Left gastric venous caval shunt for esophageal varices: a report of 8 cases / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effect of left gastric venous caval shunt in the treatment of portal hypertension. Methods Eight patients suffering from portal hypertension underwent left gastric venouscaval shunt. The graft was of autogenous vein in 5 cases and artificial vein in 3 cases. Results There was no mortality and major complication nor early rebleeding. All patients were followed up from 10 mos to 10 years with an average of 5 years and 2 mos.Postoperatively,5 cases retrieved active living style. Two cases died, and one was lost during the follow-up. Conclusion Left gastric venous caval shunt decreasesthe venous pressure of the portal system within pericardiac and lower esophageal area. The shunt is a safe and effective surgical treatment presenting less alterations to splanchnic hemodynamics and with an additionaladvantage for pericardial devascularization.