Senthil Kumar

Liver transplantation in acute on chronic liver failure: challenges and an algorithm for patient selection and management

Acute on chronic liver failure is an entity distinct from acute liver failure and acute decompensation of chronic liver disease. Despite best medical therapy, it is associated with high short-term mortality due to infection and organ failure. Liver transplantation is a potentially curative treatment option that has been shown to have good outcomes in this setting. As there are no reliable ways of predicting which subset of patients will recover spontaneously, early transplantation before establishment of full blown sepsis or organ failure is expected to have favorable outcomes with an acceptable risk. This article reviews current literature on liver transplantation for acute on chronic liver failure, discusses challenges in patient selection, and proposes an algorithm for management.

Biliary complications after living donor hepatectomy: A first report from India

Biliary complications after donor hepatectomy can result in significant morbidity. We herein present our experience of donor hepatectomy, highlighting surgical techniques that prevent complications. Data were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database of all donors who underwent hepatectomy from April 2011 to April 2015. Standard operative technique as described was followed in all patients. Biliary complications and morbidity were recorded and stratified as per Clavien‐Dindo classification. Results were compared with published literature. During the study period, 160 donors underwent hepatectomy. The majority of the graft types were right hemiliver without the middle hepatic vein (71.9%). Major complications (grade III and above) occurred in 5.6% of the donors. There was no donor mortality. Only 1 out of the 160 donors (0.6%) has had a grade III biliary complication requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and papillotomy. There were 3 grade II biliary complications, all occurring after left lateral sectionectomy, necessitating prolonged retention of the intra‐abdominal drain. The median duration of hospital stay was 11 days (range, 5‐67 days), and the duration of follow‐up was 16 months (range, 3‐52 months). There was no loss to follow‐up, and no donor required readmission or outpatient procedures for any biliary complication. In conclusion, with careful donor selection and a standardized surgical technique, biliary complications can be minimized. Liver Transplantation 22 607‐614 2016 AASLD.

Liver Transplantation After Bone Marrow Transplantation for End Stage Liver Disease with Severe Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in Dyskeratosis Congenita: A Literature First

Dyskeratosis congenita is a multisystem genetic disorder. Although hepatic involvement is reported in about 7% of patients with dyskeratosis congenita, it is not well characterized and often attributed to hemochromatosis from frequent blood transfusions. A few case reports describe cirrhosis and hepatic cell necrosis in affected individuals in autosomal dominant pedigrees. Bone marrow failure and malignancies are the principal causes of death in dyskeratosis congenita. We describe the first case of living donor liver transplantation, in dyskeratosis congenita for decompensated cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The patient also had associated severe hepatopulmonary syndrome, interstitial lung disease, bilateral hip replacement for avascular necrosis of the head of femur, and a past history of bone marrow transplantation for bone marrow failure.

Double-lumen tube for ventilation in severe kyphoscoliosis

The presence of kyphoscoliosis can adversely affect gas exchange because of restriction to gas flow and reduction of lung volume. The effects become more exaggerated during positive-pressure ventilation due to the uneven distribution of ventilation. The use of a double-lumen tube helps to reduce the ventilation perfusion mismatch that occurs because of positive-pressure ventilation. We report a patient with severe kyphoscoliosis who underwent repair of an atrial septal defect, in whom a double-lumen tube was used for ventilation and the conduct of general anesthesia.

Association of thrombocytopenia with outcome following adult living donor liver transplantation

This study aimed to evaluate the association of postoperative thrombocytopenia with outcome following adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). It was a prospective study of 120 consecutive adult LDLT from September 2012 to May 2015. Preoperative platelet counts (PLTs) and postoperative PLTs were recorded at regular intervals till 3 months after LDLT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The median pretransplant PLT was 61 × 109/l. The lowest median PLT after LDLT was observed on POD 3. Patients were stratified into low platelet group (n = 83) with PLT <30 × 109/l and high platelet group (n = 37) with PLT ≥30 × 109/l. Patients with PLT <30 × 109/l had statistically significant higher grade III/IV complication (P = 0.001), early graft dysfunction (P = 0.01), sepsis (P = 0.001), and prolonged ascites drainage (P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, PLT<30 × 109/l was identified as an independent risk factor for grade III/IV complications (P = 0.005). Overall, patients survival was significantly different between two groups (P = 0.04), but this predictive value was lost in patients who survived more than 90 days (P = 0.37). Postoperative PLT of <30 × 109/l was a strong predictor of major postoperative complications and is associated with early graft dysfunction, prolonged ascites drainage, and sepsis. The perioperative mortality rate was high in the thrombocytopenia group.

Patch testing in hand eczema at a tertiary care center

Sir, Hand eczema is a descriptive diagnosis for dermatitis largely confined to the hands, and it does not make any presumption about the etiology.[1] It may be endogenous or exogenous (allergic or irritants) in origin.[1] Most of the cases of hand eczema have a multifactorial etiology,[1] wherein the eczema is caused and perpetuated by exogenous factors in individuals who are susceptible to such processes due to endogenous factors.[1,2] Understandably, identification and avoidance of the external contactants is of paramount importance in appropriate management of hand eczema. As clinical differentiation between chronic allergic and irritant hand eczemas is often impossible, patch testing becomes an important diagnostic tool for identification of the allergen/ allergens responsible for the eczema.[3] We undertook a study to identify the allergens showing positive reactions in patch test in patients with hand eczema.

Proposal of a new classification scheme for periocular injuries

Background: Eyelids are important structures and play a role in protecting the globe from trauma, brightness, in maintaining the integrity of tear films and moving the tears towards the lacrimal drainage system and contribute to aesthetic appearance of the face. Ophthalmic trauma is an important cause of morbidity among individuals and has also been responsible for additional cost of healthcare. Periocular trauma involving eyelids and adjacent structures has been found to have increased recently probably due to increased pace of life and increased dependence on machinery. A comprehensive classification of periocular trauma would help in stratifying these injuries as well as study outcomes. Material and Methods: This study was carried out at our institute from June 2015 to Dec 2015. We searched multiple English language databases for existing classification systems for periocular trauma. We designed a system of classification of periocular soft tissue injuries based on clinico-anatomical presentations. This classification was applied prospectively to patients presenting with periocular soft tissue injuries to our department. Results: A comprehensive classification scheme was designed consisting of five types of periocular injuries. A total of 38 eyelid injuries in 34 patients were evaluated in this study. According to the System for Peri-Ocular Trauma (SPOT) classification, Type V injuries were most common. SPOT Type II injuries were more common isolated injuries among all zones. Discussion: Classification systems are necessary in order to provide a framework in which to scientifically study the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of diseases in an orderly fashion. The SPOT classification has taken into account the periocular soft tissue injuries i.e., upper eyelid, lower eyelid, medial and lateral canthus injuries., based on observed clinico-anatomical patterns of eyelid injuries. Conclusion: The SPOT classification seems to be a reliable system to address eyelid injuries. This classification scheme would guide the ophthalmic and facial reconstructive surgeons to provide optimal outcomes in eyelid injuries. Based on the classification scheme and review of existing literature, an algorithm is presented to facilitate repair and reconstruction.

Laparoscopic living donor left hepatectomy: donor safety remains the overriding concern.

We read with great interest the article by Troisi et al (1) entitled ‘‘Pure laparoscopic full-left living donor hepatectomy for calculated small-for-size LDLT in adults: Proof of concept’’ and wish to commend the authors for sharing their experience. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is based on the principle of double equipoise where donor risk is justified by recipient benefit (2). Donor safety is considered paramount in all LDLT programs. Left hemihepatectomy undoubtedly reduces donor morbidity and there are reports attesting its feasibility without significant small-for-size syndrome in recipients (3,4).

Portal Inflow in Extensive Portomesenteric Thrombosis: Using the Pericholedochal Varix in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Extensive portomesenteric thrombosis presents a technical challenge in liver transplantation. Establishing portal inflow in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is indispensable to ensure regeneration of the graft. The use of a pericholedochal varix for inflow has been described only in a few case reports. Described herein is one such instance in the setting of LDLT, highlighting the nuances of this procedure in the light of available literature.

Real Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Demonstration of Membranous Septal Aneurysm Causing Severe Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction

In addition to infundibular muscular hypertrophy and anomalous muscle bundles in the right ventricular body, large membranous septal aneurysms (MSA), sinus of valsalva aneurysms, and aneurysms derived from the embryonic venous valve protruding through the tricuspid valve can cause right ventricular outflow obstruction in a patient with ventricular septal defect. Here we describe an adult with a small perimembranous ventricular septal defect complicated by a large MSA causing severe right ventricular outflow obstruction evaluated with real time three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation. The patient underwent surgical correction of the abnormality and is asymptomatic on follow up.