Background Surgery is the main modality of cure for solid cancers and was prioritised to continue during COVID-19 outbreaks. This study aimed to identify immediate areas for system strengthening by comparing the delivery of elective cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in periods of lockdown versus light restriction. Methods This international, prospective, cohort study enrolled 20 006 adult (≥18 years) patients from 466 hospitals in 61 countries with 15 cancer types, who had a decision for curative surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up until the point of surgery or cessation of follow-up (Aug 31, 2020). Average national Oxford COVID-19 Stringency Index scores were calculated to define the government response to COVID-19 for each patient for the period they awaited surgery, and classified into light restrictions (index <20), moderate lockdowns (20–60), and full lockdowns (>60). The primary outcome was the non-operation rate (defined as the proportion of patients who did not undergo planned surgery). Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to explore the associations between lockdowns and non-operation. Intervals from diagnosis to surgery were compared across COVID-19 government response index groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04384926 . Findings Of eligible patients awaiting surgery, 2003 (10·0%) of 20 006 did not receive surgery after a median follow-up of 23 weeks (IQR 16–30), all of whom had a COVID-19-related reason given for non-operation. Light restrictions were associated with a 0·6% non-operation rate (26 of 4521), moderate lockdowns with a 5·5% rate (201 of 3646; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·77–0·84; p<0·0001), and full lockdowns with a 15·0% rate (1775 of 11 827; HR 0·51, 0·50–0·53; p<0·0001). In sensitivity analyses, including adjustment for SARS-CoV-2 case notification rates, moderate lockdowns (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·80–0·88; p<0·001), and full lockdowns (0·57, 0·54–0·60; p<0·001), remained independently associated with non-operation. Surgery beyond 12 weeks from diagnosis in patients without neoadjuvant therapy increased during lockdowns (374 [9·1%] of 4521 in light restrictions, 317 [10·4%] of 3646 in moderate lockdowns, 2001 [23·8%] of 11 827 in full lockdowns), although there were no differences in resectability rates observed with longer delays. Interpretation Cancer surgery systems worldwide were fragile to lockdowns, with one in seven patients who were in regions with full lockdowns not undergoing planned surgery and experiencing longer preoperative delays. Although short-term oncological outcomes were not compromised in those selected for surgery, delays and non-operations might lead to long-term reductions in survival. During current and future periods of societal restriction, the resilience of elective surgery systems requires strengthening, which might include...

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Background. One method for increasing the donor pool for orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) is to use uncontrolled donation after circulation death (uDCDs). Methods. From January 2006 to December 2016, we performed 75 OLTs using uDCD livers. The control group comprised a sample of 265 OLTs using livers of donations after brain death (DBDs). A comparative study was performed. Results. Of 256 potential uDCD donors cannulated, 75 (29.3%) livers were accepted for OLT. The amount of hemoderivatives transfused was significantly higher in the uDCD group. The rate of primary nonfunction was also significantly higher (P = 0.031) in uDCD recipients (8%) than DBD recipients (1.5%). The overall rate of biliary complications was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in uDCD recipients (23 cases, 30.6%) than DBD recipients (28 cases, 10.6%). In the uDCD group, 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 82.7%, 73%, and 71.5%, respectively; in the DBD group, they were 89%, 83.7%, and 78.8%, respectively (P = 0.180). In the uDCD group, 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates were 73.3%, 65.1%, and 63.6%, respectively; in the DBD group, they were 87.1%, 81.9%, and 76.5%, respectively (P = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for patient and graft survival were intraoperative transfusion of >6 units of packed red blood cell concentrates and recipients who were older than 60 years. Conclusions. Although graft survival is significantly lower using uDCD livers, 5-year patient survival in recipients of DBD and uDCD livers is similar. After careful selection, the livers of uDCD can be selectively used for OLT.

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Background Graft primary non‐function (PNF) is the most severe complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and is frequently associated with livers from uncontrolled circulatory death (uDCD). Methods We reviewed retrospectively the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of patients showing PNF after receiving uDCD liver grafts. The series comprises 75 OLT performed during 11 years. Results The incidence of PNF using uDCD livers was 8%. We compared patients who developed PNF (n = 6) vs. patients without PNF (n = 69). Mean pump flow of donors during normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) was significantly lower in PNF (p = .032). Day 1 post‐OLT levels of transaminases and the incidence of renal complications and postoperative mortality were also significantly higher in the PNF group, but 5‐year patient survival was similar in both groups (66.7% in PNF and 68.5% in non‐PNF). All PNF patients underwent re‐OLT, and 2 died. PNF incidence has decreased in the last 5‐years. Binary logistic regression analysis confirmed final ALT value >4 times the normal value as risk factor for PNF, and median donor pump flow >3700 ml/min as protective effect. Conclusions Adequate donor pump flow during NRP was a protective.