Increasing utilization of human T-cell lymphotropic virus (+) donors in liver transplantation: is it safe?

Background: Liver transplantation is the best treatment option for endstage liver disease. The human T-cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV) has been associated with leukemia/lymphoma and progressive neurologic disease. There has, however, been an increased utilization of HTLV (+) grafts with little data available to support or discourage their use.

Hand transplantation in the United States: experience with 3 patients.

Background: Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) is a newly emerging field of transplantation that involves the simultaneous transfer of multiple tissues with differing antigenicity. Hand transplantation, the most widely recognized form of CTA, aims to improve function and the quality of life of upper limb amputees.

Methods: In 1999, an institutional review board-approved hand transplantation protocol was implemented at the Jewish Hospital, University of Louisville.

Experience with more than 500 minimally invasive hepatic procedures.

Objective: To evaluate our experience with more than 500 minimally invasive hepatic procedures.

Summary Background Data: Recent data have confirmed the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive liver surgery. Despite these reports, no programmatic approach to minimally invasive liver surgery has been proposed.