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Papers by Alessandro Tropea

Research paper thumbnail of Laparoscopic Microwave Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatic Patients

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2020

Background: Laparoscopic microwave thermal ablation (LMWTA) is a well-established alternative tre... more Background: Laparoscopic microwave thermal ablation (LMWTA) is a well-established alternative treatment to liver resection for treatment of liver tumors. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in LMWTA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatic patients. Materials and Methods: A study group of 61 consecutive HCC patients treated with LMWTA from January, 2013 to May, 2020 were considered for this study. Patient characteristics, liver function test, operational characteristics, and complications were recorded. Results: Of the 61 patients who underwent LMWTA, median age was 64 (interquartile range [IQR]: 58-71) years, mean body mass index was 26.2 (IQR: 23.2-29.4); 44 patients (72%) presented with an hepatitis C virus etiology, 46 (75%) were Child-Pugh Class A, median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 8.0 (IQR: 7.0-9.4). Viral infection was confirmed to be the most important risk factor in determining progressive cirrhotic evolution with HCC expression. Conclusions: LMWTA is a safe alternative treatment to traditional surgery, and can be combined with surgery.

Research paper thumbnail of Recurrent graft failure secondary to portal vein steal syndrome: a case report with an unusual indication for a third liver transplant

BMC Surgery, 2022

Background Portal vein shunt is common in chronic hepatic diseases and after a liver transplant. ... more Background Portal vein shunt is common in chronic hepatic diseases and after a liver transplant. Ensuring a satisfactory portal flow is essential to support a rapid liver recovery, of paramount importance to meet the recipient’s metabolic needs. Case presentation We report the case of a 32-year-old female undergoing a third liver transplant due to recurrence of graft failure secondary to portosystemic shunting. The patient, affected with biliary atresia, was first transplanted in 2009 with a right split liver graft. The clinical course was complicated by biliary stenosis of the Roux-en-Y anastomosis and multiple episodes of acute rejection treated with steroid boluses, plastic dilation of the biliary anastomosis, and biliary catheter placement. Unfortunately, in 2017 a liver biopsy showed an autoimmunity with histological evidence of ANA 1:80 (granular and nucleolar pattern). This was a contributing factor of liver function impairment, leading to the need to perform a second liver t...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of Hepatitis C-Positive Deceased Liver Donors in Response to the Organ Shortage in an Endemic Area

Annals of Transplantation, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Case report: Trans-papillary free stenting of the cystic duct and of the common bile duct in a double biliary ducts anastomoses of a right lobe living donor transplantation

Background One of the major issues related to the living donor liver transplantation recipient ou... more Background One of the major issues related to the living donor liver transplantation recipient outcome is still the high rate of biliary complication, especially when multiple biliary ducts are present and multiple anastomoses have to be performed. Case presentation and conclusion We report a case of adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation performed for a recipient affected by alcohol-related cirrhosis with MELD score of 17. End-stage liver disease was complicated by refractory ascites, portal hypertension, small esophageal varices and portal gastropathy, hypersplenism, and abundant right pleural effusion. Here in the attached video we described the adult-to-adult LDLT procedures, where a right lobe with two biliary ducts draining respectively the right anterior and the right posterior segments has been transplanted. LDLT required a biliary reconstruction using the native cystic and common bile ducts stented trans-papillary with two 5- French 6 cm long soft sila...

Research paper thumbnail of The use of normothermic machine perfusion to rescue liver allografts from expanded criteria donors

Updates in Surgery, 2021

The use of expanded criteria donors is one of the strategies used to overcome the gap between the... more The use of expanded criteria donors is one of the strategies used to overcome the gap between the demand for organs and the number of donors. Physicians debate the extent to which marginal grafts can be used. In recent years, normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has been used to test liver viability before transplantation. Grafts underwent NMP whenever histological steatosis was > 40% or there were at least three Eurotransplant criteria for expanded criteria donor (ECD). We used NMP to test 19 grafts, 3 from donation after type 3 controlled cardiac death (DCD), and 16 from donation after brain death (DBD). Only two grafts from DBD were not transplanted, because perfusion proved they were not suitable (total of 17 transplanted grafts of 19 tested grafts). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates at 30, 90, 180, and 1 year after transplant were all 94% (95% CI 84–100%); estimated 3-years survival was 82% (95% CI 62–100%). Overall survival rates did not differ from those of patients transplanted with non-perfused grafts from an ECD. In our experience, the use of very marginal grafts preventively tested by NMP does not negatively influence the patient’s outcome, and increases the number of transplants in low donation areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Near Infra-Red Technology to Evaluate Segment IV in Split Liver Transplantation

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2020

Background Indocyanine green injected intravenously has been employed in many fields of hepatobil... more Background Indocyanine green injected intravenously has been employed in many fields of hepatobiliary surgery such as liver and biliary tree mapping, tumor detection, and graft evaluation in liver transplant. This latter application has, in our opinion, particular potentials when a split liver transplantation is performed 1-3. Methods In this study, we used infrared technology to evaluate in real-time the segment 4 region in a recipient of extended right lobe transplantation. Donor data: 50 years old male, brain death, height, 1.70 mt, weight 69 kg; surgical technique employed was in situ standard split liver procurement. Recipient data: 46 years old male, height 1.75 mt; weight 67 k 23 g, affected by cirrhosis secondary HCV infection, with MELD Na 33. Standard orthotopic liver transplantation was performed with indocyanine green intravenous injection at 15 min after arterial reperfusion. Results Infrared technology, showed in this video, demonstrates progressive improvement of segment IV viability which was confirmed by the post-operative contrast-enhanced CT scan performed before discharge. The transplant procedure was uneventful and the patient discharged to home 10 days after surgery. Conclusion The case reported in this video is, to the best of our knowledge, the first in the English literature showing how near infrared technology has predictive value on the evaluation of a split graft. Fast diffusion of the colorant allows dynamic early evaluation and may confirm the presence of intra-hepatic venous shunt, which will determine a full recovery of the originally ischemic area. On the contrary, a permanent absence of the staining might be predictive of dysfunction.

Research paper thumbnail of Association between Liver Perfusate Natural Killer Cellular Subset from Deceased Brain Donors and Acute Cellular Rejection after Liver Transplantation Procedure

Transplantation, 2018

Background: Our study focuses on the cytofluorimetric examination of a

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Italian Score for Organ Allocation System on Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Monocentric Competing Risk Time-to-Event Analysis

Transplantation Proceedings, 2019

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive and curative treatment for patients ... more BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive and curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the Italian score for organ allocation (ISO) in terms of the waiting-list mortality, probability of LT, and patient survival after LT. PATIENT AND METHODS All of the adult patients on the waiting list for LT at our institute from January 2014 to December 2017 were included in the study. The probabilities of death while on the waiting list, dropout from the list, and LT were compared by means of cumulative incidence functions, in a competing risk time-to-event analysis setting. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate and compare the probability of death and to find potential risk factors for waiting-list death. RESULTS There were 286 patients on the waiting list for LT during the study period, 122 of whom entered the waiting list prior to the implementation of ISO (Group A) and 164 afterward (Group B). Group A had 62 transplants, and Group B had 116 transplants. Group B showed a lesser probability of death (P = .005) and a greater probability of transplant (P < .001) compared to Group A. In the 2 groups, post-transplant survival was similar. CONCLUSION Based on preliminary clinical experience from a single transplant center, the ISO allocation system demonstrated an overall reduced probability of patient death while on the waiting list without impairing post-LT survival, suggesting that the ISO system might represent an improved method of organ allocation, with a more beneficial distribution of livers.

Research paper thumbnail of Laparoscopic management of uncommon benign uterine tumors: a systematic review

Updates in Surgery, 2019

The objective of the study was to review the reported cases of uncommon benign uterine tumors man... more The objective of the study was to review the reported cases of uncommon benign uterine tumors managed by laparoscopy. Medline database was searched using predefined search terms linked to atypical leiomyomas, leiomyoma variants, laparoscopy and morcellation. Quality of articles was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Due to heterogeneity in reporting characteristics of the patients, radiological findings, macroscopic findings, histological characteristics and follow-up, we performed a narrative synthesis. We included 109 cases of leiomyoma variants managed by laparoscopy. This stands for an incidence of 2.5% out of all the included laparoscopic management of leiomyomas. These cases were approached as classic leiomyoma. Only after the final histological results that their uncommon aspect was diagnosed. Intra-operatively, the management was similar to that of leiomyoma, with either myomectomy or hysterectomy performed depending on each individual case. Follow-up of these cases was variable: one case (0.9%) recurred as peritoneal sarcoma after 5 years of follow-up. It is important for the gynecologist, radiologist and pathologist to be aware about leiomyoma variants trying to diagnose them preoperatively. Strict follow-up of these cases is mandatory, because of the risk of recurrence and the very low but possible risk of future sarcomas.

Research paper thumbnail of The addition of simvastatin administration to cold storage solution of explanted whole liver grafts for facing ischemia/reperfusion injury in an area with a low rate of deceased donation: a monocentric randomized controlled double-blinded phase 2 study

BMC Surgery, 2018

Background: Liver transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. The interrup... more Background: Liver transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. The interruption of the blood supply to the donor liver during cold storage damages the liver, affecting how well the liver will function after transplant. The drug Simvastatin may help to protect donor livers against this damage and improve outcomes for transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of treating the donor liver with Simvastatin compared with the standard transplant procedure. Patient and methods: We propose a prospective, double-blinded, randomized phase 2 study of 2 parallel groups of eligible adult patients. We will compare 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month graft survival after LT, in order to identify a significant relation between the two homogenous groups of LT patients. The two groups only differ by the Simvastatin or placebo administration regimen while following the same procedure, with identical surgical instruments, and medical and nursing skilled staff. To reach these goals, we determined that we needed to recruit 106 patients. This sample size achieves 90% power to detect a difference of 14.6% between the two groups survival using a one-sided binomial test. Discussion: This trial is designed to confirm the effectiveness of Simvastatin to protect healthy and steatotic livers undergoing cold storage and warm reperfusion before transplantation and to evaluate if the addition of Simvastatin translates into improved graft outcomes. Trial registration: ISRCTN27083228.

Research paper thumbnail of Preliminary Report on Introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Laparoscopic Rectal Resection: A Single-Center Experience

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2018

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic rectal surgery seems to improve postoperative recovery of patients who ... more INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic rectal surgery seems to improve postoperative recovery of patients who undergo surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate preliminary results of implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for laparoscopic rectal resection (LRR) for cancer at our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients who underwent LRR for cancer at our institute after introduction of enhanced recovery protocol were compared with a control group of patients who previously underwent surgery with traditional protocol. Primary endpoints evaluated were length of stay (LOS) and rates of complications and readmissions. RESULTS We studied 150 consecutive patients, 56 operated with the traditional approach and 94 according to ERAS protocol. The mean (range) LOS was 10 (4-27) days for patients in control group versus 8.5 (3-32) days for patients in the ERAS group (P = .0823). No evidence of a different rate (P = .227) of complications was registered between the two groups. One patient in each group was readmitted. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of the ERAS protocol in LRR for cancer at our institute led to an initial reduction in hospital LOS, without increase in morbidity or readmission rate compared with our previous experience with traditional protocol.

Research paper thumbnail of Tumor markers of uterine cervical cancer: a new scenario to guide surgical practice?

Updates in surgery, Jan 16, 2017

Since the introduction of Pap smear screening, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer (CC... more Since the introduction of Pap smear screening, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer (CC) have been reduced drastically in USA and in other western states. Nevertheless, CC still remains the main cause of death from gynecological cancer in developing countries where screening programs are scant or inexistent. This evidence highlights the efficacy of screening, and the wide use of Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) vaccines in developed countries. More and more people are, consequentially, undergoing a screening procedure, usually combined with HPV DNA test, increasing the early diagnosis of intraepithelial HPV-related lesions. The long transit time from early cervical lesion to invasive cancer provides an opportunity to identify pre-cancerous lesions where treatment result is maximum. In fact, when an invasive CC occurs, the overall survival rate strictly depends on stage of disease with an average survival of 70% at 5 years. Under the pressure of this reality, researches have m...

Research paper thumbnail of Target Therapies for Uterine Carcinosarcomas: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

International journal of molecular sciences, Jan 20, 2017

Carcinosarcomas (CS) in gynecology are very infrequent and represent only 2-5% of uterine cancers... more Carcinosarcomas (CS) in gynecology are very infrequent and represent only 2-5% of uterine cancers. Despite surgical cytoreduction and subsequent chemotherapy being the primary treatment for uterine CS, the overall five-year survival rate is 30 ± 9% and recurrence is extremely common (50-80%). Due to the poor prognosis of CS, new strategies have been developed in the last few decades, targeting known dysfunctional molecular pathways for immunotherapy. In this paper, we aimed to gather the available evidence on the latest therapies for the treatment of CS. We performed a systematic review using the terms "uterine carcinosarcoma", "uterine Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors", "target therapies", "angiogenesis therapy", "cancer stem cell therapy", "prognostic biomarker", and "novel antibody-drug". Based on our results, the differential expression and accessibility of epithelial cell adhesion molecule-1 on metastatic/che...

Research paper thumbnail of New procedures for the identification of sentinel lymph node: shaping the horizon of future management in early stage uterine cervical cancer

Updates in Surgery, 2017

Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors for uterine cervical cancer... more Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors for uterine cervical cancer, although lymph node status is not part of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging. Considering the increasing attention about the topic, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature, to assess the accuracy of real-time fluorescence sentinel lymph node (SLN) for the detection of nodal metastases in patients with early stage cervical cancer (ESCC). In this work, we discuss the different techniques for SLN mapping and the accuracy of each one of them and, basing on these data, summarize the most important recommendations. In particular, we suggest to perform indocyanine green-SLN technique for ESCC, since it showed the highest accuracy for the detection of nodal metastases.

Research paper thumbnail of Fertility sparing surgery for stage IA type I and G2 endometrial cancer in reproductive-aged patients: evidence-based approach and future perspectives

Updates in surgery, Jan 10, 2017

Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in reproductive-age patients affected by endometrial cancer (EC) ... more Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in reproductive-age patients affected by endometrial cancer (EC) gained growing attention in the last decade, although the first reports were already published in 1990-2000s. Nevertheless, only few patients undergoing FSS for stage I, type I EC had been reported in each case series, without a robust multicenter study. In the available literature there are even fewer reported cases of conservative treatment of Stage IA and G2 EC. Considering these important gaps in our current knowledge, the purpose of this review was to summarize the available evidence about conservative treatments for stage IA type I and G2 EC, to improve the pretreatment counseling for reproductive-age patients. According to our overview, women who have low-risk disease (G1 or G2, endometrioid histotype confined to the endometrium) are candidates for progestin therapy. In addition, FSS could be considered a valid option for reproductive-aged patients with stage IA type I and G2 EC. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Complications and Near-Miss Events After Hepatectomy for Living-Related Liver Donation: An Italian Single Center Report of One Hundred Cases

Annals of Transplantation, 2016

BACKGROUND In healthy individuals, such as liver living donors, potential complications may occur... more BACKGROUND In healthy individuals, such as liver living donors, potential complications may occur during surgery. Reporting such complications and near-miss events is mandatory to improve living donor management and safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study was performed on a prospective database with the aim of providing a brief analysis of the perioperative, medium-term, and long-term complications, and the near-miss events in a single center series of 100 consecutive liver resections for adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation. RESULTS Only 23.3% of potential living donors underwent surgery. No living donor mortality was reported; 29 patients (29%) experienced at least one complication. Five patients developed mild long-term dysfunction; two aborted hepatectomies, and there were two near-miss events reported. CONCLUSIONS A strategy for an accurate assessment of living donor complications and strict selection criterion cannot be overemphasized, as well as the need to continuously update center patient outcome reports.

Research paper thumbnail of Laparoscopic Approach for Thermoablation Microwave in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Center Experience

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2016

Background: The surgical therapy of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is liver transplant... more Background: The surgical therapy of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is liver transplantation (LT) or hepatic resection, although only a small percentage of patients can undergo these procedures. Microwave thermal ablation (MWTA) can be an effective alternative treatment for HCC that complicates a cirrhotic liver disease, either as a final procedure or for downstaging patients on the waiting list for LT, or in combination with resective surgery to achieve oncological radicality. Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate experience with the laparoscopic approach of MWTA at our center. Materials and Methods: In a cohort of 35 consecutive patients undergoing MWTA with laparoscopic approach between January, 2013 and May, 2016, we reviewed the demographic data, the Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage, the severity of cirrhotic liver disease, the size of the ablated lesion, the duration of the procedure, and complications occurring within 90 days of surgery. Results: MWTA was performed by applying one to three hepatic parenchymal insertions (mean 1.8) per patient. The mean duration of surgery was 163-18 minutes. There was no blood loss in any of the procedures. Complete necrosis on CT scan was achieved in 26/35 patients (75%). The mean hospital stay was 4.6 (range 2-7) days; major complications were postablation syndrome in 2/35 (5.7%), peritoneal fluid in 4/35 (11.4%), and transient jaundice in 1/35 (2.8%) patients. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Laparoscopic MTWA is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable HCC and when a percutaneous procedure is not feasible.

Research paper thumbnail of Mini-Invasive Approach Contributes to Expand the Indication for Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Without Increasing the Incidence of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure and Other Perioperative Complications: A Single-Center Analysis

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2016

Background: Liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the best alternative optio... more Background: Liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the best alternative option for increasing the survival of many patients with intermediate or advanced stages of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification. Mini-invasive approach may play a positive role in treating a tumor rising almost exclusively in a diseased liver. Methods: A prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed for 167 consecutive patients who underwent LR between 1999 and 2015. Results: A total of 38 LRs were performed from 1999 to 2009 (Period I), and 129 between 2010 and 2015 (Period II). Laparoscopic procedures increased from 5.3% to 38.1%. Not undergoing laparoscopic LR increased length of stay, and Clavien Grade II or worse complications. Ninety-day mortality decreased from 5.2% to 0%, and morbidity did not differ significantly, despite the fact that the most complex patients were in Period II. Conclusions: Mini-invasive approaches allow to safely expand limits of LR for HCC; in particular, laparoscopic approach favors surgical option even in more complex patients without increase the risk of posthepatic liver failure or other postsurgical complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment of the iatrogenic lesion of the biliary tree secondary to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a single center experience

Updates in Surgery, 2016

Surgical bile duct injury (SBDI), during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a worldwide ongoing pro... more Surgical bile duct injury (SBDI), during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a worldwide ongoing problem. The purpose of this study is to analyze a single center retrospective experience with this topic. From 1999 to 2012, 30 patients with diagnosis of SBDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in other institute for gallbladder lithiasis and then transferred to our facility were enrolled in this analysis. We considered in the study the following parameters: classification and site of the bile duct injury, infective complications and therapeutic management according to early or late referral. Twenty four patients (80 %) had a SBDI type E1; a concomitant vascular injury was described in 3/30 (10 %) in right hepatic artery. 11 patients had HJJ as primary surgical treatment in our hospital. Surgical site infection was documented in 9/30 (30 %). The most common microorganisms documented in SSI were E. coli with an incidence of 55.5 % of SSI. Worse infective complications were detected in the late referral group. Complex SBDI occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be early referred to advanced hepatobiliary program, for appropriate multidisciplinary management.

Research paper thumbnail of Liver Volume Restoration and Hepatic Microarchitecture in Small-for-Size Syndrome

Annals of transplantation : quarterly of the Polish Transplantation Society, Jan 7, 2015

BACKGROUND We investigated preoperative parameters that could work as markers of liver regenerati... more BACKGROUND We investigated preoperative parameters that could work as markers of liver regeneration (LR), and tried to create an algorithm for therapeutic decision-making, looking at the clinical setting of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major liver resection for malignancies (LRM) and of the small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) after adult-to-adult living related liver transplantation (LRLT), considering PHLF and SFSS a single clinical entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical data of 2 series of 10 consecutive patients who experienced liver-specific complications after LRLT or LRM between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed. LR was evaluated by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and hepatic parenchymal findings with specific re-examinations of liver biopsies. The analysis was done according to demographics, tumor characteristics, and postoperative complications occurring within 90 days of surgery and codified within the Clavien classification. RESULTS A total of 13 cases of S...

Research paper thumbnail of Laparoscopic Microwave Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatic Patients

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2020

Background: Laparoscopic microwave thermal ablation (LMWTA) is a well-established alternative tre... more Background: Laparoscopic microwave thermal ablation (LMWTA) is a well-established alternative treatment to liver resection for treatment of liver tumors. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in LMWTA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatic patients. Materials and Methods: A study group of 61 consecutive HCC patients treated with LMWTA from January, 2013 to May, 2020 were considered for this study. Patient characteristics, liver function test, operational characteristics, and complications were recorded. Results: Of the 61 patients who underwent LMWTA, median age was 64 (interquartile range [IQR]: 58-71) years, mean body mass index was 26.2 (IQR: 23.2-29.4); 44 patients (72%) presented with an hepatitis C virus etiology, 46 (75%) were Child-Pugh Class A, median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 8.0 (IQR: 7.0-9.4). Viral infection was confirmed to be the most important risk factor in determining progressive cirrhotic evolution with HCC expression. Conclusions: LMWTA is a safe alternative treatment to traditional surgery, and can be combined with surgery.

Research paper thumbnail of Recurrent graft failure secondary to portal vein steal syndrome: a case report with an unusual indication for a third liver transplant

BMC Surgery, 2022

Background Portal vein shunt is common in chronic hepatic diseases and after a liver transplant. ... more Background Portal vein shunt is common in chronic hepatic diseases and after a liver transplant. Ensuring a satisfactory portal flow is essential to support a rapid liver recovery, of paramount importance to meet the recipient’s metabolic needs. Case presentation We report the case of a 32-year-old female undergoing a third liver transplant due to recurrence of graft failure secondary to portosystemic shunting. The patient, affected with biliary atresia, was first transplanted in 2009 with a right split liver graft. The clinical course was complicated by biliary stenosis of the Roux-en-Y anastomosis and multiple episodes of acute rejection treated with steroid boluses, plastic dilation of the biliary anastomosis, and biliary catheter placement. Unfortunately, in 2017 a liver biopsy showed an autoimmunity with histological evidence of ANA 1:80 (granular and nucleolar pattern). This was a contributing factor of liver function impairment, leading to the need to perform a second liver t...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of Hepatitis C-Positive Deceased Liver Donors in Response to the Organ Shortage in an Endemic Area

Annals of Transplantation, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Case report: Trans-papillary free stenting of the cystic duct and of the common bile duct in a double biliary ducts anastomoses of a right lobe living donor transplantation

Background One of the major issues related to the living donor liver transplantation recipient ou... more Background One of the major issues related to the living donor liver transplantation recipient outcome is still the high rate of biliary complication, especially when multiple biliary ducts are present and multiple anastomoses have to be performed. Case presentation and conclusion We report a case of adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation performed for a recipient affected by alcohol-related cirrhosis with MELD score of 17. End-stage liver disease was complicated by refractory ascites, portal hypertension, small esophageal varices and portal gastropathy, hypersplenism, and abundant right pleural effusion. Here in the attached video we described the adult-to-adult LDLT procedures, where a right lobe with two biliary ducts draining respectively the right anterior and the right posterior segments has been transplanted. LDLT required a biliary reconstruction using the native cystic and common bile ducts stented trans-papillary with two 5- French 6 cm long soft sila...

Research paper thumbnail of The use of normothermic machine perfusion to rescue liver allografts from expanded criteria donors

Updates in Surgery, 2021

The use of expanded criteria donors is one of the strategies used to overcome the gap between the... more The use of expanded criteria donors is one of the strategies used to overcome the gap between the demand for organs and the number of donors. Physicians debate the extent to which marginal grafts can be used. In recent years, normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has been used to test liver viability before transplantation. Grafts underwent NMP whenever histological steatosis was > 40% or there were at least three Eurotransplant criteria for expanded criteria donor (ECD). We used NMP to test 19 grafts, 3 from donation after type 3 controlled cardiac death (DCD), and 16 from donation after brain death (DBD). Only two grafts from DBD were not transplanted, because perfusion proved they were not suitable (total of 17 transplanted grafts of 19 tested grafts). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates at 30, 90, 180, and 1 year after transplant were all 94% (95% CI 84–100%); estimated 3-years survival was 82% (95% CI 62–100%). Overall survival rates did not differ from those of patients transplanted with non-perfused grafts from an ECD. In our experience, the use of very marginal grafts preventively tested by NMP does not negatively influence the patient’s outcome, and increases the number of transplants in low donation areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Near Infra-Red Technology to Evaluate Segment IV in Split Liver Transplantation

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2020

Background Indocyanine green injected intravenously has been employed in many fields of hepatobil... more Background Indocyanine green injected intravenously has been employed in many fields of hepatobiliary surgery such as liver and biliary tree mapping, tumor detection, and graft evaluation in liver transplant. This latter application has, in our opinion, particular potentials when a split liver transplantation is performed 1-3. Methods In this study, we used infrared technology to evaluate in real-time the segment 4 region in a recipient of extended right lobe transplantation. Donor data: 50 years old male, brain death, height, 1.70 mt, weight 69 kg; surgical technique employed was in situ standard split liver procurement. Recipient data: 46 years old male, height 1.75 mt; weight 67 k 23 g, affected by cirrhosis secondary HCV infection, with MELD Na 33. Standard orthotopic liver transplantation was performed with indocyanine green intravenous injection at 15 min after arterial reperfusion. Results Infrared technology, showed in this video, demonstrates progressive improvement of segment IV viability which was confirmed by the post-operative contrast-enhanced CT scan performed before discharge. The transplant procedure was uneventful and the patient discharged to home 10 days after surgery. Conclusion The case reported in this video is, to the best of our knowledge, the first in the English literature showing how near infrared technology has predictive value on the evaluation of a split graft. Fast diffusion of the colorant allows dynamic early evaluation and may confirm the presence of intra-hepatic venous shunt, which will determine a full recovery of the originally ischemic area. On the contrary, a permanent absence of the staining might be predictive of dysfunction.

Research paper thumbnail of Association between Liver Perfusate Natural Killer Cellular Subset from Deceased Brain Donors and Acute Cellular Rejection after Liver Transplantation Procedure

Transplantation, 2018

Background: Our study focuses on the cytofluorimetric examination of a

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Italian Score for Organ Allocation System on Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Monocentric Competing Risk Time-to-Event Analysis

Transplantation Proceedings, 2019

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive and curative treatment for patients ... more BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive and curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the Italian score for organ allocation (ISO) in terms of the waiting-list mortality, probability of LT, and patient survival after LT. PATIENT AND METHODS All of the adult patients on the waiting list for LT at our institute from January 2014 to December 2017 were included in the study. The probabilities of death while on the waiting list, dropout from the list, and LT were compared by means of cumulative incidence functions, in a competing risk time-to-event analysis setting. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate and compare the probability of death and to find potential risk factors for waiting-list death. RESULTS There were 286 patients on the waiting list for LT during the study period, 122 of whom entered the waiting list prior to the implementation of ISO (Group A) and 164 afterward (Group B). Group A had 62 transplants, and Group B had 116 transplants. Group B showed a lesser probability of death (P = .005) and a greater probability of transplant (P < .001) compared to Group A. In the 2 groups, post-transplant survival was similar. CONCLUSION Based on preliminary clinical experience from a single transplant center, the ISO allocation system demonstrated an overall reduced probability of patient death while on the waiting list without impairing post-LT survival, suggesting that the ISO system might represent an improved method of organ allocation, with a more beneficial distribution of livers.

Research paper thumbnail of Laparoscopic management of uncommon benign uterine tumors: a systematic review

Updates in Surgery, 2019

The objective of the study was to review the reported cases of uncommon benign uterine tumors man... more The objective of the study was to review the reported cases of uncommon benign uterine tumors managed by laparoscopy. Medline database was searched using predefined search terms linked to atypical leiomyomas, leiomyoma variants, laparoscopy and morcellation. Quality of articles was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Due to heterogeneity in reporting characteristics of the patients, radiological findings, macroscopic findings, histological characteristics and follow-up, we performed a narrative synthesis. We included 109 cases of leiomyoma variants managed by laparoscopy. This stands for an incidence of 2.5% out of all the included laparoscopic management of leiomyomas. These cases were approached as classic leiomyoma. Only after the final histological results that their uncommon aspect was diagnosed. Intra-operatively, the management was similar to that of leiomyoma, with either myomectomy or hysterectomy performed depending on each individual case. Follow-up of these cases was variable: one case (0.9%) recurred as peritoneal sarcoma after 5 years of follow-up. It is important for the gynecologist, radiologist and pathologist to be aware about leiomyoma variants trying to diagnose them preoperatively. Strict follow-up of these cases is mandatory, because of the risk of recurrence and the very low but possible risk of future sarcomas.

Research paper thumbnail of The addition of simvastatin administration to cold storage solution of explanted whole liver grafts for facing ischemia/reperfusion injury in an area with a low rate of deceased donation: a monocentric randomized controlled double-blinded phase 2 study

BMC Surgery, 2018

Background: Liver transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. The interrup... more Background: Liver transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. The interruption of the blood supply to the donor liver during cold storage damages the liver, affecting how well the liver will function after transplant. The drug Simvastatin may help to protect donor livers against this damage and improve outcomes for transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of treating the donor liver with Simvastatin compared with the standard transplant procedure. Patient and methods: We propose a prospective, double-blinded, randomized phase 2 study of 2 parallel groups of eligible adult patients. We will compare 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month graft survival after LT, in order to identify a significant relation between the two homogenous groups of LT patients. The two groups only differ by the Simvastatin or placebo administration regimen while following the same procedure, with identical surgical instruments, and medical and nursing skilled staff. To reach these goals, we determined that we needed to recruit 106 patients. This sample size achieves 90% power to detect a difference of 14.6% between the two groups survival using a one-sided binomial test. Discussion: This trial is designed to confirm the effectiveness of Simvastatin to protect healthy and steatotic livers undergoing cold storage and warm reperfusion before transplantation and to evaluate if the addition of Simvastatin translates into improved graft outcomes. Trial registration: ISRCTN27083228.

Research paper thumbnail of Preliminary Report on Introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Laparoscopic Rectal Resection: A Single-Center Experience

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2018

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic rectal surgery seems to improve postoperative recovery of patients who ... more INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic rectal surgery seems to improve postoperative recovery of patients who undergo surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate preliminary results of implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for laparoscopic rectal resection (LRR) for cancer at our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients who underwent LRR for cancer at our institute after introduction of enhanced recovery protocol were compared with a control group of patients who previously underwent surgery with traditional protocol. Primary endpoints evaluated were length of stay (LOS) and rates of complications and readmissions. RESULTS We studied 150 consecutive patients, 56 operated with the traditional approach and 94 according to ERAS protocol. The mean (range) LOS was 10 (4-27) days for patients in control group versus 8.5 (3-32) days for patients in the ERAS group (P = .0823). No evidence of a different rate (P = .227) of complications was registered between the two groups. One patient in each group was readmitted. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of the ERAS protocol in LRR for cancer at our institute led to an initial reduction in hospital LOS, without increase in morbidity or readmission rate compared with our previous experience with traditional protocol.

Research paper thumbnail of Tumor markers of uterine cervical cancer: a new scenario to guide surgical practice?

Updates in surgery, Jan 16, 2017

Since the introduction of Pap smear screening, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer (CC... more Since the introduction of Pap smear screening, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer (CC) have been reduced drastically in USA and in other western states. Nevertheless, CC still remains the main cause of death from gynecological cancer in developing countries where screening programs are scant or inexistent. This evidence highlights the efficacy of screening, and the wide use of Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) vaccines in developed countries. More and more people are, consequentially, undergoing a screening procedure, usually combined with HPV DNA test, increasing the early diagnosis of intraepithelial HPV-related lesions. The long transit time from early cervical lesion to invasive cancer provides an opportunity to identify pre-cancerous lesions where treatment result is maximum. In fact, when an invasive CC occurs, the overall survival rate strictly depends on stage of disease with an average survival of 70% at 5 years. Under the pressure of this reality, researches have m...

Research paper thumbnail of Target Therapies for Uterine Carcinosarcomas: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

International journal of molecular sciences, Jan 20, 2017

Carcinosarcomas (CS) in gynecology are very infrequent and represent only 2-5% of uterine cancers... more Carcinosarcomas (CS) in gynecology are very infrequent and represent only 2-5% of uterine cancers. Despite surgical cytoreduction and subsequent chemotherapy being the primary treatment for uterine CS, the overall five-year survival rate is 30 ± 9% and recurrence is extremely common (50-80%). Due to the poor prognosis of CS, new strategies have been developed in the last few decades, targeting known dysfunctional molecular pathways for immunotherapy. In this paper, we aimed to gather the available evidence on the latest therapies for the treatment of CS. We performed a systematic review using the terms "uterine carcinosarcoma", "uterine Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors", "target therapies", "angiogenesis therapy", "cancer stem cell therapy", "prognostic biomarker", and "novel antibody-drug". Based on our results, the differential expression and accessibility of epithelial cell adhesion molecule-1 on metastatic/che...

Research paper thumbnail of New procedures for the identification of sentinel lymph node: shaping the horizon of future management in early stage uterine cervical cancer

Updates in Surgery, 2017

Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors for uterine cervical cancer... more Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors for uterine cervical cancer, although lymph node status is not part of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging. Considering the increasing attention about the topic, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature, to assess the accuracy of real-time fluorescence sentinel lymph node (SLN) for the detection of nodal metastases in patients with early stage cervical cancer (ESCC). In this work, we discuss the different techniques for SLN mapping and the accuracy of each one of them and, basing on these data, summarize the most important recommendations. In particular, we suggest to perform indocyanine green-SLN technique for ESCC, since it showed the highest accuracy for the detection of nodal metastases.

Research paper thumbnail of Fertility sparing surgery for stage IA type I and G2 endometrial cancer in reproductive-aged patients: evidence-based approach and future perspectives

Updates in surgery, Jan 10, 2017

Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in reproductive-age patients affected by endometrial cancer (EC) ... more Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in reproductive-age patients affected by endometrial cancer (EC) gained growing attention in the last decade, although the first reports were already published in 1990-2000s. Nevertheless, only few patients undergoing FSS for stage I, type I EC had been reported in each case series, without a robust multicenter study. In the available literature there are even fewer reported cases of conservative treatment of Stage IA and G2 EC. Considering these important gaps in our current knowledge, the purpose of this review was to summarize the available evidence about conservative treatments for stage IA type I and G2 EC, to improve the pretreatment counseling for reproductive-age patients. According to our overview, women who have low-risk disease (G1 or G2, endometrioid histotype confined to the endometrium) are candidates for progestin therapy. In addition, FSS could be considered a valid option for reproductive-aged patients with stage IA type I and G2 EC. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Complications and Near-Miss Events After Hepatectomy for Living-Related Liver Donation: An Italian Single Center Report of One Hundred Cases

Annals of Transplantation, 2016

BACKGROUND In healthy individuals, such as liver living donors, potential complications may occur... more BACKGROUND In healthy individuals, such as liver living donors, potential complications may occur during surgery. Reporting such complications and near-miss events is mandatory to improve living donor management and safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study was performed on a prospective database with the aim of providing a brief analysis of the perioperative, medium-term, and long-term complications, and the near-miss events in a single center series of 100 consecutive liver resections for adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation. RESULTS Only 23.3% of potential living donors underwent surgery. No living donor mortality was reported; 29 patients (29%) experienced at least one complication. Five patients developed mild long-term dysfunction; two aborted hepatectomies, and there were two near-miss events reported. CONCLUSIONS A strategy for an accurate assessment of living donor complications and strict selection criterion cannot be overemphasized, as well as the need to continuously update center patient outcome reports.

Research paper thumbnail of Laparoscopic Approach for Thermoablation Microwave in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Center Experience

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2016

Background: The surgical therapy of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is liver transplant... more Background: The surgical therapy of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is liver transplantation (LT) or hepatic resection, although only a small percentage of patients can undergo these procedures. Microwave thermal ablation (MWTA) can be an effective alternative treatment for HCC that complicates a cirrhotic liver disease, either as a final procedure or for downstaging patients on the waiting list for LT, or in combination with resective surgery to achieve oncological radicality. Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate experience with the laparoscopic approach of MWTA at our center. Materials and Methods: In a cohort of 35 consecutive patients undergoing MWTA with laparoscopic approach between January, 2013 and May, 2016, we reviewed the demographic data, the Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage, the severity of cirrhotic liver disease, the size of the ablated lesion, the duration of the procedure, and complications occurring within 90 days of surgery. Results: MWTA was performed by applying one to three hepatic parenchymal insertions (mean 1.8) per patient. The mean duration of surgery was 163-18 minutes. There was no blood loss in any of the procedures. Complete necrosis on CT scan was achieved in 26/35 patients (75%). The mean hospital stay was 4.6 (range 2-7) days; major complications were postablation syndrome in 2/35 (5.7%), peritoneal fluid in 4/35 (11.4%), and transient jaundice in 1/35 (2.8%) patients. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Laparoscopic MTWA is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable HCC and when a percutaneous procedure is not feasible.

Research paper thumbnail of Mini-Invasive Approach Contributes to Expand the Indication for Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Without Increasing the Incidence of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure and Other Perioperative Complications: A Single-Center Analysis

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2016

Background: Liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the best alternative optio... more Background: Liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the best alternative option for increasing the survival of many patients with intermediate or advanced stages of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification. Mini-invasive approach may play a positive role in treating a tumor rising almost exclusively in a diseased liver. Methods: A prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed for 167 consecutive patients who underwent LR between 1999 and 2015. Results: A total of 38 LRs were performed from 1999 to 2009 (Period I), and 129 between 2010 and 2015 (Period II). Laparoscopic procedures increased from 5.3% to 38.1%. Not undergoing laparoscopic LR increased length of stay, and Clavien Grade II or worse complications. Ninety-day mortality decreased from 5.2% to 0%, and morbidity did not differ significantly, despite the fact that the most complex patients were in Period II. Conclusions: Mini-invasive approaches allow to safely expand limits of LR for HCC; in particular, laparoscopic approach favors surgical option even in more complex patients without increase the risk of posthepatic liver failure or other postsurgical complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment of the iatrogenic lesion of the biliary tree secondary to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a single center experience

Updates in Surgery, 2016

Surgical bile duct injury (SBDI), during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a worldwide ongoing pro... more Surgical bile duct injury (SBDI), during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a worldwide ongoing problem. The purpose of this study is to analyze a single center retrospective experience with this topic. From 1999 to 2012, 30 patients with diagnosis of SBDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in other institute for gallbladder lithiasis and then transferred to our facility were enrolled in this analysis. We considered in the study the following parameters: classification and site of the bile duct injury, infective complications and therapeutic management according to early or late referral. Twenty four patients (80 %) had a SBDI type E1; a concomitant vascular injury was described in 3/30 (10 %) in right hepatic artery. 11 patients had HJJ as primary surgical treatment in our hospital. Surgical site infection was documented in 9/30 (30 %). The most common microorganisms documented in SSI were E. coli with an incidence of 55.5 % of SSI. Worse infective complications were detected in the late referral group. Complex SBDI occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be early referred to advanced hepatobiliary program, for appropriate multidisciplinary management.

Research paper thumbnail of Liver Volume Restoration and Hepatic Microarchitecture in Small-for-Size Syndrome

Annals of transplantation : quarterly of the Polish Transplantation Society, Jan 7, 2015

BACKGROUND We investigated preoperative parameters that could work as markers of liver regenerati... more BACKGROUND We investigated preoperative parameters that could work as markers of liver regeneration (LR), and tried to create an algorithm for therapeutic decision-making, looking at the clinical setting of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major liver resection for malignancies (LRM) and of the small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) after adult-to-adult living related liver transplantation (LRLT), considering PHLF and SFSS a single clinical entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical data of 2 series of 10 consecutive patients who experienced liver-specific complications after LRLT or LRM between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed. LR was evaluated by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and hepatic parenchymal findings with specific re-examinations of liver biopsies. The analysis was done according to demographics, tumor characteristics, and postoperative complications occurring within 90 days of surgery and codified within the Clavien classification. RESULTS A total of 13 cases of S...