ABSTRACT
EHPVO more commonly involves children from the lower socioeconomic strata in developing countries. Variceal bleeding is the most common presentation.. Management with endoscopic means provide temporary palliation. It is believed that surgery carries high mortality and rebleeding rates and is followed by portosystemic encephalopathy and postsplenectomy sepsis. However, a proximal splenorenal shunt is a definitive procedure that may be more suitable for children, particularly in those who have limited access to medical facilities.Our aim was to evaluate the results of proximal splenorenal shunts done in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. Methods: Between Aug 2017 & Jan 2019, we performed 20 elective proximal splenorenal shunts for EHPVO in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Outcome was evaluated in term of rebleeding, encephalopathy, and pneumococcal infection. Results: Rebleeding occurred in 4 cases, pneumococcal infection & encephalopathy was detected in one patient & one patient died during follow up. Conclusion: A proximal splenorenal shunt, a one-time procedure with a low mortality rate and good long-term results, is an effective treatment for children in India with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.