Background: Primary non-function(PNF) and early allograft failure(EAF) after liver transplantation(LT) seriously affect patient outcomes. In clinical practice, effective prognostic tools for early identifying recipien...Background: Primary non-function(PNF) and early allograft failure(EAF) after liver transplantation(LT) seriously affect patient outcomes. In clinical practice, effective prognostic tools for early identifying recipients at high risk of PNF and EAF were urgently needed. Recently, the Model for Early Allograft Function(MEAF), PNF score by King's College(King-PNF) and Balance-and-Risk-Lactate(BAR-Lac) score were developed to assess the risks of PNF and EAF. This study aimed to externally validate and compare the prognostic performance of these three scores for predicting PNF and EAF. Methods: A retrospective study included 720 patients with primary LT between January 2015 and December 2020. MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac scores were compared using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and the net reclassification improvement(NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement(IDI) analyses. Results: Of all 720 patients, 28(3.9%) developed PNF and 67(9.3%) developed EAF in 3 months. The overall early allograft dysfunction(EAD) rate was 39.0%. The 3-month patient mortality was 8.6% while 1-year graft-failure-free survival was 89.2%. The median MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac scores were 5.0(3.5–6.3),-2.1(-2.6 to-1.2), and 5.0(2.0–11.0), respectively. For predicting PNF, MEAF and King-PNF scores had excellent area under curves(AUCs) of 0.872 and 0.891, superior to BAR-Lac(AUC = 0.830). The NRI and IDI analyses confirmed that King-PNF score had the best performance in predicting PNF while MEAF served as a better predictor of EAD. The EAF risk curve and 1-year graft-failure-free survival curve showed that King-PNF was superior to MEAF and BAR-Lac scores for stratifying the risk of EAF. Conclusions: MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac were validated as practical and effective risk assessment tools of PNF. King-PNF score outperformed MEAF and BAR-Lac in predicting PNF and EAF within 6 months. BAR-Lac score had a huge advantage in the prediction for PNF without post-transplant variables. Proper use of these scores will help early identify PNF, standardize grading of EAF and reasonably select clinical endpoints in relative studies.展开更多
Intraoperative ultrasonography(IOUS)in hepatobiliary surgery is well known as an essential tool for radical and safe hepatectomies,allowing to perform parenchymal sparing surgery and,as consequence,to expand the surgi...Intraoperative ultrasonography(IOUS)in hepatobiliary surgery is well known as an essential tool for radical and safe hepatectomies,allowing to perform parenchymal sparing surgery and,as consequence,to expand the surgical indications for patients otherwise considered unresectable.Nevertheless,since many years,despite its effectiveness in the study of vascular anatomy of the liver,the gold standard for the assessment of biliary anatomy during surgery is intraoperative cholangiography(IOC),which is used for the validation of preoperative imaging as well as for guiding reconstruction in case of bile duct injury or resection.展开更多
Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection has been increasingly reported worldwide,but how to demarcate the resection planes is technically challenging[1].Positive staining technique with intraoperative indocyanine gree...Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection has been increasingly reported worldwide,but how to demarcate the resection planes is technically challenging[1].Positive staining technique with intraoperative indocyanine green(ICG)-fluorescence imaging has been introduced as an effective tool for real-time intraoperative guidance[2].Liver anatomy is complex.Generally,liver is composed of 9 segments,each is composed of two to three subsegments,and each subsegment contains several hepatic cone units.A hepatic cone unit is dominated by a tertiary or quaternary hepatic pedicles[3].展开更多
To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an aggressive malignancy with poor long-term prognosis[1].Liver cancer stem cell(CSC)can drive the metastasis,drug resistance,and recurrence of HCC[2].The regulatory mecha...To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an aggressive malignancy with poor long-term prognosis[1].Liver cancer stem cell(CSC)can drive the metastasis,drug resistance,and recurrence of HCC[2].The regulatory mechanisms about liver cancer stemness have been investigated,which encouraged the identification and characterization of novel prognostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC[3].展开更多
To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the main causes of cancer related death worldwide,and new cases are expected to continue to increase in future[1].Surgical resection is still the best way to remove...To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the main causes of cancer related death worldwide,and new cases are expected to continue to increase in future[1].Surgical resection is still the best way to remove the tumor and improve patient’s prognosis.However,resection of caudate lobe often presents a technical challenge,even to accomplished hepatic surgeons.Caudate lobe is located anterior to the inferior vena cava(IVC)and posterior to the bifurcation of the portal vein(PV),generally consists of three regions:the paracaval portion,the left Spiegel lobe and the process portion[2].The anatomy of the paracaval portion includes the liver parenchyma ventral to the hepatic IVC and the area between the Spiegel lobe and the right lobe adjacent to the middle hepatic vein(MHV)ventrally,which was classified by Couinaud as segment IX[3].Here,we presented a case of HCC with successful downstaging therapy,as well as variation of MHV,which provides a safe path for anterior transection of segment IX.展开更多
Background:In recent years,the development of digital imaging technology has had a significant influence in liver surgery.The ability to obtain a 3-dimensional(3D)visualization of the liver anatomy has provided surger...Background:In recent years,the development of digital imaging technology has had a significant influence in liver surgery.The ability to obtain a 3-dimensional(3D)visualization of the liver anatomy has provided surgery with virtual reality of simulation 3D computer models,3D printing models and more recently holograms and augmented reality(when virtual reality knowledge is superimposed onto reality).In addition,the utilization of real-time fluorescent imaging techniques based on indocyanine green(ICG)uptake allows clinicians to precisely delineate the liver anatomy and/or tumors within the parenchyma,applying the knowledge obtained preoperatively through digital imaging.The combination of both has transformed the abstract thinking until now based on 2D imaging into a 3D preoperative conception(virtual reality),enhanced with real-time visualization of the fluorescent liver structures,effectively facilitating intraoperative navigated liver surgery(augmented reality).Data sources:A literature search was performed from inception until January 2021 in MEDLINE(Pub Med),Embase,Cochrane library and database for systematic reviews(CDSR),Google Scholar,and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence(NICE)databases.Results:Fifty-one pertinent articles were retrieved and included.The different types of digital imaging technologies and the real-time navigated liver surgery were estimated and compared.Conclusions:ICG fluorescent imaging techniques can contribute essentially to the real-time definition of liver segments;as a result,precise hepatic resection can be guided by the presence of fluorescence.Furthermore,3D models can help essentially to further advancing of precision in hepatic surgery by permitting estimation of liver volume and functional liver remnant,delineation of resection lines along the liver segments and evaluation of tumor margins.In liver transplantation and especially in living donor liver transplantation(LDLT),3D printed models of the donor’s liver and models of the recipient’s hilar anatomy can contribute further to improving the results.In particular,pediatric LDLT abdominal cavity models can help to manage the largest challenge of this procedure,namely large-for-size syndrome.展开更多
Background:Despite remarkable advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management,left hepatic trisectionectomy(LHT)remains a challenging procedure with a somewhat high postoperative morbidity rate compared w...Background:Despite remarkable advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management,left hepatic trisectionectomy(LHT)remains a challenging procedure with a somewhat high postoperative morbidity rate compared with less-extensive resections.This study aimed to analyze the short-and long-term outcomes of LHT and identify factors associated with the postoperative morbidity of this technically demanding surgical procedure.Methods:The medical records of 53 patients who underwent LHT between June 2005 and October 2019 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed.The independent prognostic factor of postoperative morbidity was analyzed using the logistic regression model.Results:Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common indication for surgery(n=21),followed by hilar cholangiocarcinoma(n=14),intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(n=10),and other pathologies(including colorectal liver metastasis,hepatolithiasis,gallbladder cancer,living donor,hemangioma,and multilocular biliary cyst;n=8).The rates of postoperative morbidities of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher and 90-day mortality were 39.6% and 1.9%,respectively.The 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival rates were 81.1%,61.4%,and 44.6%,respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative jaundice[hazard ratio(HR)=6.15,95%confidence interval(CI):1.57-24.17,P=0.009]and operative time>420 min(HR=4.66,95%CI:1.27–17.17,P=0.021)were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity.Conclusions:The in-hospital mortality of LHT surgery can be minimalized by a reliable preoperative evaluation of liver function and selection of the dominant anatomic features of right posterior sector,active and appropriate preoperative management for obstructive cholangitis and compensatory hypertrophy of the future remnant posterior sector,and the experience of the surgeon.展开更多
Background:Grafts from older donors after circulatory death were associated with inferior outcome in liver transplants in the past.But it has seemed to remain controversial in the last decade,as a result of modified c...Background:Grafts from older donors after circulatory death were associated with inferior outcome in liver transplants in the past.But it has seemed to remain controversial in the last decade,as a result of modified clinical protocols,selected recipients,and advanced technology of organ perfusion and preservation.The present study aimed to examine the impact of older donor age on complications and survival of liver transplant using grafts from donation after circulatory death(DCD).Methods:A total of 944 patients who received DCD liver transplantation from 2015 to 2020 were included and divided into two groups:using graft from older donor(aged≥65 years,n=87)and younger donor(age<65 years,n=857).Propensity score matching(PSM)was applied to eliminate selection bias.Results:A progressively increased proportion of liver transplants with grafts from older donors was observed from 1.68%to 15.44%during the study period.The well-balanced older donor(n=79)and younger donor(n=79)were 1:1 matched.There were significantly more episodes of biliary nonanastomotic stricture(NAS)in the older donor group than the younger donor group[15/79(19.0%)vs.6/79(7.6%);P=0.017].The difference did not reach statistical significance regarding early allograft dysfunction(EAD)and primary non-function(PNF).Older livers had a trend toward inferior 1-,2-,3-year graft and overall survival compared with younger livers,but these differences were not statistically significant(63.1%,57.6%,57.6%vs.76.9%,70.2%,67.7%,P=0.112;64.4%,58.6%,58.6%vs.76.9%,72.2%,72.2%,P=0.064).The only risk factor for poor survival was ABO incompatible transplant(P=0.008)in the older donor group.In the subgroup of ABO incompatible cases,it demonstrated a significant difference in the rate of NAS between the older donor group and the younger donor group[6/8(75.0%)vs.3/14(21.4%);P=0.014].Conclusions:Transplants with grafts from older donors(aged≥65 years)after circulatory death are more frequently associated with inferior outcome compared to those from younger donors.Older grafts from DCD are more likely to develop NAS,especially in ABO incompatible cases.展开更多
Background:Wernicke encephalopathy(WE)is an acute neurological disease resulting from vitamin B1 deficiency,and there are only very few case reports of WE after liver transplantation.The present study aimed to investi...Background:Wernicke encephalopathy(WE)is an acute neurological disease resulting from vitamin B1 deficiency,and there are only very few case reports of WE after liver transplantation.The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics,etiology,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)features,treatment and prognosis of patients with WE after liver transplantation.Methods:Twenty-three patients with WE after liver transplantation from the First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 23 patients diagnosed with WE after liver transplantation,6(26%)had a classic triad of impaired consciousness,oculomotor palsy and ataxia,and 17(74%)had two features.The misdiagno-sis rate was 65%.After treatment with high-dose vitamin B1,19(83%)patients showed improvement,whereas 4(17%)showed no improvement,including 3 with residual short-term memory impairments and 1 with residual spatial and temporal disorientation and ataxia.Conclusions:The misdiagnosis rate is high in the early stage of WE,and the prognosis is closely asso-ciated with whether WE is diagnosed early and treated timely.High-dose glucose or glucocorticoids can trigger WE and cannot be administered before vitamin B1 treatment.Vitamin B1 is suggested to be used as a prophylactic treatment for patients with WE after liver transplantation.展开更多
Background:This article aims to present the single-institution outcomes of patients with Fibrolamellar Carcinoma(FLC)treated with liver-directed therapies(LDT).Methods:In this single-center retrospective study,all pat...Background:This article aims to present the single-institution outcomes of patients with Fibrolamellar Carcinoma(FLC)treated with liver-directed therapies(LDT).Methods:In this single-center retrospective study,all patients diagnosed with FLC who underwent LDT were identified.Between July 2012 and July 2023,six patients were identified.One patient was excluded due to bleeding.Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded.Complications within 30 days of the LDT were evaluated.Radiological treatment responses at 1,6,and 12 months were assessed per mRECIST.Results:A total offive patients,which included three females and two males,were reviewed.Three patients were treated with transarterial hepatic embolization(TAE;n=3),transarterial radioembolization(TARE;n=1),and combined TAE+radiofrequency ablation(n=1).The objective response rate at one month was 80%[CR=2(40%),PR=2(40%),and SD=1(20%)].At 12 months(n=4),two patients demonstrated CR(50%)and two demonstrated PR(50%).Overall survival from LDT atfive years was 50%.There was no 30-day mortality among this group of patients or any adverse event attributable to the LDT.Conclusion:TAE,TARE,and ablation are safe and effective therapeutic options for FLC.Based on this study and previously published case reports,ablation and TARE yielded the most favorable results.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONMost advanced hepatocellular garcinoma (HCC) isinsensitive to most anticancer drugs which might berelated to the high frequency of expression of themultidrug resistance-1(MDR1) gene and itsproduct,P-glycop...INTRODUCTIONMost advanced hepatocellular garcinoma (HCC) isinsensitive to most anticancer drugs which might berelated to the high frequency of expression of themultidrug resistance-1(MDR1) gene and itsproduct,P-glycoprotein (p-gp).p-gp expressionmay also be concerned with tumor progression anddifferentiation.In the present study。展开更多
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is rare. The present study aimed to determine post-surgical prognoses in HCC patients with BDTT, as outcomes are currently unclear. ...BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is rare. The present study aimed to determine post-surgical prognoses in HCC patients with BDTT, as outcomes are currently unclear. METHODS: We compared the prognoses of 110 HCC patients without BDTT (group A) to 22 cases with BDTT (group B). The two groups were matched in age, gender, tumor etiology, size, number, portal vascular invasion, and TNM stage. Additionally, 28 HCC patients with BDTT were analyzed to identify prognostic risk factors. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 66.9%, and 55.9% for group A and 81.8%, 50.0%, and 37.5% for group B, respectively. The median survival time in groups A and B was 68.8 and 31.4 months, respectively (P=0.043). The patients for group B showed higher levels of serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transferase, a larger hepatectomy range, and a higher rate of anatomical resection. In subgroup analyses of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection, TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ was an independent risk factor for overall survival; these patients had worse prognoses than those with TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ after R0 resection (hazard ratio=6.056, P=0.014). Besides, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that non-R0 resection and TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ were independent risk factors for both disease-free survival and overall survival of 28 HCC patients with BDTT. The median overall survival time of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection was longer than that of patients who did not undergo R0 resection (31.0 vs 4.0 months, P=0.007).CONCLUSIONS: R0 resection prolonged survival time in HCC patients with BDTT, although prognosis remains poor. For such patients, R0 resection is an important treatment that determines long-term survival.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Hepatic follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is an extremely rare neoplasm.Most commonly,FDC sarcoma presents as a solitary mass in lymph nodes,however,several extra-nodal locations have been identified....BACKGROUND:Hepatic follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is an extremely rare neoplasm.Most commonly,FDC sarcoma presents as a solitary mass in lymph nodes,however,several extra-nodal locations have been identified.METHODS:We report a case of a 53-year-old female who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain,fever,anemia,and jaundice.After an extensive review of the literature,we have found only 12 cases of hepatic FDC sarcoma.RESULTS:The tumor was 11.5 cm in diameter and composed of spindle and epithelioid cells with ovoid nuclei and associated with mixed inflammatory infiltrate.Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD35 and CD21.The patient underwent a left hepatic lobectomy.CONCLUSIONS:Liver follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a very rare tumor.Most cases present with abdominal pain and weight loss,and most of them can be managed by hepatic resection with excellent short-term outcomes.展开更多
Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic masses that arise within the adrenal gland and are usually non-functional and asymptomatic. Adrenal pseudocysts consist of a fibrous wall without a cellular lining. We report a pati...Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic masses that arise within the adrenal gland and are usually non-functional and asymptomatic. Adrenal pseudocysts consist of a fibrous wall without a cellular lining. We report a patient with a 9 cm, left-sided suprarenal cystic mass who presented with abdominal discomfort of 2 years' duration. A 38-year-old woman was referred to our service for evaluation of abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms. Routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 9 cm × 8 cm × 8 cm well-defined cystic lesion displacing the left kidney. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with low signal intensity on the Tl-weighted image and high signal intensity on the T2-weighted image. A laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed to diagnose the lesion. The final pathology showed an adrenal pseudocyst without a cellular lining. The patient had no postoperative complications and she was discharged four days after surgery.展开更多
Background: Gold standard for colorectal liver metastases(CRLM) remains hepatic resection(HR). However, patients with severe comorbidities, unresectable or deep-situated resectable CRLM are candidates for ablation. Th...Background: Gold standard for colorectal liver metastases(CRLM) remains hepatic resection(HR). However, patients with severe comorbidities, unresectable or deep-situated resectable CRLM are candidates for ablation. The aim of the study was to compare recurrence rate and survival benefit of the microwave ablation(MWA), radiofrequency ablation(RFA) and HR by conducting the first network meta-analysis. Data sources: Systematic search of the literature was conducted in the electronic databases. Both updated traditional and network meta-analyses were conducted and the results were compared between them. Results: HR cohort demonstrated significantly less local recurrence rate and better 3-and 5-year diseasefree(DFS) and overall survival(OS) compared to MWA and RFA cohorts. HR cohort included significantly younger patients and with significantly lower preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) by 10.28 ng/m L compared to RFA cohort. Subgroup analysis of local recurrence and OS of solitary and ≤3 cm CRLMs did not demonstrate any discrepancies when compared with the whole sample. Conclusions: For resectable CRLM the treatment of choice still remains HR. MWA and RFA can be used as a single or adjunct treatment in patients with unresectable CRLM and/or prohibitive comorbidities.展开更多
Background:Post-liver transplantation(LT)hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence still occurs in approximately 20%of patients and drastically affects their survival.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various...Background:Post-liver transplantation(LT)hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence still occurs in approximately 20%of patients and drastically affects their survival.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various treatments for recurrent HCC after LT in a Chinese population.Methods:A total of 64 HCC patients with tumor recurrence after LT were enrolled in this study.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors affecting post-recurrence survival.Results:Of the 64 patients with recurrent HCC after LT,those who received radical resection followed by nonsurgical therapy had a median overall survival(OS)of 20.9 months after HCC recurrence,significantly superior to patients who received only nonsurgical therapy(9.4 months)or best supportive care(2.4 months).The one-and two-year OS following recurrence was favorable for patients receiving radical resection followed by nonsurgical therapy(93.8%,52.6%),poor for patients receiving only nonsurgical therapy(30.8%,10.8%),and dismal for patients receiving best supportive care(0%,0%;overall P<0.001).Median OS in sorafenib-tolerant patients treated with lenvatinib was 19.5 months,far surpassing the patients that discontinued sorafenib or were treated with regorafenib after sorafenib failure(12 months,P<0.001).Compared with tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy,OS was significantly increased with sirolimus-based therapy at one and two years after HCC recurrence(P=0.035).Multivariate analysis showed radical resection combined with nonsurgical therapy for recurrent HCC and sorafenib-lenvatinib sequential therapy were independent favorable factors for post-recurrence survival.Conclusions:Aggressive surgical intervention in well-selected patients significantly improves OS after recurrence.A multidisciplinary treatment approach is required to slow down disease progression for patients with unresectable recurrent HCC.展开更多
Background: Low resectability and poor survival outcome are common for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA), especially in advanced stages. The present study was to assess the clinical outcome of advanced HCCA, focusing on ...Background: Low resectability and poor survival outcome are common for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA), especially in advanced stages. The present study was to assess the clinical outcome of advanced HCCA, focusing on therapeutic modalities, survival analysis and prognostic assessment.Methods: Clinical data of 176 advanced HCCA patients who had been treated in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Prognostic effects of clinicopathological factors were explored by univariate and multivariate analysis. Survival predictors were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve.Results: The 3-year overall survival rate was 13% for patients with advanced HCCA. Preoperative total bilirubin(P = 0.009), hepatic artery invasion(P = 0.014) and treatment modalities(P = 0.020) were independent prognostic factors on overall survival. A model combining these independent prognostic factors(area under ROC curve: 0.748; 95% CI: 0.678–0.811; sensitivity: 82.3%, specificity: 53.5%) was highly predictive of tumor death. After R0 resection, the 3-year overall survival was up to 38%. Preoperative total bilirubin was still an independent negative factor, but not for hepatic artery invasion.Conclusions: Surgery is still the best treatment for advanced HCCA. Preoperative biliary drainage should be performed in highly-jaundiced patients to improve survival. Prediction of survival is improved significantly by a model that incorporates preoperative total bilirubin, hepatic artery invasion and treatment modalities.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Liver resection is currently the most efficient curative approach for a wide variety of liver tumors. The application of modern techniques and new surgical devices has improved operative outcomes. Radiofr...BACKGROUND: Liver resection is currently the most efficient curative approach for a wide variety of liver tumors. The application of modern techniques and new surgical devices has improved operative outcomes. Radiofrequency ablation is used more often for liver parenchymal transection. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection.METHODS: A retrospective study of 145 consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection was performed. Intraoperative blood loss, need for transfusion or intraoperative Pringle maneuver, the duration of liver parenchymal transection, perioperative complications, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were all evaluated.RESULTS: Fifty minor and ninety-five major liver resections were performed. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 251 m L, with a transfusion rate of 11.7%. The Pringle maneuver was necessary in 12 patients(8.3%). The mean duration for parenchymal transection was 51.75 minutes. There were 47 patients(32.4%) with postoperative complications. There is no mortality within 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection permits both major and minor liver resections with minimal blood loss and without occlusion of hepatic inflow. Furthermore it decreases the need for blood transfusion and reduces morbidity and mortality.展开更多
To the Editor:In Korea,the annual number of deceased donors for or gan transplantation per million people is still less than10.Thus,approximately 40%of patients with acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failu...To the Editor:In Korea,the annual number of deceased donors for or gan transplantation per million people is still less than10.Thus,approximately 40%of patients with acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure undergo living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).;Although the use of ABO-incompatible(ABOi)living donors is an attrac tive option,ABOi LDLT has very restricted applications展开更多
The International Organ Protection Symposium was held in Toronto,Canada on May 15–16,2019.This symposium focused on the fusion of engineering and medicine,bringing together experts in organ transplantation,organ repa...The International Organ Protection Symposium was held in Toronto,Canada on May 15–16,2019.This symposium focused on the fusion of engineering and medicine,bringing together experts in organ transplantation,organ repair,artificial organs,precision medicine,automation,micro and nanotechnologies.This letter highlights some of the innovative and impactful presentations in this symposium.Dr.Mitesh Badiwala,Director of Heart Transplantation Program at University Health Network,gave a speech of“Cardiac transplant advances in donation after circulatory death”.Dr.Badiwala introduced the history of heart transplantation and the donor organ shortage crisis.He pointed out that ex-situ heart perfusion allows the resuscitation of donation after circulatory death and expand organ pool.He reviewed the contemporary heart transplant research after circulatory death and shared his experience.At the end of his speech he showed the current challenges and future directions in heart donation after circulatory death.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the National Nat-ural Science Foundation of China (81570587 and 81700557)the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory Construction Projection on Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology (2013A061401007 and 2017B030314018)+3 种基金Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Funds for Major Basic Science Culture Project (2015A030308010)Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (201704020150)the Natural Science Foundations of Guangdong province (2016A030310141 and 2020A1515010091)Young Teachers Training Project of Sun Yat-sen University (K0401068) and the Guangdong Science and Technology Innovation Strategy (pdjh2022b0010 and pdjh2023a0002)。
文摘Background: Primary non-function(PNF) and early allograft failure(EAF) after liver transplantation(LT) seriously affect patient outcomes. In clinical practice, effective prognostic tools for early identifying recipients at high risk of PNF and EAF were urgently needed. Recently, the Model for Early Allograft Function(MEAF), PNF score by King's College(King-PNF) and Balance-and-Risk-Lactate(BAR-Lac) score were developed to assess the risks of PNF and EAF. This study aimed to externally validate and compare the prognostic performance of these three scores for predicting PNF and EAF. Methods: A retrospective study included 720 patients with primary LT between January 2015 and December 2020. MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac scores were compared using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and the net reclassification improvement(NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement(IDI) analyses. Results: Of all 720 patients, 28(3.9%) developed PNF and 67(9.3%) developed EAF in 3 months. The overall early allograft dysfunction(EAD) rate was 39.0%. The 3-month patient mortality was 8.6% while 1-year graft-failure-free survival was 89.2%. The median MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac scores were 5.0(3.5–6.3),-2.1(-2.6 to-1.2), and 5.0(2.0–11.0), respectively. For predicting PNF, MEAF and King-PNF scores had excellent area under curves(AUCs) of 0.872 and 0.891, superior to BAR-Lac(AUC = 0.830). The NRI and IDI analyses confirmed that King-PNF score had the best performance in predicting PNF while MEAF served as a better predictor of EAD. The EAF risk curve and 1-year graft-failure-free survival curve showed that King-PNF was superior to MEAF and BAR-Lac scores for stratifying the risk of EAF. Conclusions: MEAF, King-PNF and BAR-Lac were validated as practical and effective risk assessment tools of PNF. King-PNF score outperformed MEAF and BAR-Lac in predicting PNF and EAF within 6 months. BAR-Lac score had a huge advantage in the prediction for PNF without post-transplant variables. Proper use of these scores will help early identify PNF, standardize grading of EAF and reasonably select clinical endpoints in relative studies.
文摘Intraoperative ultrasonography(IOUS)in hepatobiliary surgery is well known as an essential tool for radical and safe hepatectomies,allowing to perform parenchymal sparing surgery and,as consequence,to expand the surgical indications for patients otherwise considered unresectable.Nevertheless,since many years,despite its effectiveness in the study of vascular anatomy of the liver,the gold standard for the assessment of biliary anatomy during surgery is intraoperative cholangiography(IOC),which is used for the validation of preoperative imaging as well as for guiding reconstruction in case of bile duct injury or resection.
基金from Health Commission of Zhejiang Province(JBZX-202004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82002925)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC2407304).
文摘Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection has been increasingly reported worldwide,but how to demarcate the resection planes is technically challenging[1].Positive staining technique with intraoperative indocyanine green(ICG)-fluorescence imaging has been introduced as an effective tool for real-time intraoperative guidance[2].Liver anatomy is complex.Generally,liver is composed of 9 segments,each is composed of two to three subsegments,and each subsegment contains several hepatic cone units.A hepatic cone unit is dominated by a tertiary or quaternary hepatic pedicles[3].
基金This study was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82002927).
文摘To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an aggressive malignancy with poor long-term prognosis[1].Liver cancer stem cell(CSC)can drive the metastasis,drug resistance,and recurrence of HCC[2].The regulatory mechanisms about liver cancer stemness have been investigated,which encouraged the identification and characterization of novel prognostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC[3].
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LQ22H160058).
文摘To the Editor:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the main causes of cancer related death worldwide,and new cases are expected to continue to increase in future[1].Surgical resection is still the best way to remove the tumor and improve patient’s prognosis.However,resection of caudate lobe often presents a technical challenge,even to accomplished hepatic surgeons.Caudate lobe is located anterior to the inferior vena cava(IVC)and posterior to the bifurcation of the portal vein(PV),generally consists of three regions:the paracaval portion,the left Spiegel lobe and the process portion[2].The anatomy of the paracaval portion includes the liver parenchyma ventral to the hepatic IVC and the area between the Spiegel lobe and the right lobe adjacent to the middle hepatic vein(MHV)ventrally,which was classified by Couinaud as segment IX[3].Here,we presented a case of HCC with successful downstaging therapy,as well as variation of MHV,which provides a safe path for anterior transection of segment IX.
文摘Background:In recent years,the development of digital imaging technology has had a significant influence in liver surgery.The ability to obtain a 3-dimensional(3D)visualization of the liver anatomy has provided surgery with virtual reality of simulation 3D computer models,3D printing models and more recently holograms and augmented reality(when virtual reality knowledge is superimposed onto reality).In addition,the utilization of real-time fluorescent imaging techniques based on indocyanine green(ICG)uptake allows clinicians to precisely delineate the liver anatomy and/or tumors within the parenchyma,applying the knowledge obtained preoperatively through digital imaging.The combination of both has transformed the abstract thinking until now based on 2D imaging into a 3D preoperative conception(virtual reality),enhanced with real-time visualization of the fluorescent liver structures,effectively facilitating intraoperative navigated liver surgery(augmented reality).Data sources:A literature search was performed from inception until January 2021 in MEDLINE(Pub Med),Embase,Cochrane library and database for systematic reviews(CDSR),Google Scholar,and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence(NICE)databases.Results:Fifty-one pertinent articles were retrieved and included.The different types of digital imaging technologies and the real-time navigated liver surgery were estimated and compared.Conclusions:ICG fluorescent imaging techniques can contribute essentially to the real-time definition of liver segments;as a result,precise hepatic resection can be guided by the presence of fluorescence.Furthermore,3D models can help essentially to further advancing of precision in hepatic surgery by permitting estimation of liver volume and functional liver remnant,delineation of resection lines along the liver segments and evaluation of tumor margins.In liver transplantation and especially in living donor liver transplantation(LDLT),3D printed models of the donor’s liver and models of the recipient’s hilar anatomy can contribute further to improving the results.In particular,pediatric LDLT abdominal cavity models can help to manage the largest challenge of this procedure,namely large-for-size syndrome.
文摘Background:Despite remarkable advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management,left hepatic trisectionectomy(LHT)remains a challenging procedure with a somewhat high postoperative morbidity rate compared with less-extensive resections.This study aimed to analyze the short-and long-term outcomes of LHT and identify factors associated with the postoperative morbidity of this technically demanding surgical procedure.Methods:The medical records of 53 patients who underwent LHT between June 2005 and October 2019 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed.The independent prognostic factor of postoperative morbidity was analyzed using the logistic regression model.Results:Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common indication for surgery(n=21),followed by hilar cholangiocarcinoma(n=14),intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(n=10),and other pathologies(including colorectal liver metastasis,hepatolithiasis,gallbladder cancer,living donor,hemangioma,and multilocular biliary cyst;n=8).The rates of postoperative morbidities of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher and 90-day mortality were 39.6% and 1.9%,respectively.The 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival rates were 81.1%,61.4%,and 44.6%,respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative jaundice[hazard ratio(HR)=6.15,95%confidence interval(CI):1.57-24.17,P=0.009]and operative time>420 min(HR=4.66,95%CI:1.27–17.17,P=0.021)were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity.Conclusions:The in-hospital mortality of LHT surgery can be minimalized by a reliable preoperative evaluation of liver function and selection of the dominant anatomic features of right posterior sector,active and appropriate preoperative management for obstructive cholangitis and compensatory hypertrophy of the future remnant posterior sector,and the experience of the surgeon.
基金the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine(2013-0022).
文摘Background:Grafts from older donors after circulatory death were associated with inferior outcome in liver transplants in the past.But it has seemed to remain controversial in the last decade,as a result of modified clinical protocols,selected recipients,and advanced technology of organ perfusion and preservation.The present study aimed to examine the impact of older donor age on complications and survival of liver transplant using grafts from donation after circulatory death(DCD).Methods:A total of 944 patients who received DCD liver transplantation from 2015 to 2020 were included and divided into two groups:using graft from older donor(aged≥65 years,n=87)and younger donor(age<65 years,n=857).Propensity score matching(PSM)was applied to eliminate selection bias.Results:A progressively increased proportion of liver transplants with grafts from older donors was observed from 1.68%to 15.44%during the study period.The well-balanced older donor(n=79)and younger donor(n=79)were 1:1 matched.There were significantly more episodes of biliary nonanastomotic stricture(NAS)in the older donor group than the younger donor group[15/79(19.0%)vs.6/79(7.6%);P=0.017].The difference did not reach statistical significance regarding early allograft dysfunction(EAD)and primary non-function(PNF).Older livers had a trend toward inferior 1-,2-,3-year graft and overall survival compared with younger livers,but these differences were not statistically significant(63.1%,57.6%,57.6%vs.76.9%,70.2%,67.7%,P=0.112;64.4%,58.6%,58.6%vs.76.9%,72.2%,72.2%,P=0.064).The only risk factor for poor survival was ABO incompatible transplant(P=0.008)in the older donor group.In the subgroup of ABO incompatible cases,it demonstrated a significant difference in the rate of NAS between the older donor group and the younger donor group[6/8(75.0%)vs.3/14(21.4%);P=0.014].Conclusions:Transplants with grafts from older donors(aged≥65 years)after circulatory death are more frequently associated with inferior outcome compared to those from younger donors.Older grafts from DCD are more likely to develop NAS,especially in ABO incompatible cases.
基金approved by Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital and First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine(2022068 and 2022370).Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
文摘Background:Wernicke encephalopathy(WE)is an acute neurological disease resulting from vitamin B1 deficiency,and there are only very few case reports of WE after liver transplantation.The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics,etiology,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)features,treatment and prognosis of patients with WE after liver transplantation.Methods:Twenty-three patients with WE after liver transplantation from the First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 23 patients diagnosed with WE after liver transplantation,6(26%)had a classic triad of impaired consciousness,oculomotor palsy and ataxia,and 17(74%)had two features.The misdiagno-sis rate was 65%.After treatment with high-dose vitamin B1,19(83%)patients showed improvement,whereas 4(17%)showed no improvement,including 3 with residual short-term memory impairments and 1 with residual spatial and temporal disorientation and ataxia.Conclusions:The misdiagnosis rate is high in the early stage of WE,and the prognosis is closely asso-ciated with whether WE is diagnosed early and treated timely.High-dose glucose or glucocorticoids can trigger WE and cannot be administered before vitamin B1 treatment.Vitamin B1 is suggested to be used as a prophylactic treatment for patients with WE after liver transplantation.
文摘Background:This article aims to present the single-institution outcomes of patients with Fibrolamellar Carcinoma(FLC)treated with liver-directed therapies(LDT).Methods:In this single-center retrospective study,all patients diagnosed with FLC who underwent LDT were identified.Between July 2012 and July 2023,six patients were identified.One patient was excluded due to bleeding.Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded.Complications within 30 days of the LDT were evaluated.Radiological treatment responses at 1,6,and 12 months were assessed per mRECIST.Results:A total offive patients,which included three females and two males,were reviewed.Three patients were treated with transarterial hepatic embolization(TAE;n=3),transarterial radioembolization(TARE;n=1),and combined TAE+radiofrequency ablation(n=1).The objective response rate at one month was 80%[CR=2(40%),PR=2(40%),and SD=1(20%)].At 12 months(n=4),two patients demonstrated CR(50%)and two demonstrated PR(50%).Overall survival from LDT atfive years was 50%.There was no 30-day mortality among this group of patients or any adverse event attributable to the LDT.Conclusion:TAE,TARE,and ablation are safe and effective therapeutic options for FLC.Based on this study and previously published case reports,ablation and TARE yielded the most favorable results.
基金the China Medical Board of New York,Inc.,USA,Grant No.90-534
文摘INTRODUCTIONMost advanced hepatocellular garcinoma (HCC) isinsensitive to most anticancer drugs which might berelated to the high frequency of expression of themultidrug resistance-1(MDR1) gene and itsproduct,P-glycoprotein (p-gp).p-gp expressionmay also be concerned with tumor progression anddifferentiation.In the present study。
文摘BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is rare. The present study aimed to determine post-surgical prognoses in HCC patients with BDTT, as outcomes are currently unclear. METHODS: We compared the prognoses of 110 HCC patients without BDTT (group A) to 22 cases with BDTT (group B). The two groups were matched in age, gender, tumor etiology, size, number, portal vascular invasion, and TNM stage. Additionally, 28 HCC patients with BDTT were analyzed to identify prognostic risk factors. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 66.9%, and 55.9% for group A and 81.8%, 50.0%, and 37.5% for group B, respectively. The median survival time in groups A and B was 68.8 and 31.4 months, respectively (P=0.043). The patients for group B showed higher levels of serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transferase, a larger hepatectomy range, and a higher rate of anatomical resection. In subgroup analyses of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection, TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ was an independent risk factor for overall survival; these patients had worse prognoses than those with TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ after R0 resection (hazard ratio=6.056, P=0.014). Besides, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that non-R0 resection and TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ were independent risk factors for both disease-free survival and overall survival of 28 HCC patients with BDTT. The median overall survival time of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection was longer than that of patients who did not undergo R0 resection (31.0 vs 4.0 months, P=0.007).CONCLUSIONS: R0 resection prolonged survival time in HCC patients with BDTT, although prognosis remains poor. For such patients, R0 resection is an important treatment that determines long-term survival.
文摘BACKGROUND:Hepatic follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is an extremely rare neoplasm.Most commonly,FDC sarcoma presents as a solitary mass in lymph nodes,however,several extra-nodal locations have been identified.METHODS:We report a case of a 53-year-old female who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain,fever,anemia,and jaundice.After an extensive review of the literature,we have found only 12 cases of hepatic FDC sarcoma.RESULTS:The tumor was 11.5 cm in diameter and composed of spindle and epithelioid cells with ovoid nuclei and associated with mixed inflammatory infiltrate.Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD35 and CD21.The patient underwent a left hepatic lobectomy.CONCLUSIONS:Liver follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a very rare tumor.Most cases present with abdominal pain and weight loss,and most of them can be managed by hepatic resection with excellent short-term outcomes.
文摘Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic masses that arise within the adrenal gland and are usually non-functional and asymptomatic. Adrenal pseudocysts consist of a fibrous wall without a cellular lining. We report a patient with a 9 cm, left-sided suprarenal cystic mass who presented with abdominal discomfort of 2 years' duration. A 38-year-old woman was referred to our service for evaluation of abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms. Routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 9 cm × 8 cm × 8 cm well-defined cystic lesion displacing the left kidney. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with low signal intensity on the Tl-weighted image and high signal intensity on the T2-weighted image. A laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed to diagnose the lesion. The final pathology showed an adrenal pseudocyst without a cellular lining. The patient had no postoperative complications and she was discharged four days after surgery.
文摘Background: Gold standard for colorectal liver metastases(CRLM) remains hepatic resection(HR). However, patients with severe comorbidities, unresectable or deep-situated resectable CRLM are candidates for ablation. The aim of the study was to compare recurrence rate and survival benefit of the microwave ablation(MWA), radiofrequency ablation(RFA) and HR by conducting the first network meta-analysis. Data sources: Systematic search of the literature was conducted in the electronic databases. Both updated traditional and network meta-analyses were conducted and the results were compared between them. Results: HR cohort demonstrated significantly less local recurrence rate and better 3-and 5-year diseasefree(DFS) and overall survival(OS) compared to MWA and RFA cohorts. HR cohort included significantly younger patients and with significantly lower preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) by 10.28 ng/m L compared to RFA cohort. Subgroup analysis of local recurrence and OS of solitary and ≤3 cm CRLMs did not demonstrate any discrepancies when compared with the whole sample. Conclusions: For resectable CRLM the treatment of choice still remains HR. MWA and RFA can be used as a single or adjunct treatment in patients with unresectable CRLM and/or prohibitive comorbidities.
基金the grants from National S&T Major Project(2017ZX10203205)the Medical Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province(2014KYA082)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2018FZA7002)the Shulan Talent Foundation.
文摘Background:Post-liver transplantation(LT)hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence still occurs in approximately 20%of patients and drastically affects their survival.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various treatments for recurrent HCC after LT in a Chinese population.Methods:A total of 64 HCC patients with tumor recurrence after LT were enrolled in this study.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors affecting post-recurrence survival.Results:Of the 64 patients with recurrent HCC after LT,those who received radical resection followed by nonsurgical therapy had a median overall survival(OS)of 20.9 months after HCC recurrence,significantly superior to patients who received only nonsurgical therapy(9.4 months)or best supportive care(2.4 months).The one-and two-year OS following recurrence was favorable for patients receiving radical resection followed by nonsurgical therapy(93.8%,52.6%),poor for patients receiving only nonsurgical therapy(30.8%,10.8%),and dismal for patients receiving best supportive care(0%,0%;overall P<0.001).Median OS in sorafenib-tolerant patients treated with lenvatinib was 19.5 months,far surpassing the patients that discontinued sorafenib or were treated with regorafenib after sorafenib failure(12 months,P<0.001).Compared with tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy,OS was significantly increased with sirolimus-based therapy at one and two years after HCC recurrence(P=0.035).Multivariate analysis showed radical resection combined with nonsurgical therapy for recurrent HCC and sorafenib-lenvatinib sequential therapy were independent favorable factors for post-recurrence survival.Conclusions:Aggressive surgical intervention in well-selected patients significantly improves OS after recurrence.A multidisciplinary treatment approach is required to slow down disease progression for patients with unresectable recurrent HCC.
基金supported by grants from the 12th Five-Year major project of the transformation of the primary health appropri-ate technology in Zhejiang Provincethe National Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China(81402350)the Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of Zhejiang Province(LQ13H160001)
文摘Background: Low resectability and poor survival outcome are common for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA), especially in advanced stages. The present study was to assess the clinical outcome of advanced HCCA, focusing on therapeutic modalities, survival analysis and prognostic assessment.Methods: Clinical data of 176 advanced HCCA patients who had been treated in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Prognostic effects of clinicopathological factors were explored by univariate and multivariate analysis. Survival predictors were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve.Results: The 3-year overall survival rate was 13% for patients with advanced HCCA. Preoperative total bilirubin(P = 0.009), hepatic artery invasion(P = 0.014) and treatment modalities(P = 0.020) were independent prognostic factors on overall survival. A model combining these independent prognostic factors(area under ROC curve: 0.748; 95% CI: 0.678–0.811; sensitivity: 82.3%, specificity: 53.5%) was highly predictive of tumor death. After R0 resection, the 3-year overall survival was up to 38%. Preoperative total bilirubin was still an independent negative factor, but not for hepatic artery invasion.Conclusions: Surgery is still the best treatment for advanced HCCA. Preoperative biliary drainage should be performed in highly-jaundiced patients to improve survival. Prediction of survival is improved significantly by a model that incorporates preoperative total bilirubin, hepatic artery invasion and treatment modalities.
文摘BACKGROUND: Liver resection is currently the most efficient curative approach for a wide variety of liver tumors. The application of modern techniques and new surgical devices has improved operative outcomes. Radiofrequency ablation is used more often for liver parenchymal transection. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection.METHODS: A retrospective study of 145 consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection was performed. Intraoperative blood loss, need for transfusion or intraoperative Pringle maneuver, the duration of liver parenchymal transection, perioperative complications, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were all evaluated.RESULTS: Fifty minor and ninety-five major liver resections were performed. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 251 m L, with a transfusion rate of 11.7%. The Pringle maneuver was necessary in 12 patients(8.3%). The mean duration for parenchymal transection was 51.75 minutes. There were 47 patients(32.4%) with postoperative complications. There is no mortality within 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection permits both major and minor liver resections with minimal blood loss and without occlusion of hepatic inflow. Furthermore it decreases the need for blood transfusion and reduces morbidity and mortality.
文摘To the Editor:In Korea,the annual number of deceased donors for or gan transplantation per million people is still less than10.Thus,approximately 40%of patients with acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure undergo living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).;Although the use of ABO-incompatible(ABOi)living donors is an attrac tive option,ABOi LDLT has very restricted applications
基金supported by a grant from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2019T120525)
文摘The International Organ Protection Symposium was held in Toronto,Canada on May 15–16,2019.This symposium focused on the fusion of engineering and medicine,bringing together experts in organ transplantation,organ repair,artificial organs,precision medicine,automation,micro and nanotechnologies.This letter highlights some of the innovative and impactful presentations in this symposium.Dr.Mitesh Badiwala,Director of Heart Transplantation Program at University Health Network,gave a speech of“Cardiac transplant advances in donation after circulatory death”.Dr.Badiwala introduced the history of heart transplantation and the donor organ shortage crisis.He pointed out that ex-situ heart perfusion allows the resuscitation of donation after circulatory death and expand organ pool.He reviewed the contemporary heart transplant research after circulatory death and shared his experience.At the end of his speech he showed the current challenges and future directions in heart donation after circulatory death.