HCV genotype 5: an easy to treat population

in Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica (2004), 67

Luminal contact improves human small bowel preservation

in Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica (2004), 67

Liver transplantation in Jehovah's witnesses

in Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica (2004), 67

Contribution of mycophenolate mofetil to succesful liver transplantation

in Interface (2004), 18

Right lobe living-related liver transplantation in a Jehovah's Witness

in Transplant International (2003), 16(12), 895-896

The use of mycophenolate mofetil in liver transplant recipients

in Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy (2003), 4(11), 1949-1957

Mycophenolate mofetil is an important drug in the modern immunosuppressive arsenal. Mycophenolate mofetil is the semisynthetic morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolate acid. Mycophenolate acid prevents T ... [more ▼]

Mycophenolate mofetil is an important drug in the modern immunosuppressive arsenal. Mycophenolate mofetil is the semisynthetic morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolate acid. Mycophenolate acid prevents T and B cell proliferation by specifically inhibiting a purine pathway required for lymphocyte division. This paper extensively reviews the experience of mycophenolate mofetil use in liver transplant recipients. In randomised trials, mycophenolate mofetil decreased the rate of acute rejection after liver transplantation, without a significant increase of septic complications. However, so far, there are no data indicating that mycophenolate mofetil increases liver transplant patient or graft survivals. Mycophenolate mofetil is interesting because of its particular side effects profile, which is very different from the other immunosuppressants. The absence of mycophenolate mofetil nephrotoxicity is of specific interest in liver recipients with impairment of renal function. The monitoring of mycophenolate acid area under the concentration time curve might be interesting to limit side effects and provide better clinical efficacy but the exact role of mycophenolate acid monitoring in liver recipients has yet to be further evaluated in large series. [less ▲]

Liver transplantation for metastatic colon adenocarcinoma: report of a case with 10 years of follow-up without recurrence

in Transplant International (2003), 16(9), 692-693

Because of dismal mid-term and long-term results, secondary liver cancer is considered an absolute contra-indication to cadaveric liver transplantation, with the relative exception of metastases of ... [more ▼]

Because of dismal mid-term and long-term results, secondary liver cancer is considered an absolute contra-indication to cadaveric liver transplantation, with the relative exception of metastases of symptomatic neuro-endocrine cancers. The authors present in this report the case of a patient who has been enjoying 10 years of cancer-free survival after liver transplantation as rescue therapy for acute liver failure after liver resection for isolated hepatic metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma. This case shows that in some highly selected cases, liver transplantation may be curative in patients with liver metastases of colon carcinoma. [less ▲]

Laparoscopic liver resection of benign liver tumors - Results of a multicenter European experience

in Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques (2003), 17(1), 23-30

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection for benign liver tumors in a multicenter setting. Background: Despite restrictive ... [more ▼]

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection for benign liver tumors in a multicenter setting. Background: Despite restrictive, tailored indications for resection in benign liver tumors, an increasing number of articles have been published concerning laparoscopic liver resection of these tumors. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 18 surgical centres in Europe regarding their experience with laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors. Detailed standardized questionnaires were used that focused on patient's characteristics, clinical data, type and characteristics of the tumor, technical details of the operation, and early and late clinical outcome. Results: From March 1992 to September 2000, 87 patients suffering from benign liver tumor were included in this study: 48 patients with focal nodular hyperplasia (55%), 17 patients with liver cell adenoma (21%), 13 patients with hemangioma (15%), 3 patients with hamartoma (3%), 3 patients with hydatid liver cysts (3%), 2 patients with adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) (2%), and 1 patient with liver cystadenoma (1%). The mean size of the tumor was 6 cm, and 95% of the tumors were located in the left liver lobe or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Liver procedures included 38 wedge resections, 25 segmentectomies, 21 bisegmentectomies (including 20 left lateral segmentectomies), and 3 major hepatectomies. There were 9 conversions to an open approach (10%) due to bleeding in 45% of the patients. Five patients (6%) received autologous blood transfusion. There was no postoperative mortality, and the postoperative complication rate was low (5%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-13 days). At a mean follow-up of 13 months (median, 10 months; range, 2-58 months), all patients are alive without disease recurrence, except for the 2 patients with APLD. Conclusions: Laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors is feasible and safe for selected patients with small tumors located in the left lateral segments or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Despite the use of a laparoscopic approach, selective indications for resection of benign liver tumors should remain unchanged. When performed by expert liver and laparoscopic surgeons in selected patients and tumors, laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumor is a promising technique. [less ▲]

Mise au point et traitement des traumatismes pancreatiques chez l'enfant

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2002), 57(12), 760-4

Pancreatic injury after trauma can occur in the child as an isolated lesion after a minor injury. The consequences can be severe in the absence of prompt diagnosis and treatment. Determination of ... [more ▼]

Pancreatic injury after trauma can occur in the child as an isolated lesion after a minor injury. The consequences can be severe in the absence of prompt diagnosis and treatment. Determination of mechanism of injury, clinical examination, blood amylase levels and abdominal CT-scan are first line steps for the evaluation of the injury. ERCP and MRI can be useful tools to further document injury to the pancreatic duct. In the absence of duct injury, conservative treatment can be applied. For the other cases, the treatment is surgical although newer techniques may be applied in selected cases. [less ▲]

Multifocal serous cystadenoma of the pancreas synchronous with ampullary adenocarcinoma

in Annales de Pathologie (2002), 22(4), 317-320

Pancreatic cysts are common, but cystic tumors are uncommon. We report a rare case of serous cystadenoma of the pancreas synchronous with ampullary adenocarcinoma which supports a common etiopathogeny of ... [more ▼]

Pancreatic cysts are common, but cystic tumors are uncommon. We report a rare case of serous cystadenoma of the pancreas synchronous with ampullary adenocarcinoma which supports a common etiopathogeny of these tumors. We discuss the differential diagnosis with mucinous cystadenoma which is potentially malignant and recall the microscopic and radiologic features. [less ▲]