Browsing by Author "Gunetilleke, B."

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An ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplant in an infant with acute liver failure in the Sri Lankan setting
(The Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2023) Fernando, M.; Tillakaratne, S.; Gunetilleke, B.; Liyanage, C.; Appuhamy, C.; Weerasuriya, A.; Dissanayake, J.; Siriwardana, R.
Liver transplant (LT) is the standard therapy for medically refractory acute liver failure (ALF). Finding a deceaseddonor graft in an emergency is challenging and often overcome by living-donation. Blood group matching is practised for LT though ABO-incompatible liver transplant (ABOi-LT) is performed inselected circumstances. We report an infant who underwent successful ABOincompatible living donor LT for ALF of unknown aetiology. This being the country’s first ABOi-LT, the youngest LT recipient to date and the youngest receiving emergency LT for ALF; we describe the novel experience at a resource-limited setting in Sri Lanka (SL).
Adapting surgical services at a tertiary care unit amidst the COVID19 pandemic: a Sri Lankan perspective
(College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2020) Chandrasinghe, P.C.; Siriwardana, R.C.; Kumarage, S.K.; Gunetilleke, B.; Weerasuriya, A.; Munasinghe, N.M.; Thilakarathne, S.T.; Pinto, D.; Fernando, R.F.
No Abstract available.
Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) in a hepatocellular carcinoma patient with inadequate remnant liver volume
(College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2017) Siriwardana, R.; Tillakaratne, S.; Kumarasinghe, P.; Gunetilleke, B.
Association of serum ferritin with diabetes and alcohol in patients with non-viral liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma
(S. Karger, 2017) Siriwardana, R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Ediriweera, D.; Gunetilleke, B.; Sivasundaram, T.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a leading cause for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Sri Lanka. Diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and liver inflammation are known to increase the risk of HCC. The present study evaluates serum ferritin levels in a cohort of patients with non-viral HCC (nvHCC). METHODOLOGY: Consecutive patients with nvHCC presenting to the Colombo North Liver transplant Service, Ragama, from January 2012 to July 2013 were investigated. All were negative for hepatitis B and C. At registration, 5 mL of serum was separated into plain tubes, stored at -80°C and analysed for ferritin using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation between the serum ferritin and patient risk factors, liver status, and tumour characteristics were analysed. RESULTS: There were 93 patients with nvHCC (median age 65 [12-82] years; 82 [88.2%] males). The median ferritin level was 246.2 μg/L, and 38 (40.86%) patients had elevated ferritin. Non-diabetics (median 363.5 mg/L, p = 0.003) and alcohol abusers (median 261.2 mg/L, p = 0.018) had higher ferritin levels. On multiple-variable analysis, being non-diabetic (p = 0.013) and alcoholic (p = 0.046) was significantly associated with high serum ferritin. No association was found with body mass index, tumour stage, size, macrovascular invasion, number of nodules, alpha-fetoprotein, bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and survival. CONCLUSION: In patients with nvHCC, serum ferritin levels are higher in non-diabetics and alcoholics.
An audit of patient perception regarding labour pain and provision of analgesia in a teaching hospital.
(College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka, 2005) Gunetilleke, B.
BACKGROUND: Provision of adequate analgesia in labour remains a neglected aspect of our health care system. The perception and attitudes of patients regarding labour pain and analgesia has not received sufficient attention. METHODS: A questionnaire was adminlstered by the investigator to parturients In a teaching hospital prior to and after delivery. RESULTS: All patients had received regular antenatal care. Patients anticipated severe pain In labour (P
Challenges faced in establishing a pediatric liver transplant program in a lower‐middle‐income country with free healthcare service
(Wiley, 2024) Fernando, M.; Tillakaratne, S.; Gunetilleke, B.; Liyanage, C.; Appuhamy, C.; Weerasuriya, A.; Uragoda, B.; Welikala, N.; Ranaweera, L.; Ganewatte, E.; Dissanayake, J.; Mudalige, A.; Siriwardana, R.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Liver transplant is the cure for children with liver failure. Sri Lanka is a lower-middle-income country with a predominant free, state health system. Pediatric liver transplant program in Sri Lanka is still in the budding state where the initial experience of the program is yet to be documented. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed including the clinical characteristics of all pediatric liver transplant recipients of Colombo North Centre for Liver Diseases since the inception of the program from June 2020 to May 2023. RESULTS: There were 14 PLT performed in 3 years. The median recipient age and weight were 8 years (6 months–15 years) and 23.3 kg (6.4–49.2), respectively. The majority were boys (64%). All were from low-income backgrounds. Indications for LT were acute liver failure (5/14), decompensated chronic liver disease (5/14), and acute on chronic liver failure (4/14). Underlying liver diseases were Wilson disease (6/14), autoimmune liver disease (3/14), biliary atresia (2/14) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (1/14), and unknown etiology (2/14). The majority were living donor liver transplants (86%). Of the living donors, 42% (5/12) were Buddhist priests. There were three immediate deaths and two late deaths. The 3-month survival was 78%, and overall survival was 64%. Living donor transplants carried a higher success rate (92%) compared to diseased donor transplants (0%; 2/2). CONCLUSIONS: Initial experience of pediatric liver transplant program of Sri Lanka is promising despite being established in a free healthcare system amidst the crisis circumstances.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma in alcohol related and cryptogenic cirrhosis:a prospective study
(Elsevier, 2015) Siriwardana, R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Liyanage, C.; Gunetilleke, B.; Jayathunge, S.; de Silva, H.J.
BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of its complications. Although the pathophysiology is unclear, it is reasonable to expect that cryptogenic cirrhosis related HCC (cryptogenic HCC) behaves differently to other types of HCC. This study prospectively compared patients with cryptogenic HCC and those with HCC related to alcoholic cirrhosis. METHODS: A total of 150 consecutive patients with HCC (89 cryptogenic HCC and 61 alcohol related HCC) referred to our unit over a 23-month period were studied. Their demographic data, liver function, tumor characteristics and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Alcohol related HCC was seen only in males. Compared with cryptogenic HCC, alcohol related HCC had significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio (1.7 vs 1.4, P=0.002), model for end-stage liver disease score (13 vs 11, P=0.018) and Child's score (7 vs 6, P=0.037). No significant difference was seen in platelet counts, serum sodium and AST to platelet ratio index. Single nodular tumors were more common in cryptogenic HCC, while diffuse type tumors and macroscopic vascular invasion were common in alcohol related HCC. In patients who could not be offered any treatment because of advanced tumors or poor liver function, alcohol related HCC had a significantly lower median survival (5.3 months) compared with cryptogenic HCC (9.3 months, P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with cryptogenic HCC, alcohol related HCC had worse liver function and aggressive tumor morphology at presentation, and a higher proportion was untreatable. In patients who could not be treated, median survival was lower in patients with alcohol related HCC than in those with cryptogenic HCC.
Clinical predictors of poor outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma of nonviral aetiology
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Siriwardana, H.D.R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Gunetilleke, B.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Clinical predictors for prognosis of NASH and alcohol related (non-viral) hepatocellular carcinoma (nvHCC) is poorly described. METHODS: Patients with nvHCC, from a tertiary referral hepatobiliary clinic were prospectively screened. Clinical evaluation, liver biochemistry, pre-treatment AFP (pt-AFP) and contrast enhanced CT abdomen were performed. HCC was diagnosed using American Association for the Study of Liver Disease guidelines, and TNM staged. nvHCC was diagnosed in HCC negative for HBsAg, anti-HCVantibody, autoimmune and metabolic screening. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were calculated. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: A total of 472 patients with nvHCC [age-64 (12-88) years; males-417 (88.3%)] were screened [261 (61.1%) had diabetes; 212 (48.8%) were regular, 85 (19.6%) social, 137 (31.6%) nonconsumers of alcohol]. 358 (83.4%) had cirrhosis [Child A (58.3%), B (32.8%), C (8.9%); median CTP 6 (1-14), MELD 11 (5-40)]. 170 (42.2%) HCCs were TNM stage 3, with median diameter 6cm (0.9-26.5). 239 (71.6%) had no vascular or visceral invasion. Median pt-AFP was 26.6ng/ml (1.16-100,000) [pt-AFP>200ng/ml: n=90 (31.4%) pt-AFP>400ng/ml: n=68 (23.8%)]. Gender, alcohol use (consumer/not), diabetes (present/absent), cirrhosis (present/absent), Child-class (A or B/C), total diameter (<5cm or ≥5cm), nodularity (single/multiple), vascular invasion (present/absent), TNM stage (early/late) and pt-AFP level (<200 or ≥200ng/ml) were assessed as predictors of mortality. On bivariate analysis, Child B/C class (p<0.05), vascular invasion (p<0.001), TNM stage 3 and 4 (p<0.05) and pt- AFP≥200ng/ml (<0.05) were predictive of death. On multivariate analysis, TNM stage ¾ (p<0.05, HR=2.07 and 4.07 respectively) and pt-AFP level≥200ng/ml (p<0.05, HR=1.71) remained independently predictive of death. CONCLUSION: Among patients with nvHCC, TNM stage 3/4 and pt-AFP≥200ng/ml independently predicts death.
Comparison of cryptogenic and hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Siriwardana, R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Gunetilleke, B.; Chok, K.S.H.; Lo, C.M.; Chan, S.C.; Fan, S.T.; de Silva, S.T.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Viral hepatitis is the leading cause for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. Cryptogenic or non-alcoholic fatty liver related HCC is increasing and is predominant in Sri Lanka (SL). Few studies have compared cryptogenic (cHCC) and hepatitis B (bHCC) HCC. Objective of the study was to compare cryptogenic and hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma. METHOD: Patients with HCC were screened at two centres, in Hong Kong (HK) and SL, from 2012-2014. HCC was diagnosed on typical CT/MRI appearance. Biopsy was performed when uncertain. Those with safe alcohol intake, no hepatotoxic exposure, and not having viral, autoimmune or inherited aetiology were considered cHCC. Demography, baseline liver status, tumour characteristics and treatment were compared between groups. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 891 patients (350-SL,541-HK). All HK patients were HBsAg positive. Two HBsAg positive SL patients, and 363 with unsafe alcohol intake were excluded. There were no hepatitis C patients. cHCC=234 and bHCC=292 were compared. There was no difference in gender, presenting age, symptoms, transaminases, platelet counts, median tumour diameter, morphology and tumour stage at presentation between groups. Significantly more cHCC had diabetes [133 vs. 67], while more bHCC were cirrhotics [269 vs.175]. At presentation, serum bilirubin was significantly higher in bHCC (1.2 vs. 0.7), while INR (1.23vs1.1) and AFP (51u/lvs.26u/l) were significantly higher in cHCC. bHCC had significantly more surgical candidates [113 vs. 50], while significantly more cHCC were transarterial- chemo-embolization (TACE) candidates [74 vs. 53]. More cHCC were unsuitable for active treatment despite similar tumour stage at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: More cHCC had diabetes and occurred in non-cirrhotic livers. Compared to bHCC, fewer cHCC were candidates for surgery or active treatment at presentation.
Complications of obstetric anaesthesia
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2021) Gunetilleke, B.; de Silva, A.
No abstract available
Cryptogenic cirrhosis is the leading cause for listing for liver transplantation in Sri Lanka
(Springer India, 2013) Siriwardana, R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Liyanage, C.A.H.; Wijesuriya, S.R.E.; Gunetilleke, B.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, H.J.
Hepatitis B and C are rare in Sri Lanka. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing in the country. Eighty-one patients referred for liver transplantation (LT) over a period of 18 months were prospectively evaluated. Ninety-two percent (n = 74) were males. Cryptogenic cirrhosis was the leading indication for LT (58%, n = 47) followed by alcohol in 27% (n = 33). Hepatitis B and C were not seen in our cases. The liver biochemistry and clinical status of cirrhosis were similar in cryptogenic and alcoholic cirrhotics. Fourteen patients died while waiting for transplant, and nine transplants were performed. Cryptogenic cirrhosis is the leading cause for LT in Sri Lanka.
Diffuse-Type Hepatoma: A grave prognostic marker
(Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers, 2017) Siriwardana, R.C.; Liyanage, C.A.H.; Gunetilleke, B.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, H.J.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Jayatunga, S.P.
BACKGROUND: Data on diffuse-type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare. HCC in Sri Lanka is rising, and the majority is related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was planned to compare nodular- and diffuse-type HCC in this cohort. METHODS: CT scans of 227 patients with HCC negative for infective hepatitis were analyzed and grouped as nodular and diffuse from July 2011 to July 2014. Diffuse-type cancer was defined as a tumor without convex/distinct margin, diffusely infiltrating the hepatic parenchyma. There were 45 (20%) cases. The baseline liver functions, etiology, treatment, and the outcome were compared with nodular-type cancers. Stage III diffuse cancers were matched with 2 stage III nodular cancers looking at the T stage and background liver. RESULTS: There was no difference in the age (63 vs. 62 years, p = 0.937) and gender. Diffuse cancers had a low BMI (24 vs. 22, p = 0.009), a higher alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level (p < 0.001), a higher incidence of major vascular invasion (14 vs. 80%, p < 0.001), and a history of significant alcohol consumption (39 vs. 67%, p = 0.001). The baseline liver functions were similar in diffuse and nodular cancers. A large proportion (27 vs.77%, p < 0.001) of diffuse cancers were not candidates for active treatment. Overall survival was poor in the diffuse type(4.7 vs. 25 months, p < 0.001). Diffuse-type stage III cancers had a poor survival compared to matched nodular cancers (2.5 vs. 15.8 months, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: HCC without a background of infective hepatitis were common in our cohort. These tumors are associated with high AFP levels, major vascular invasion, and a poor prognosis.
Fifty liver transplants: a single centre experience of haemodynamic management in liver transplantation for cirrhosis [part 1]
(College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2021) Gunetilleke, B.; Ranamuni, R.; Jayaweera, D.; Welikala, N.; Kerner, V.; Munasinghe, N.; Withanage, R.; Wickremasinghe, N.; Hewage, S.; Wijesuriya, N.; Rodrigo, U.; Mudalige, A.; Fernando, M.; Hettiarachchi, D.; Dissanayake, J.; Niriella, M.; Dassanayake, A.; Thilakaratne, S.; de Silva, J.; Siriwardana, R.; WIjesuriya, R.; Liyanage, C.
ABSTRACT: Cirrhosis with end stage liver disease (ESLD) is a leading cause of non-communicable disease related deaths in Sri Lanka. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for patients with ESLD. The complex multisystem involvement and unique cardiovascular profile characteristic of ESLD present formidable challenges during liver transplantation. Management of the rapid and varied hemodynamic changes during surgery requires an in depth understanding of the physiological effects of each intervention. Based on the current literature and the experience gained at our center during the management of 50 liver transplants, we present optimization strategies and perioperative hemodynamic interventions which we use to ‘Fast track’ recovery following liver transplantation. KEYWORDS: Liver transplantation, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol related liver disease
Fifty liver transplants: a single centre experience of haemodynamic management in liver transplantation for cirrhosis [part 2]
(The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2021) Gunetilleke, B.; Ranamuni, R.; Jayaweera, D.; Welikala, N.; Kerner, V.; Hettiarachchi, D.; Munasinghe, N.; Withanage, R.; Wickremasinghe, N.; Hewage, S.; Fernando, M.; Hettiarachchi, D.; Niriella, M.; Dassanayake, A.; Thilakaratne, S.; Wijesuriya, R.; Liyanage, C.; Siriwardana, R.; Dissanayake, J.; Wijesuriya, N.; Rodrigo, U.; Rodrigo, U.; Mudalige, A.; de Silva, J.
Globally, an estimated one million deaths occur annually due to complications of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis with end stage liver disease [ESLD] is a leading cause death due to non- communicable diseases in Sri Lanka. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and alcohol related liver disease [ARLD] are the principal causes of ESLD due to cirrhosis in Sri Lanka. Liver transplantation remains the only curative treatment for such patients. Multiorgan dysfunction and hemodynamic instability characteristic of ESLD adds to the complexity of perioperative care in liver transplantation. Maintenance of stable hemodynamics including optimal hemostasis forms the core of the anaesthetic strategy in liver transplantation.
Internal biliary diversion for medically refractory pruritus in a child with Alagille syndrome: a novel alternative for liver transplantation
(Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, 2024-12) Tillakaratne, S.; Fernando, M.; Batepola, T.; Gunetilleke, B.; Appuhamy, C.; Weerasuriya, A.; Siriwardana, R.
No abstract available
Internal biliary diversion to avoid liver transplantation in an adult with intractable pruritus due to idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis
(Springer Nature, 2020) Siriwardana, R.C.; Jayatunge, D.S.P.; Ekanayake, C.S.; Tilakaratne, S.; Niriella, M.A.; Gunetilleke, B.; Dassanayake, A.S.
BACKGROUND: Cholestasis is due to the obstruction at any level of the excretory pathway of bile. One particularly troublesome symptom of cholestasis is pruritus which leads to a profound effect on a patient’s quality of life. In children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), medical treatment often fails. An alternative surgical procedure using biliary diversion offers significant relief for intractable pruritus in non-responders. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old male presented with a history of persistent jaundice and intractable pruritus for a 2-month duration. His liver enzymes were markedly elevated. However, his liver synthetic function was preserved. After extensive evaluation, a cause for cholestasis was not identified. A multi-disciplinary decision was to consider liver transplantation, but as his liver synthetic functions were remarkably preserved and the intractable pruritus was the sole indication for a transplantation, it was finally decided that internal biliary diversion should be done for symptomatic relief. His pruritus dramatically improved at 6 weeks post-operative. His liver enzymes and bilirubin levels also decreased compared to his pre-operative status. Currently, his liver functions are being closely monitored. CONCLUSION: Though it is not used in adults, the experience of biliary diversion in children with PFIC shows that there is a considerable improvement of symptoms and postpone the need for a transplant. In our patient, liver function and bilirubin as expected did not show a major improvement. But the dramatic improvement of the symptoms gave us the time to postpone the liver transplantation. A biliary diversion is a reasonable option that needs to be considered even in adults with refectory pruritus due to cholestasis.
Liver transplantation for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis related cirrhosis(A future global epidemic already seen in current Sri Lankan practice)
(Sage Journals, 2017) Siriwardana, R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Gunetilleke, B.; de Silva, H.J.
The long-term quality of life following liver transplantation in a developing country with a free health care system
(The Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2022) Siriwardana, R.C; Gunetilleke, B.; Jayatunge, S.; Weerasooriya, A.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Ranaweera, S.P.; Tillakaratne, S.B.
INTRODUCTION: Developing countries with limited resources are yet to establish universal liver transplant (LT) services to cater to their population free of charge. In this unique setting, no data are published on the long-term Quality of life (QOL) of LT survivors. OBJECTIVES: Compare the long-term quality of life of post-liver transplant patients with a matching cohort of pretransplant cirrhotic patients and a matching non cirrhotic control group. Methods: Of the 45 liver transplants that were performed there were 24 patients who completed over 6 months of follow-up. Of these, 4 patients died (including one lost to follow-up) after six months. The remaining 20 post-transplant patients were the subjects for QOL assessment. One post-transplant recipient was matched with two pre-transplant cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic healthy control group. QOL was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The median age was 54 years (27-67) and 85% (n=17) were male. The median follow up was 24 months (6- 94 months). The median MELD score was 17 (11-22) and 75% (n=15) were due to cryptogenic cirrhosis. Post-operatively three (15%) developed graft rejection, five (25%) had infections and ten (50%) suffered drug related complications. 95% (n= 19) of the population had satisfactory drug compliance. The study population had significantly better QOL compared to control in all eight domains (p<0.05) including physical functioning (76% vs 52.7%), physical health (80% vs 7.9%), emotional problems (93% vs 17.1%), energy (77% vs 47%), emotional wellbeing (80% vs 61.1%), social functioning (86.9% vs 56.9%), pain (82% vs 47.5%) and general health (67.5% vs 37.5%). The study population had similar quality of life compared to the healthy control group with better-perceived emotional well-being. CONCLUSION: Long-term survivors after LT have significantly improved QOL in a setting with limited resources
Nasojejunal feeding versus feeding jejunostomy after upper gastrointestinal surgery
(College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2014) Ranjithatharsini, M.; Deen, K.I.; Kumarage, S.; Liyanage, C.; Siriwardana, R.; Gunetilleke, B.
The use of enteral nutrition over parenteral nutrition is recommended in the case of patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery for cancer, as it reduces sepsis related morbidity. In this study we compared ourexperience of nasojejunal tube feeding with feeding jejunostomy
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among potential live liver donors-a preliminary experience from Sri Lanka
(Springer India, 2014) Silva, H.; Siriwardana, R.C.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Liyanage, C.A.H.; Gunetilleke, B.; de Silva, H.J.
No abstract available