ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effect of small diameter graft (0.8 cm) splenocaval or mesocaval shunts combined with pericardial devascularization in the treatment of portal hypertensive variceal bleeding. Methods Splenocaval shunts were performed in 14 patients and mesocaval shunts were done in 24 patients, in combination with pericardial devascularization. Results The average decrease of free portal pressure was 6.6±1.2 cm. There was no significant changes in liver function postoperatively (P>0.05). Platelet counts and leukocyte counts were back to normal in splenocaval shunt patients postoperatively (P< 0.05). Operative mortality was 3%. Pyrexia developed in 4 patients, intractable ascites in 1 patient, chylons ascites in 1 patient, hepatic encephalopathy in 1 patient, intraabdominal infection in 1 patient and stress ulceration in 1 patient. All patients recovered after expectant treatment except one who died from severe intraabdominal infection. 35 patients received follow-up between 6 months and 3 years, total effective rate was 89%, 2 patients died from recurrent variceal bleeding, the shunt potency rate was 80% in 1 year and 75% in 3 years. Esophagogastric varices disappeared or alleviated as shown by endoscopy in 25 patients on 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions Small diameter portosystemic graft shunts combined with poricardial devascularization is an effective therapy for bleeding esophagogastric varices with a low rate of hepatic encephalopathy. Splenocaval shunt alleviates hypersplenism concurrently.