Data examining cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and their contribution to the disparity in graft survival between African American (AA) patients and non-AAs is limited. A single-center, retrospective analysis of 1003 adult RTRs from January 1, 2000 to May 1, 2008 to inspect the impact of race on post-transplant CV events, treatment of CV risk factors and their independent influence on graft outcomes was performed. AAs experienced a higher incidence of late graft loss, with 1- and 5-year graft survival rates of 93% and 76% vs 95% and 84% in the non-AA group, respectively. AA patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and demonstrated reduced control of DM post-transplant (AA 74% vs non-AA 82%, p = 0.053). Multivariate analysis for graft survival indicated acute rejection, delayed graft function (DGF) and incidence of CV events were significant risk factors for graft failure, while the use of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors were protective. In conclusion, after controlling for CV risk factors and events, race did not have an independent effect on outcomes, suggesting CV risk factors and events contribute to this disparity. Clinical summary. AAs experienced a higher rate of graft failure and CV events; after adjusting for multiple immunological and CV risk factors, race no longer remained an independent risk factor for post-transplant CV events or graft failure; although disparities in post-transplant outcomes remain, race alone does not account for the disparity; the racial disparity is due to the higher incidence of DGF and acute rejection, as well as traditional CV risk factors, including HTN and DM.

Results of this survey provide useful and practical information for trainees considering applying to an HPB fellowship program.

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy or Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH) has become an accepted alternative to excisional hemorrhoidectomy for treating prolapsing hemorrhoids. Although rare, severe complications have been reported after this procedure. We report a series of four male patients with the unusual but debilitating symptoms of obstructed defecation (OD) after PPH. Presenting symptoms included evacuation difficulty, rectal pain, and urgency. All had scarring and stenosis at their PPH anastomotic staple line with a resultant ball-valve effect in three patients as the mobile, excessive, proximal rectal mucosa prolapsed past this relatively immobile area. The fourth patient had an anterior rectal mucosal pouch distal to the PPH staple line. In three of the four patients the anastomosis was below the dentate line or on an oblique angle. Corrective operative intervention largely relieved OD symptoms. One patient, more refractory to successful revision, was eventually diagnosed and treated successfully for pudendal neuropathy. Avoidance of the complication of OD is possible through careful patient selection, proper operative technique, and consideration of nonsurgical etiologies. These complications are complex in nature but most patients will respond to an individualized treatment plan that combines surgical and medical interventions.

Left ventricular dysfunction resulting in cardiogenic shock occurs infrequently following organ reperfusion in liver transplantation. The etiology of the cardiogenic shock is often multifactorial and difficult to manage due to the complex nature of the procedure and the patient's baseline physiology. Traditionally, this hemodynamic instability is managed medically using inotropic agents and vasopressor support. If medical treatment is insufficient, the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump for counterpulsation may be employed to improve the hemodynamics and stabilize the patient. Here, we analyze three cases and review the literature.

Contrary to the common practice, T-cell depletion in recipients ≥ 50 yr of age may be beneficial.