[Reconstruction of total portosystemic shunt into selective portosystemic shunt in a child]. / Rekonstruktsiya total'nogo portosistemnogo shunta v selektivnyi portosistemnyi shunt u rebenka.

To date, side-to-side splenorenal shunt (SRS) and its analogues (splenosuprarenal shunts (SSRS)) are mainly used for portal hypertension. These are total portosystemic shunts characterized by total blood shunt from portal vein into inferior vena cava. The latter is fraught with a significant risk of complications such as pulmonary hypertension, decreased portal liver perfusion, liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Prevention of these complications is still an urgent problem in modern surgery. However, we proposed a new method of treatment, i.e. reconstruction of SRS and SSRS into selective shunt. This procedure was performed in 37 patients after 2020. We present laparoscopic reconstruction in an 11-year-old girl with portal hypertension and signs of hepatic encephalopathy identified after previous SSRS.

The use of autologous peritoneum in surgery of portal hypertension: H-shape splenorenal shunt using simple layer peritoneal tube.

The management of portal hypertension complicated by iterative gastro-intestinal bleeding remains challenging, especially in a low-income environment. Interventional radiology and endoscopic treatments are not always accessible, and a definitive surgical option may prove to be lifesaving. We report a new technique of surgical portosystemic shunt that can be performed in all contexts. We describe the surgical technique of a H-shaped splenorenal shunt using autologous rolled up peritoneum as a vascular graft.

Splenic vein embolization as a feasible treatment for patients with hepatic encephalopathy related to large spontaneous splenorenal shunts.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although splenic vein embolization (SVE) has been performed for the management of patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) related to large spontaneous splenorenal shunts (SSRS) in recent years, its role remains poorly defined. In this study, we aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of SVE for HE patients with large SSRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from cirrhotic patients who were confirmed to have recurrent or persistent HE related to large SSRS and underwent SVE from January 2017 to April 2021 were retrospectively collected and analyzed at our center. The primary endpoints were the change of HE severity at 1 week after embolization and the recurrence of HE during the follow-up period. The secondary endpoints were procedure-related complications and changes in laboratory indicators and hepatic function (Child-Pugh score/grade and model for end-stage liver disease score). RESULTS: Of the eight cirrhotic patients included in the study, six were diagnosed with recurrent HE, and the others were diagnosed with persistent HE. Embolization success was achieved for all patients (100%), and no immediate procedure-related complications, de novo occurrence, or aggravation of symptoms related to portal hypertension were observed during the long-term follow-up. HE status was assessed at 1 week after embolization. The results demonstrated that the symptoms were mitigated in three patients and resolved completely in five patients. During the follow-up period, all patients were free of HE within 1 month after embolization, but one patient experienced the recurrence of HE within 6 months and another one experienced the recurrence of HE within 1 year. Compared with the preoperative parameters, the Child-Pugh score and grade were significantly improved at 1 week and 1 month after embolization (all P<0.05), and the serum ammonia level was significantly lower at 1 month after embolization (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SVE could be considered as a feasible treatment for patients with HE related to large SSRS, but further validation is required.

Functional side-to-side splenorenal shunts to treat extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis in children.

BACKGROUND: Surgical shunts are commonly used to manage complications resulting from extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVT) in children. We describe a single-center experience utilizing a functional Side-to-Side Splenorenal Shunt (fSRS), created using either an enlarged inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) or left adrenal vein (LAV). METHODS: Pediatric patients with isolated EHPVT who were poor candidates for a Rex shunt and who underwent a fSRS procedure at our institution between 2003 and 2020 were reviewed. The pre/post shunt portosystemic gradient change, rates of early and late complications, postoperative shunt patency, and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve EHPVT patients (mean age of 6.1 years) underwent a fSRS procedure. The mean portosystemic gradient change for the cohort was -11.7 mmHg (±4.9). There were no cases of recurrent variceal bleeding or episodes of shunt thrombosis reported after fSRS procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical shunts continue to be an important adjunct in the treatment of complications related to EHPVT. The functional Side-to-Side Splenorenal Shunt is a safe alternative that is easy to perform, involves minimal dissection and requires only a single anastomosis.

Portosystemic shunts versus endoscopic intervention with or without medical treatment for prevention of rebleeding in people with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: People with liver cirrhosis who have had one episode of variceal bleeding are at risk for repeated episodes of bleeding. Endoscopic intervention and portosystemic shunts are used to prevent further bleeding, but there is no consensus as to which approach is preferable. OBJECTIVES: To compare the benefits and harms of shunts (surgical shunts (total shunt (TS), distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS), or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)) versus endoscopic intervention (endoscopic sclerotherapy or banding, or both) with or without medical treatment (non-selective beta blockers or nitrates, or both) for prevention of variceal rebleeding in people with liver cirrhosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the CHBG Controlled Trials Register; CENTRAL, in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE Ovid; Embase Ovid; LILACS (Bireme); Science Citation Index - Expanded (Web of Science); and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (Web of Science); as well as conference proceedings and the references of trials identified until 22 June 2020. We contacted study investigators and industry researchers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials comparing shunts versus endoscopic interventions with or without medical treatment in people with cirrhosis who had recovered from a variceal haemorrhage. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. When possible, we collected data to allow intention-to-treat analysis. For each outcome, we estimated a meta-analysed estimate of treatment effect across trials (risk ratio for binary outcomes). We used random-effects model meta-analysis as our main analysis and as a means of presenting results. We reported differences in means for continuous outcomes without a meta-analytic estimate due to high variability in their assessment among all trials. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 27 randomised trials with 1828 participants. Three trials assessed TSs, five assessed DSRSs, and 19 trials assessed TIPSs. The endoscopic intervention was sclerotherapy in 16 trials, band ligation in eight trials, and a combination of band ligation and either sclerotherapy or glue injection in three trials. In eight trials, endoscopy was combined with beta blockers (in one trial plus isosorbide mononitrate). We judged all trials to be at high risk of bias. We assessed the certainty of evidence for all the outcome review results as very low (i.e. the true effects of the results are likely to be substantially different from the results of estimated effects). The very low evidence grading is due to the overall high risk of bias for all trials, and to imprecision and publication bias for some outcomes. Therefore, we are very uncertain whether portosystemic shunts versus endoscopy interventions with or without medical treatment have effects on all-cause mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.13; 1828 participants; 27 trials), on rebleeding (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.50; 1769 participants; 26 trials), on mortality due to rebleeding (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76; 1779 participants; 26 trials), and on occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy, both acute (RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.92; 1649 participants; 24 trials) and chronic (RR 2.51, 95% CI 1.38 to 4.55; 956 participants; 13 trials). No data were available regarding health-related quality of life. Analysing each modality of portosystemic shunts individually (i.e. TS, DSRS, and TIPS) versus endoscopic interventions with or without medical treatment, we are very uncertain if each type of shunt has effect on all-cause mortality: TS, RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.13; 164 participants; 3 trials; DSRS, RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.33; 352 participants; 4 trials; and TIPS, RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.31; 1312 participants; 19 trial; on rebleeding: TS, RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56; 127 participants; 2 trials; DSRS, RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.65; 330 participants; 5 trials; and TIPS, RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.55; 1312 participants; 19 trials; on mortality due to rebleeding: TS, RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.96; 164 participants; 3 trials; DSRS, RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.74; 352 participants; 5 trials; and TIPS, RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.04; 1263 participants; 18 trials; on acute hepatic encephalopathy: TS, RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.70 to 3.92; 115 participants; 2 trials; DSRS, RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.94 to 3.08; 287 participants; 4 trials, TIPS, RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.99; 1247 participants; 18 trials; and chronic hepatic encephalopathy: TS, Fisher's exact test P = 0.11; 69 participants; 1 trial; DSRS, RR 4.87, 95% CI 1.46 to 16.23; 170 participants; 2 trials; and TIPS, RR 1.88, 95% CI 0.93 to 3.80; 717 participants; 10 trials. The proportion of participants with shunt occlusion or dysfunction was overall 37% (95% CI 33% to 40%). It was 3% (95% CI 0.8% to 10%) following TS, 7% (95% CI 3% to 13%) following DSRS, and 47.1% (95% CI 43% to 51%) following TIPS. Shunt dysfunction in trials utilising polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents was 17% (95% CI 11% to 24%). Length of inpatient hospital stay and cost were not comparable across trials. Funding was unclear in 16 trials; 11 trials were funded by government, local hospitals, or universities. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on whether portosystemic shunts versus endoscopy interventions with or without medical treatment in people with cirrhosis and previous hypertensive portal bleeding have little or no effect on all-cause mortality is very uncertain. Evidence on whether portosystemic shunts may reduce bleeding and mortality due to bleeding while increasing hepatic encephalopathy is also very uncertain. We need properly conducted trials to assess effects of these interventions not only on assessed outcomes, but also on quality of life, costs, and length of hospital stay.

Transcatheter Embolization of Renal-Splenic Shunt to Treat Hematemesis.

Although sequelae of chronic liver disease are the most common causes of altered pressure dynamics in the portal and splanchnic circulations, there are other mechanisms resulting in increased venous pressures with subsequent development of splenic and gastric varices. We report a case of a patient without portal hypertension, but with bleeding gastric varices with a presumed splenorenal shunt (SRS) on CT. Venography revealed flow reversal through the shunt (directed from the renal vein, into the splenic vein and out the portal vein; a renal-splent shunt (RSR)) and thus an anatomically similar but functionally distinct systemic to mesenteric variant. While being anatomically similar to the well-known SRS, the different flow dynamics necessitate a different approach for treatment and important considerations for the use of any liquid embolic.

H-shaped partial splenorenal shunting with the use of a reinforced graft made of porous polytetrafluoroethylene. / N-obraznoe partsial'noe splenorenal'noe shuntirovanie s ispol'zovaniem armirovannogo proteza iz poristogo politetraftorétilena.

AIM: The study was aimed at improving the immediate and remote results of splenorenal bypass grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 57 patients presenting with hepatic cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and recurrent haemorrhage from oesophageal varices underwent an H-shaped partial splenorenal shunt procedure using an externally reinforced 1.5-2.0-cm-long synthetic graft with a diameter equalling half of that of the splenic vein in an end-to-side fashion. Assessment of efficacy of shunting was based on intraoperative measurement of venous pressure in the portal system before and after shunting, the findings of Doppler ultrasonography of the linear velocity of blood flow in the portal, splenic, and left renal veins in the early postoperative period, as well as computed tomography, esophagogastroscopy, and assessment of the degree of hepatic encephalopathy in the remote postoperative period. RESULTS: The findings of intraoperative measurement of venous pressure in the portal vein system before and after shunting demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in (normalization of) portal pressure in all patients after bypass grafting (p≤0.05). There were no severe postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality, nor events of decompensation of hepatic insufficiency. According to the findings of Doppler ultrasonography of the linear velocity of blood flow and control computed tomography after surgery, the splenic vein, left renal vein and the conduit between them remained patent at all terms of postoperative follow up. The findings of control esophagogastroscopy revealed a statistically significant decrease in the degree of oesophageal varices at 3, 6, and 9 months after shunting (p≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the change of the degree of hepatic encephalopathy at 3, 6, and 9 months after shunting (p=0.853, p=0.712, and p=0.581, respectively). At various terms after surgery, nine patients underwent deceased donor liver transplantation, with the splenorenal shunt ligated intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: This method of splenorenal shunting makes it possible to decrease the risk of bleeding from oesophageal varices and venous thromboses in vascular anastomoses, as well as complications resulting from using autovenous conduits, to decrease the risk of decomposition of hepatic insufficiency and the frequency of the development of encephalopathy in the postoperative period. Besides, this method makes it possible to easily dismantle the previously created artificial portocaval shunt in the process of liver transplantation.

Encefalopatía hepática secundaria a shunt esplenorrenal que se manifiesta tras largo tiempo del trasplante hepático / Hepatic encephalopathy secondary to a splenorenal shunt that manifested a long time after a liver transplantation

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Left renal vein ligation for large splenorenal shunt during liver transplantation.

Adequate hepatopetal portal vein blood flow is obligatory to ensure proper liver function after liver transplantation. Large collateral veins as shunts impair portal vein flow and even cause hepatofugal blood flow and portal steal syndrome. In particular, splenorenal shunts in liver transplant recipients can lead to allograft dysfunction and possible allograft loss or hepatic encephalopathy. Restoration of portal flow through left renal vein ligation (LRVL) is a treatment option, which is much easier compared to splenectomy, renoportal anastomosis and shunt closure, but bears the risk of moderate and temporary impairment of renal function. In addition, a patent portal vein is mandatory for LRVL. However, although LRVL has been reported to be an effective, safe and easy method to control portacaval shunts and increase hepatopetal flow in some studies, indications and safety are still not clear. In this review, we summarize existing studies on LRVL during liver transplantation.

[Warren shunt combined with partial splenectomy in children with extra-hepatic portal hypertension, massive splenomegaly and severe hypersplenism].

INTRODUCTION: Extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is one of the most often causes of portal hypertension in children. OBJECTIVE: Establishing the importance of shunt surgery in combination with partial spleen resection in selected pediatric patients with EHPVO, enormous splenomegaly and severe hypersplenism. METHODS: Distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) with partial spleen resection was performed in 22 children age from 2 to 17 years with EHPVO. Indications for surgery were pain and abdominal discomfort caused by spleen enlargement, as well as symptomatic hypersplenism with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. The partial spleen resection was performed by ligation of blood vessels to caudal two thirds of the spleen. After ischemic parenchymal demarcation transection with electrocautery LigaSure was performed with preservation of 20-30% of spleen tissue, and then Warren DSRS was created. Platelet and leucocytes counts and liver function tests were obtained before, one month and one year after surgery. Growth was assessed with SD scores (Z scores) for height, weight and body mass index at the time of surgery and one year later. RESULTS: In all patients postoperative period was without significant complications. Platelets and leucocytes counts were normalized. Patency rate of shunts was 100%. Two significant shunts stenosis were observed and successfully treated with percutaneous angioplasty. During the follow-up period (1 to 9 years) all patients were asymptomatic, with improved quality of life and growth. CONCLUSION: Results of our study indicate that shunt surgery with a partial spleen resection is an effective and safe procedure for patients with enormous splenomegaly and severe hypersplenism caused by EHPVO.

Spontaneous resolution of splenic infarcts after distal splenorenal shunt in children with extra hepatic portal venous obstruction: our experience.

BACKGROUND: In cases of portal hypertension with splenic infarcts, splenectomy with proximal splenorenal shunt has been recommended. We are sharing our experience with distal splenorenal shunt in these cases contrary to the popular belief. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Splenic infarcts were graded as mild, moderate and severe according to the pre-operative CT portogram. Mild, moderate and severe infarcts were defined as an infarct involving < 25%, 25-50% and > 50% area of the spleen, respectively. Mild and moderate infarcts were managed by spleen-preserving distal splenorenal shunt while those with extensive infarcts were subjected to splenectomy and proximal splenorenal shunt. Those with spleen-preserving shunts were closely followed in the post-operative period according to a uniform protocol. Clinical examination was regularly done to assess the size of the spleen and note the presence of pain, tenderness in the left intercostal space. An ultrasound Doppler was done after 7 days to assess shunt patency while CT portogram was repeated at 6 monthly intervals. RESULTS: Fourteen cases with splenic infarcts formed the study group. Eight cases had mild infarcts, 3 had moderate infarcts and 3 had severe infarcts. Four underwent proximal splenorenal shunt, and 10 underwent warren's shunt (8 with mild and 2 with moderate infarcts). In 9/10 (90%), spleen could eventually be retained. Spleen completely regressed in them and so did the infarct. CONCLUSIONS: Spleen-preserving distal splenorenal shunt can be considered as a viable option in the management of cases with mild and carefully selected moderate splenic infarcts.

Ascitis quilosa posquirúrgica en un adulto tratada con octreótida / Octreotide treatment for postoperative chylous ascites in an adult

La ascitis quilosa en una entidad poco frecuente después de una cirugía abdominal. En este artículo mostramos el caso de un varón de 43 años con cavernomatosis portal intervenido para realizar una derivación esplenorrenal, que finalmente no se realizó por ausencia de signos de hipertensión portal. El día 20 de post-operatorio comenzó con distensión abdominal y disnea leve, y fue diagnosticado de ascitis quilosa, que se relacionó con el antecedente quirúrgico. Fue tratado inicialmente con dieta y diuréticos, con nula respuesta clínica, por lo que se inició tratamiento con octreótida. Al cuarto día la ascitis casi se había resuelto, y al cuarto mes había desaparecido por completo en el control ecográfico. Este artículo muestra la eficacia de octreótida en el tratamiento de la ascitis quilosa posquirúrgica (AU)

Chylous ascites is infrequent after abdominal surgery. We describe the case of a 43-year-old man with portal cavernomatosis who underwent surgery to insert a splenorenal shunt, which was not placed due to the absence of signs of portal hypertension. On postoperative day 20, the patient developed abdominal distension and mild dyspnea and was diagnosed with chylous ascites, which was related to the surgery. The patient was initially treated with diet and diuretics, with no clinical response, and consequently octreotide therapy was started. Four days later, the ascites was almost resolved and an ultrasound scan at 4 months showed its complete disappearance. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of octreotide in the treatment of postsurgical chylous ascites (AU)

Management of surgical splenorenal shunt-related hepatic myelopathy with endovascular interventional techniques.

We present a case with hepatic myelopathy (HM) due to a surgical splenorenal shunt that was successfully treated by endovascular interventional techniques. A 39-year-old man presented with progressive spastic paraparesis of his lower limbs 14 mo after a splenorenal shunt. A portal venogram identified a widened patent splenorenal shunt. We used an occlusion balloon catheter initially to occlude the shunt. Further monitoring of the patient revealed a decrease in his serum ammonia level and an improvement in leg strength. We then used an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) to enable closure of the shunt. During the follow up period of 7 mo, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement and normalization of blood ammonia, without any complications. Occlusion of a surgically created splenorenal shunt with AVP represents an alternative therapy to surgery or coil embolization that can help to relieve shunt-induced HM symptoms.

Posttransplantation portal thrombosis secondary to splenorenal shunt persistence.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with portal vein thrombosis after liver transplantation with a persistent splenorenal shunt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 780 liver transplantations from 1990 to 2009. We analyzed the existence of portal vein thrombosis in the immediate posttransplant period, selecting cases with a persistent splenorenal shunt requiring surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of posttransplant portal vein thrombosis was 1.41% (n=11), of which 3 (27%) had a splenorenal shunt as a possible cause (0.38% of the total). Two cases required liver retransplantation due to portal vein thrombosis, and the third a thrombectomy. In all cases the shunt was also closed. During the early postoperative follow-up of these 3 patients, 2 needed repeat surgeries because of a new portal vein thrombosis (thrombectomy) in one and a bilioperitoneum in the other. After a median follow-up of 11 months, the patients showed a good evolution with no primary graft dysfunction. DISCUSSION: The portal steal phenomenon secondary to persistence of a splenorenal shunt promotes the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis. Although it is a rare cause of graft dysfunction, it must be treated early, because it can lead to a small-for-size syndrome.

Evaluation of surgical procedure selection based on intraoperative free portal pressure measurement in patients with portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical procedures can be used to treat liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. How to select the most appropriate procedure for patients with portal hypertension has become a difficult problem. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the value of intraoperative free portal pressure (FPP) and postoperative complications, and to explore the significance of intraoperative FPP measurement with respect to surgical procedure selection. METHODS: The clinical data of 187 patients with portal hypertension who received pericardial devascularization and proximal splenorenal shunt combined with devascularization (combined operation) at the Department of General Surgery in our hospital from January 2001 to September 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the patients who received pericardial devascularization, those with a postoperative FPP >or=22 mmHg were included in a high-pressure group (n=68), and those with FPP <22 mmHg were in a low-pressure group (n=49). Seventy patients who received the combined operation comprised a combined group. The intraoperative FPP measurement changes at different times, and the incidence of postoperative complications in the three groups of patients were compared. RESULTS: The postoperative FPP value in the high-pressure group was 27.5+/-2.3 mmHg, which was significantly higher than that of the low-pressure (20.9+/-1.8 mmHg) or combined groups (21.7+/-2.5 mmHg). The rebleeding rate in the high-pressure group was significantly higher than that in the low-pressure and combined groups. The incidence rates of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy and liver failure were not statistically different among the three groups. The mortality due to rebleeding in the low-pressure and combined groups (0.84%) was significantly lower than that of the high-pressure group. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that FPP is a critical measurement for surgical procedure selection in patients with portal hypertension. A FPP value >or=22 mmHg after splenectomy and devascularization alone is an important indicator that an additional proximal splenorenal shunt needs to be performed.

[Possible causes of thrombus-related hazard of a distal splenorenal venous anastomosis].

A distal splenorenal venous anastomosis (DSRVA) is used as a method to decompress the portal system in hypertension and as a method to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus. The essence of the operation consists in establishing an «end-to-side¼ anastomosis between the distal end of the transected close to the ostium splenic vein with the left renal vein. Possible shortcomings of this operation include but are not limited to high thrombus-related hazard both in case of using it in portal hypertension and in diabetes mellitus. In the latter, thrombosis of the anastomosis is observed to develop in 27% of diabetic patients within 7-8 postoperative months. The causes of this complication were not studied. The present communication presents the findings of studying the natural pattern of confluence of the portal-system veins performed on a total of 111 cadavers and in 50 patients suffering from chronic hepatitis and undergoing surgery in order to form a left-sided renoportal venous anastomosis. It was demonstrated that DSRVA is associated with impaired natural confluence of the veins and the width of the two veins forming an anastomosis exceeds the width of the blood-outflowing vein more than 1.5-fold. This is followed by analysing the results of studying removability of the pancreas and left kidney in the vertical position by means of excretory urography and probe-assisted duodenography in 54 patients with chronic hepatitis. Removability of the pancreas in 57.4% of cases was greater than that of the left kidney, which is the condition for kinking of the splenic vein in the DSRVA zone. In order to choose an optimal anastomosis and to prevent DSRVA thrombosis it is advisable to preoperatively examine the venous pressure in the left renal vein, removability of the pancreas relative to the left kidney, and during establishing the anastomosis to observe the natural pattern of confluence of veins by the width.

[Role of liver function and portal vein congestion index on rebleeding in cirrhotics after distal splenorenal shunt]. / Influência do grau de insuficiência hepática e do índice de congestão portal na recidiva hemorrágica de cirróticos submetidos a cirurgia de Teixeira-Warren.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding from esophagogastric varices is the worst and most lethal complication of cirrhotic portal hypertension. Distal splenorenal shunt (Warrens surgery) is used in the therapeutic of this patients, Child A and B, with rebleeding after clinical endoscopic therapy. The portal vein congestion index is elevated in cirrhotic portal hypertension and could predict rebleeding after Warrens surgery in these patients. AIM: To verify if the portal vein congestion index or liver function (Child-Pugh) at preoperative are predictive factors of rebleeding after Warrens surgery. METHODS: Sixty-two cirrhotic patients were submitted to Warrens surgery at "Santa Casa" Medical School and Hospital - Liver and Portal Hypertension Unit, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Fifty-eight were analyzed for Child-Pugh class and 36 for portal vein congestion index, divided in two groups: with or without rebleeding and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: In the rebleeding group, 69% were Child B, with portal vein congestion index = 0.09. The group without rebleeding show us 62% patients Child A with portal vein congestion index = 0.076. The difference was significant for Child-Pugh class but not to portal vein congestion index. CONCLUSION: Portal vein congestion index was not predictive of rebleeding after Warrens surgery, but cirrhotics Child B have more chance to rebleed after this surgery than Child A.