS. Thrombosis of the portal vein was observed in 4.8% versus 0.8% of the patients, whereas liver veins were affected in 7.1% versus 0.2%. Our data shows that severe acute or chronic forms of BCS with liver failure can be successfully treated by OLT. Despite higher rates of vascular complications, patient and graft survival are similar or even better compared to other indication groups. In conclusion, patients with reversible hepatic damage should be treated by combined strategies, including medical therapy and surgical or interventional shunting. Liver Transpl 14:144–150, 2008.

Review of nonimmunological causes for deteriorated graft function and graft loss after transplantation

Various factors determine the graft‐ and patient survival after transplantation. HLA‐matching and immunological factors are of importance for the short‐ and long‐term survival. Apart from these obvious determinants, nonimmunological factors play an important role in defining the baseline organ quality as well as the recipients’ status. The influence of these parameters on graft‐ and patient survival is still underestimated and is a topic of debate. On account of the increasing acceptance of marginal‐donor organs these events are of increasing importance for graft survival and long‐term function. We review nonimmunological causes for deteriorated graft function and graft loss after solid organ transplantation.

Symptomatic lymphoceles after kidney transplantation – multivariate analysis of risk factors and outcome after laparoscopic fenestration

Ulrich F, Niedzwiecki S, Fikatas P, Nebrig M, Schmidt SC, Kohler S, Weiss S, Schumacher G, Pascher A, Reinke P, Tullius SG, Pratschke J. Symptomatic lymphoceles after kidney transplantation – multivariate analysis of risk factors and outcome after laparoscopic fenestration.
Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01073.x
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

A multicentre, randomized clinical trial comparing the Veriset™ haemostatic patch with fibrin sealant for the management of bleeding during hepatic surgery

BACKGROUND Bleeding during hepatic surgery is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased morbidity and mortality. The Veriset™ haemostatic patch is a topical haemostat comprised of an absorbable backing made of oxidized cellulose and self-adhesive hydrogel components. It is designed to achieve haemostasis quickly and adhere to tissues without fixation. METHODS A prospective, randomized, multicentre, single-blinded study (n = 50) was performed to compare the use of a Veriset™ haemostatic patch with a fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil(®) ) (control) in the management of diffuse bleeding after hepatic surgery. Patients were randomized following the confirmation of diffuse bleeding requiring the use of a topical haemostat. Time to haemostasis was assessed at preset intervals until haemostasis was achieved. RESULTS Both groups were similar in comorbidities and procedural techniques. The median time to haemostasis in the group using the Veriset™ haemostatic patch was 1.0 min compared with 3.0 min in the control group (P < 0.001; 3-min minimum application time for the control patch). This result was independent of bleeding severity and surface area. Both products had similar safety profiles and no statistical differences were observed in the occurrence of adverse or device-related events. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of bleeding severity or surface area, the Veriset™ haemostatic patch achieved haemostasis in this setting significantly faster than the control device in patients undergoing hepatic resection. It was safe and easy to handle in open hepatic surgery.

Long‐term outcome of ATG vs. Basiliximab induction

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (9): 971–978

Donor brain death significantly interferes with tolerance induction protocols

Studies in rodents showed that antibodies are able to induce tolerance of allografts. As clinical results are unsatisfactory and deceased donors are still the main source of organ transplants, we investigated whether donor brain‐death impacts on tolerance induction after experimental kidney transplantation. Anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies (RIB 5/2; 2.5 mg/kg × 5 days) treated and untreated recipients of brain‐dead donor grafts were compared with RIB 5/2 treated and untreated recipients of living donor grafts (F344‐to‐Lewis). All recipients received low‐dose CsA (1.5 mg/kg × 10 days). Kidneys were recovered 4, 16 and 40 weeks after transplantation and examined by morphology, immunohistology and flow cytometry. Renal function was monitored monthly. RIB 5/2 treatment significantly decreased proteinuria in recipients of living donor allografts when compared with living donor controls. After 40 weeks, inflammatory cell infiltration and MHC class II expression were reduced while morphologic alterations were minimal. In contrast, treatment of brain‐dead graft recipients had no impact on graft function. Structural changes and graft infiltration were comparable to brain‐dead donor controls at all time points. RIB 5/2 treatment significantly improved graft function in recipients of living donor grafts; however, it was not effective in recipients of brain‐dead donor organs.

Reduction of Cold Ischemia Time and Anastomosis Time Correlates with Lower Delayed Graft Function Rates Following Transplantation of Marginal Kidneys

BACKGROUND In kidney transplantation, the association of cold ischemia time (CIT), anastomosis time (AT), and delayed graft function (DGF) is particularly detrimental in grafts from marginal donors; however, actual cut-off criteria are still debated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from patients >65 years (n=193) and patients <65 years (n=1054) transplanted between 2000 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed regarding the age-dependent impact of ischemia times and DGF. RESULTS Overall death censored graft survival was inferior for ECD/DCD organs. Graft survival was significantly impaired by DGF in younger and older recipients. The multivariate analysis revealed an age-dependent profile of risk factors for DGF. In younger patients, multiple risk factors were identified while in patients >65 years, only CIT and AT were correlated with DGF. Marginal grafts with a CIT<769 min had a comparable outcome to any SCD organ; extended CIT >770 min worsened ECD/DCD survival significantly. Similarly, AT longer than 26 min was associated with a significantly impaired survival of ECD/DCD grafts. In a Cox regression analysis with penalized splines, this increased risk of graft loss was not linear: CIT beyond 800 min and AT beyond 20 min were cut-off values associated with worse outcomes in marginal organs. CONCLUSIONS Thus, risk factors for DGF are age-dependent; keeping ischemia times below these thresholds offers outcome of ECD/DCD organs comparable to SCD organs.

Transanal drainage tube reduces rate and severity of anastomotic leakage in patients with colorectal anastomosis: A case controlled study

Background and aims The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the placement of a transanal drainage tube to prevent anastomotic leakage in colorectal anastomoses. Material and methods This single-center retrospective trial included all patients treated with surgery for benign or malign colorectal disease between January 2009 and December 2012. The transanal drainage tube was immediately placed after colorectal anastomosis until day five and was routinely used since 2010. Patients treated with a transanal drainage tube were compared with the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using Fishers exact or Chi-square tests for group comparison and a linear regression model for multivariate analysis. Results This study included 242 patients (46% female; median age 63 years; range 18–93); 34% of the patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure, and 57% of the patients received a placement of a transanal drainage tube. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 19 patients (7.9%). Univariate analysis showed a higher rate of anastomotic leakage in patients with an ASA score 4 (p = 0.02) and a lower rate in patients with transanal drainage placement (3.6% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.007). The grading of the complication of anastomotic leakage was reduced with transanal drainage (e.g., Dindo ≧ 3b: 20.0% vs. 92.9%; p = 0.006), and the hospital stay was shortened (17.6 ± 12.5 vs. 22.1 ± 17.6 days; p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that transanal drainage was the only significant factor (HR = −2.90; −0.168 to −0.032; p = 0.007) affecting anastomotic leakage. Conclusions Placement of a transanal drainage tube in patients with colorectal anastomoses is a safe and simple technique to perform and reduces anastomotic leakage, the severity of the complication and hospital stay.