Immune checkpoint inhibitors are reshaping treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, establishing new standards and encouraging further research. A combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab shows high response rates, prompting investigations into their roles in peri-operative settings and liver transplantation. However, there are concerns regarding immunosuppression and graft rejection, necessitating careful patient selection and management. Ongoing studies […]
Category: Transplant Surgery
Adipose-derived stem cells enhance pancreatic islet revascularization.
Co-transplantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) with pancreatic islets into decellularized pancreatic skeletons improved vascularization and preserved islet morphology. While ADMSCs did not suppress immune responses in vivo, their presence reduced the proliferation of splenocytes in vitro. In contrast, endothelial cell co-transplantation resulted in islet-cell necrosis. These findings indicate that ADMSCs are effective […]
High Fat Content Linked to Poor Outcomes in Liver Surgery Patients
Patients with high intramuscular fat content (IMFC) or high visceral-to-subcutaneous fat tissue ratio (VSR) undergoing hepatectomy or liver transplantation had significantly worse overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and higher major complication rates. A meta-analysis of 29 articles including 6,435 patients revealed that IMFC was associated with inferior outcomes and a higher risk of complications, while VSR […]
Bariatric Surgery Improves Outcomes Post-Liver Transplantation
Bariatric surgery post-liver transplantation, particularly sleeve gastrectomy, resulted in significant and sustained weight loss, improved liver health, and reduced metabolic dysfunction in a Belgian nationwide study. Patients experienced a decrease in body mass index and notable reductions in liver enzyme and HbA1c levels post-surgery. The study highlights the safety and feasibility of sleeve gastrectomy in […]
Machine Learning Predicts Kidney Allograft Survival
Using machine learning, researchers identified serum creatinine levels, pre-transplant body weight, age of patients, and bkpyv infection as key predictors for early allograft loss in kidney transplant patients. The model achieved a high precision of 0.81, sensitivity of 0.61, specificity of 0.89, and auc value of 0.84. These findings highlight the potential of machine learning […]
Predicting Biliary Complications in Liver Transplant Patients
Utilizing LASSO logistic regression, researchers identified key risk factors for biliary complications in end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients post ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. A prognostic nomogram model incorporating age, bile duct dilation, portal hypertension, and resection segments showed good discrimination and accuracy. The model predicted biliary complications with an AUC of 0.818 and […]
Artificial intelligence predicts non-transplantable recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma
Artificial intelligence models accurately predicted non-transplantable recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients post-hepatic resection. An ensemble AI model showed high accuracy (AUC 0.751-0.858) with incorporation of postoperative factors. Radiologic tumor burden and microvascular invasion were key predictors. Patients with predicted recurrence had lower survival rates, highlighting the models’ prognostic value. The AI models could guide treatment […]
Comparing Liver Transplant and Liver Resection for Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Liver transplant (LT) was associated with improved long-term survival compared to liver resection (LR) in patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC). Factors such as race, insurance status, and treatment facility influenced the likelihood of receiving LT. This study highlights the clinical and sociodemographic disparities between LT and LR patients, emphasizing the lower mortality risk associated […]
Comparing Liver Transplant and Resection for Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Study compares long-term outcomes of liver transplant (LT) and resection (LR) in patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC). LT associated with improved survival over LR, with LT patients more likely to be non-Hispanic white, privately insured, and treated at academic centers. Findings suggest LT may be the preferable surgical option for MHCC, with implications for […]
Portal Hemodynamics in Liver Resection and Transplantation
The hepatic blood supply, a crucial aspect of liver surgery and transplantation, has undergone significant reorientations in recent years. Despite advancements, gaps in our understanding persist, impacting outcomes in living donor liver transplantation. This review delves into the complexities of portal hemodynamics in liver disease, exploring its role in liver regeneration and transplantation. Journal Article […]