Follow-up after renal transplantation is vital to improve allograft long-term survival and quality of life. This article describes the awareness, frequency, patterns, and contents of the follow-up after renal transplantation, especially 6 factors that may adversely influence the long-term survival of renal transplant recipients.
Aftercare ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; mortality ; Long-Term Care ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo summarize our clinical experience in liver transplantation while considering the background in this field in China.

METHODSNinety-five patients who had received liver transplantation from April 1993 to March 2002 were analyzed retrospectively. Three periods were defined objectively as period I (1993 - 1997), II (1999) and III (2000 - 2002). Operative techniques, recipients, original diseases, complications and survival rates were compared among the three periods.

RESULTSMalignant liver lesions were the main cause for liver transplantation in period I and II. The ratio of number of malignant disease to total recipients decreased gradually from period I to III (100%, 53% and 35%, respectively). The 1-year survival rate in patients with benign liver disease was 85% and the total operative mortality was 5% in period III. The incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation or reinfection was 24% twelve months after liver transplantation. Vascular complication decreased but biliary complications did not and remained a major long-standing problem. No veno-venous bypass technique was used in period III, and its advantages were obvious when comparing with those with veno-venous bypass in period I and II.

CONCLUSIONSStrict selection of recipients, fine operative technique, familiarity with various complications and correct therapeutic methods, prophylaxis of recurrence of hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma are necessary to improve long-term results of liver transplantation in China.

Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDBlood transfusion has been found to be a devastating factor for outcomes of hepatectomy. This study was to assess the value of major hepatectomy without blood transfusion.

METHODSWe retrospectively studied 51 patients who had undergone major hepatectomy without blood transfusion, including 29 patients with primary liver cancer, from August 1997 to December 2000. Sixty patients undergoing major hepatectomy with blood transfusion including 48 patients with primary liver cancer served as controls. Hepatectomy was performed through normothermic interruption of the porta hepatis. Intraoperative ultrasonography was performed to define tumor margins, and an ultrasound dissector was used to dissect liver parenchyma.

RESULTSIn the study group, the operative mortality and morbidity and 1-, 2-, and 3-year recurrence rates were 0%, 9.8%, 24.1%, 27.6% and 31.0%, respectively. In the control group, they were 3.3%, 28.3%, 43.5%, 54.3% and 58.7%, respectively. Significant differences were seen in morbidity and recurrence rates of patients with liver cancer between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMajor hepatectomy without blood transfusion can reduce postoperative morbidity and recurrence rate of patients with liver cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Transfusion ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; mortality ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control

D2 lymphadenectomy is currently the worldwide standard operation for locally advanced gastric cancer and D2+ is an option for some selected patients. The D2 plus lymphadenectomy includes No.8p, No.10, No.11d, No.12b, No.12p, No.13, No.14v, No.16a2 and No.16b1. Dissection of these groups of lymph nodes may cause related complications. Postoperative complications that can cause prolonged inflammation have significant impact not only on mortality but also on overall survival of patients with gastric cancer even if the tumor is resected curatively. D2 plus lymphadenectomy is recommended only in high volume medical center by experienced surgeon. The adequate exposure of the operative field, right anatomical space, use of ultrasound scalpel and operator with enough patience are proved to be pivotal to prevent the complications.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Inflammation ; prevention & control ; Long Term Adverse Effects ; prevention & control ; Lymph Node Excision ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; mortality ; Lymph Nodes ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Stomach Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Surgical Instruments

PURPOSE: Hybrid therapy with catheter ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) and continuation of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD), or electrical cardioversion with AADs might be alternative treatments for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The goal of study was to assess the long term success rate of hybrid therapy for persistent AF compared to antiarrhythmic medication therapy after electrical cardioversion and identify the independent risk factors associated with recurrence after hybrid therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with persistent AF who developed atrial flutter after the administration of a class Ic or III anti-arrhythmic drug were enrolled. This group was compared with a group (33 patients) who underwent cardioversion and received direct current cardioversion with AADs. Baseline data were collected, and electrocardiogram and symptom driven Holter monitoring were performed every 2-4 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the groups. The 12 month atrial arrhythmia free survival was better in the hybrid group, 49.0% vs. 33.1%, p=0.048. However, during a mean 55.7+/-43.0 months of follow up, the improved survival rate regressed (p=0.25). A larger left atrium size was an independent risk factor for the recurrence of AF after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Despite favorable outcome during 12 month, the CTI block with AADs showed outcomes similar to AAD therapy after electrical cardioversion over a 12 month follow up period. Minimal substrate modification with AADs might be an alternative treatment for persistent AF with minimal atrial remodeling.
Adult ; Aged ; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents/*therapeutic use ; Atrial Fibrillation/*drug therapy/mortality/*surgery ; Catheter Ablation/*methods/mortality ; Combined Modality Therapy ; *Electric Countershock/mortality ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/mortality/prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; *Tricuspid Valve

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact on sexual function, local recurrence and survival after total mesorectal excision (TME) with autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) of rectal cancer.

METHODSOne hundred and five patients after TME with PANP were followed by means of questionnaire on postoperative genital function [TME + PANP(+) group], and the results of 110 patients after TME without PANP [TME + PANP(-) group] were compared with, also their local recurrence and 5-year survival were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSTME + PANP(+) group was compared to TME + PANP(-) group: the erection dysfunction, 33.3% vs 63.2%; the ejaculation dysfunction, 43.8% vs 70.0% (P < 0.01), there were significant differences between two groups, but no difference in local recurrent rate and 5-year survival rate (7.6% vs 5.5%; 63.4% vs 59.7%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe TME with PANP of rectal surgery ensure the radical cure of rectal cancer, at the same time reasonably save the postoperative sexual function and obtain satisfactory postoperative survival.

Adult ; Aged ; Autonomic Nervous System ; injuries ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Mesentery ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; prevention & control ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Rectal Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the prevention and treatment of complications after hepatectomy.

METHODSFrom January 1998 to December 1999, 1 762 patients with pathologically proven primary liver cancer underwent hepatectomy. The types of resection included lobectomy, segmental resection and local hepatectomy.

RESULTSThe total complication rate was 4.09% and the total mortality was 0.40%. The rates of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative bleeding, hepatic failure, stockpiling fluid of the pleural cavity, residual fluid under the diaphragm, bile leakage and infection of incision were 0.96%, 0.28%, 0.51%, 1.87%, 0.17%, 0.17% and 0.11% respectively. The mortality of the former three complications were 0.06%, 0.06% and 0.28% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe complications can be prevented effectively and the mortality can be decreased markedly after hepatectomy by strict control of the indications, sufficient preoperative preparation, better surgical skills and close observation of postoperative state and comprehensive postoperative treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; mortality ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; mortality ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo investigate the causes and the measures of prevention and cure of the dangerous complications (bleeding, pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula and death) after radical pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) for periampullary malignant tumor.

METHODSThe rate and management of dangerous complications of 156 cases with RPD which were continuous performed by Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between January 2006 and June 2008 were analyzed retrospectively, including 97 males and 59 females with 37 - 79 years old, the mean age was 56.9 years old.

RESULTSAmong the 156 cases with RPD, four patients had massive hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract due to stress ulcer, two patients had bleeding in the pancreas-intestinal anastomosis after the operation, the rate of postoperative bleeding was 3.9% (6/156). One patient with massive hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract due to stress ulcer had severe pulmonary infection and ARDS, and died of respiratory failure finally (the overall mortality rate was 0.7%) after ICU for two months. One patients with bleeding in the pancreas-intestinal anastomosis had pancreatic fistula (the rate of pancreatic fistula was 0.7%) 3 days after the second laparotomy to open the jejunum of the pancreas-intestinal anastomosis and make a transfixion of the bleeding points in the stump. Another patient who had the tumor located in the inferior segment of the bile common duct had biliary fistula 11 days after the operation (the rate of biliary fistula was 0.7%). Two patients with fistula had good recovery by expectant treatment of ultrasound-guided puncture and drainage.

CONCLUSIONSPrompt and effective treatment of the complications of bleeding, pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula could maximally decrease the perioperative death rate.

Adult ; Aged ; Ampulla of Vater ; Biliary Fistula ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Common Bile Duct Neoplasms ; surgery ; Duodenal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatic Fistula ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; surgery ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; adverse effects ; mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo assess the role of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the treatment of end-stage liver diseases and to discuss the experience of the operation.

METHODSRetrospective analysis of clinical data of 71 cases of liver transplantation was performed in our hospital from April 1993 to August 2001.

RESULTSOne year survival rate of recipients with benign hepatic disease was over 75%. The survival time and life quality of malignant recipients were also improved. Lamivudine monotherapy during the operation period could reduce HBV reinfection rate. The practice of OLT without veno-venous bypass (VVB) was associated with a shorter operating time, less hemorrhape, and thus less blood transfusion during the operation compared with standard technique of OLT with routine use of VVB. The occurrence rate of biliary complications was 5.98% and vascular complication 8.96%.

CONCLUSIONSOLT should become a routine therapeutic choice for end-stage liver diseases. Lamivudine is helpful to reduce HBV reinfection after OLT in HBV-related liver diseases. OLT without VVB is safe and can be performed in the majority of adult patients. The early diagnosis and timely application of interventional radiological technique are important for the treatment of biliary and vascular complications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Biliary Tract Diseases ; prevention & control ; virology ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Liver Diseases ; mortality ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; methods ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; virology ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Vascular Diseases ; prevention & control ; virology

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience in ameliorating curative resection rate and major postoperative complication rate for treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODSRespective analysis was made on the clinical data of 54 consecutive cases who underwent resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma from Jan. 1998 to Dec. 2004.

RESULTSIn this group 54 cases received tumor resection with a resection rate of 63.5%. Combined partial hepatectomy was performed in 14 patients, while combined pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) in 3 patients, and combined resection of portal vein in 2 patients and combined resection of hepatic artery in 2 patients. Thirty patients had curative resection. The curative resection rate was greatly increased from 27.0% (before 2001) to 41.7% (after 2001) in this group with well controlled perioperative mortality and postoperative complications rate (e.g. hepatic failure and major infection). The gross 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates for the whole group were 67.4%, 28.1% and 13.5% respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates for curative resection were 87%, 36% and 24% respectively. The 1-, 2-year survival rates for palliative resection were 42% and 18%.

CONCLUSIONSEnhanced surgical technique resulted in better clinical outcomes.

Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; surgery ; Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; mortality ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate