Randomized multicenter trial on percutaneous versus open access in endovascular aneurysm repair (PiERO).

Background: In endovascular valve and aortic repair, vascular access through a percutaneous approach has become the competing technique to an open surgical approach. The effect on postoperative complications and surgical site infections (SSIs) has been investigated, but randomized evidence is lacking. The objective was to investigate whether percutaneous access of the common femoral artery (CFA) with a percutaneous closure device would decrease the number of SSIs compared with open surgical access of the CFA in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Does the meld system provide equal access to liver transplantation for patients with different ABO blood groups?

This study investigates the relationship between blood group and waiting time until transplantation or death on the waiting list. All patients listed for liver transplantation in the Netherlands between 15 December 2006 and 31 December 2012, were included. Study variables were gender, age, year of listing, diagnosis, previous transplantations, blood group, urgency, and MELD score.

A comparison of Percutaneous femoral access in Endovascular Repair versus Open femoral access (PiERO): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Access for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) is obtained through surgical cutdown or percutaneously. The only devices suitable for percutaneous closure of the 20 French arteriotomies of the common femoral artery (CFA) are the Prostar(™) and Proglide(™) devices (Abbott Vascular). Positive effects of these devices seem to consist of a lower infection rate, and shorter operation time and hospital stay.

Elderly donor liver grafts are not associated with a higher incidence of biliary complications after liver transplantation: results of a national multicenter study.

Background: Liver transplantation with livers grafts from elderly donors has been associated with a higher risk of biliary complications. The aim of this study was to examine whether our national protocol could contribute to a lower incidence of biliary complications.

Methods: All adult recipients in the Netherlands transplanted with a liver from an elderly donor (≥ 65 yrs; n = 68) in the period January 2000-July 2011 were matched with recipients of a liver from a donor <65 yr (n = 136).

Safety and efficacy of a novel, dry powder fibrin sealant for hemostasis in hepatic resection.

Background/aims: Fibrocaps is a dry powder fibrin sealant containing human plasma-derived fibrinogen and thrombin. The safety, efficacy, and application methods for Fibrocaps were evaluated in an exploratory, first-in-human, noncomparative, clinical study.

Methods: Patients with minor bleeding/oozing after elective partial hepatic resection had Fibrocaps applied to the bleeding site either directly from the vial or from a spray device, with manual pressure applied using a cellulose, collagen, or gelatin sponge, if needed.

Clinical outcome, proteome kinetics and angiogenic factors in serum after thermoablation of colorectal liver metastases.

Background: Thermoablation is used to treat patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). We analyze clinical outcome, proteome kinetics and angiogenic markers in patients treated by cryosurgical ablation (CSA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods: 205 patients underwent CSA (n = 20), RFA (n = 22), partial hepatectomy (PH, n = 134) or were found truly unresectable (n = 29).

The price of donation after cardiac death in liver transplantation: a prospective cost-effectiveness study.

This study aims to perform a detailed prospective observational multicenter cost-effectiveness study by comparing liver transplantations with donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD) grafts. All liver transplantations in the three Dutch liver transplant centers between 2004 and 2009 were included with 1-year follow-up. Primary outcome parameter was cost per life year after transplantation.

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract to prevent postoperative infection: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in liver transplant patients.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) in patients undergoing elective transplantation of the liver.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Setting: Two academic teaching hospitals.