Selective trans-splenic decompression of gastroesophageal varices by distal splenorenal shunt

Liver function and encephalopathy after partial vs direct side-to-side portacaval shunt: a prospective randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine, in a prospective randomized clinical trial, whether the partial portacaval shunt offers any advantage in terms of liver function and encephalopathy rate when compared with direct side-to-side direct portacaval shunt.

METHODS

Forty-six "good risk" patients with cirrhosis and with documented variceal hemorrhage were randomly assigned to either a partial shunt procedure (achieved by 10-mm diameter interposition portacaval H-graft) or direct small-diameter side-to-side portacaval anastomosis.

RESULTS

Operative mortality was zero in both groups. During the follow-up period, encephalopathy developed in 3 patients in the partial shunt group and 9 in the direct shunt group (P =.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that encephalopathy-free survival was significantly longer in the partial shunt group (P =.025). Direct shunt patients had significant hepatic functional deterioration postoperatively compared with the partial shunt group.

CONCLUSIONS

The partial portacaval shunt effectively controls variceal hemorrhage. Compared with direct side-to-side portacaval shunt, partial shunt preserves long-term hepatic function and minimizes postoperative encephalopathy. We conclude that the partial portacaval shunt is the preferred approach over direct shunts for patients with cirrhosis and with variceal bleeding.

Evolução das varizes esofagogástricas após anastomose esplenorrenal proximal versus esplenorrenal distal

Avaliou-se, retrospectivamente, a evolução pós-operatória das varizes esofagogástricas em 40 pacientes submetidos a um dos seguintes procedimentos cirúrgicos: a (n=27) derivação esplenorrenal distal (ERD) e B (n=13) derivação esplenorrenal proximal (ERP). Todos os pacientes tinham hipertensão porta esquistossomótica com diagnóstico prévio de varizes do esôfago, presentes ou não no estômago, com um ou mais episódios de sangramento. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um dos procedimentos cirúrgicos de acordo com a preferência do cirurgião assistente. Foram realizadas, nesses pacientes, endoscopias no período pré-operatório e aos seis, 12 e 18 meses no pós-operatório. Os dados de cada endoscopia foram coletados e comparados entre os grupos, verificando-se a presença de varizes do esôfago e estômago nos diferentes períodos, comparando esses achados através do teste do qui-quadrado, com significância para p<0,05. Os resultados obtidos não mostraram casos de ressangramento até o 18º mês pós-operatório, nem casos de encefalopatia. Foram diagnosticadas varizes esofágicas, no pré-operatório, em 100% dos pacientes nos dois grupos. No período pós-operatório, houve redução significativa das varizes do esôfago, quando estudados os dois grupos conjuntamente, para 40% no sexto mês (p = 0,0002), 30% no 12º mês (p = 0,003) e 27,5% no 18º mês (p = 0,003). No sexto mês pós-operatório, a incidência de varizes do esôfago foi maior nos pacientes com ERD quando comparados àqueles com ERP (51,9% vs. 15,4%, p = 0,03). Quando estudadas as varizes aos 12 e 18 meses não foi observada diferença significativa entre pacientes submetidos a ERD ou ERP (12º mês, 37% vs. 15,4%; 18º mês, 25,9% vs. 30,8%). Foram vistas varizes gástricas em 37,5% dos pacientes, com redução significativa no sexto mês (2,5%, p = 0,005). Entretanto, quando comparada com a freqüência do sexto mês, houve aumento significativo no 12º mês (5%, p = 0,00001) e 18º mês (7,5%, p = 0,02). Quando comparados os grupos, no período pré-operatório, estas varizes estiveram presentes mais freqüentemente no grupo submetido a ERP (69,2% vs. 26%, p = 0,0005), sem diferença significativa no período pós-operatório (6º mês, 16,6% vs. 0%; 12º mês, 33,3% vs. 0%; 18º mês, 33,3% vs. 11,1%). Este trabalho demonstrou que os dois tipos de cirurgia têm resultado semelhante em relação à resolução das varizes do esôfago e estômago no 18º mês, mas os resultados indicam que a redução na incidência das varizes do esôfago se acompanha de aumento das varizes gástricas, provavelmente devido à abertura de novas vias colaterais de drenagem em casos de persistência de uma pressão porta aumentada ou mau funcionamento da derivação esplenorrenal.

Distal splenorenal shunts for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia from portal hypertension in children

Profound thrombocytopenia resulting from portal hypertension may exacerbate gastrointestinal bleeding, precipitate spontaneous bleeding, preclude surgical intervention for associated disorders, and severely limit life-style because of the danger of splenic injury. Although splenectomy can reverse the thrombocytopenia, the procedure should be avoided in children. We reviewed our experience with distal splenorenal shunting (DSRS) in children, particularly when performed for the sole purpose of reversing severe thrombocytopenia resulting from portal hypertension. DSRS was performed in 11 children between the ages of 7 and 15 years: five for severe thrombocytopenia (group 1), four for advanced hypersplenism and congenital hepatic fibrosis prior to renal transplantation (group 2), and two for esophageal bleeding (group 3). One child in group 1 with severe heart disease and Child's class C cirrhosis due to hepatitis C died of progressive cardiac failure and was excluded from further analysis. Of the eight remaining patients in groups 1 and 2, four children had congenital hepatic fibrosis, two had portal vein thrombosis, one had hepatitis B, and one had Wilson's disease. After DSRS, the mean platelet count increased from 37,000 +/- 18,000 to 137,600 +/- 81,000 (P = 0.01). The platelet count improved significantly in all seven children with presinusoidal portal hypertension or stable cirrhosis but did not increase in the child with hepatitis B and Child's class B cirrhosis. The white blood cell count increased from an average of 3.3 +/- 1.1 to 5.4 +/- 2.6 (P= 0.02). There were no postoperative complications in this group. The improved platelet count allowed the four children with congenital hepatic fibrosis and renal failure to undergo renal transplantation with full posttransplant immunosuppression including azathioprine. Postoperative Doppler ultrasound examination demonstrated shunt patency at 6 months in all cases. Spleen size decreased appreciably in all children in groups 1 and 2. All children were able to resume full activity including contact sports. In summary, DSRS effectively controls profound thrombocytopenia resulting from presinusoidal portal hypertension or stable cirrhosis without sacrificing the spleen and should be the treatment of choice for this condition.

Management of portal hypertension-related bleeding

Although endoscopic sclerotherapy and TIPS remain the primary therapeutic tools in management of acute variceal bleeding, surgical shunts must be considered for low-risk patients with bleeding. OLTx is the only definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and vascular decompensation. Furthermore, the current prospective multicenter randomized study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and Human Services, will help determine the role of DSRS versus TIPS in cirrhotic patients with good hepatic reserve. This is a necessity in a time in which organ shortages are ever-increasing because of a growing disparity between the number of patients listed for transplantation each year versus the number of suitable organ donors. The various surgical techniques should be applied in different situations based on patients' clinical status at the time of the bleed and whether they are considered candidates for liver transplantation.

The role of portosystemic shunting in children in the transplant era

PURPOSE

Variceal bleeding in children generally presents in the setting of cirrhosis but may also occur in the absence of liver disease and after successful liver transplantation. The authors reviewed their experience with portosystemic shunting in children to better define its efficacy in sclerotherapy failures, as primary therapy, and its role before and after liver transplantation.

METHODS

Between 1983 and 1997, 21 children with recurrent variceal bleeding underwent portosystemic shunting at the authors' institution. Patients were divided into two groups: 13 patients in group I presented with intrinsic liver disease (cirrhosis) as a cause for portal hypertension; eight patients in group II with no liver disease had extrahepatic portal venous thrombosis, five of which occured after successful liver transplantation. The mean age was 8.6 years (range, 3 to 18). Shunt procedures were semielective, and were performed successfully in all children without any operative morbidity or mortality. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 15 years.

RESULTS

Shunt procedures included splenorenal (n = 15), splenocaval (n = 1), side-to-side splenorenal (n = 1), inferior mesenteric vein to renal vein (n = 1), mesocaval (n = 1), and transcutaneous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS; n = 2). All patients in group II are alive and well with no further bleeding or occlusions. Of the 13 patients in group I, three had bleeding postshunt, and three patients went on to require liver transplantation because of worsening liver disease. One child died of liver failure with encephalopathy 4 years after shunting. There were two shunt occlusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Portosystemic shunting is effective therapy in patients with intrinsic liver disease, with salvage amenable by liver transplantation in the treatment failures. It is definitive therapy in patients with extrahepatic venous thrombosis.

Afluência da veia esplênica e sua importância nas derivações esplenorrenais seletivas

Os autores realizaram estudo da afluência da veia esplênica utilizando 38 moldes de duodeno, estômago, pâncreas e baço, por meio da técnica de repleção e corrosão, com vinilite corado com azul da Prússia. Os afluentes encontrados foram: ramos pancreáticos em todas as peças, variando de 7 a 22 ramos, com média de 14,52 ± 3,53; a veia gástrica esquerda, em 36,84% das peças; a veia mesentérica inferior em 44,74% das peças; ramo gástrico (gástrica posterior), proveniente do fundo gástrico, em 57,89% das peças, e ramos pancreáticos, provenientes da cauda do pâncreas e desembocando em ramos segmentares da veia esplênica, em 65,79% das peças. Os ramos pancreáticos variaram em número de um a quatro, com média de 1,64 ± 0,95. Os autores concluem que o conhecimento dos afluentes da veia esplênica seria importante na realização das derivações esplenorrenais distais, quando associadas à desconexão esplenopancreática.

A technique for distal splenoadrenal shunting in pediatric portal hypertension

Technical modification of the DSRS by using the end-to-end splenoadrenal anastomosis allows for effective selective decompression of portal hypertension in children, can be accomplished with no perioperative mortality, and has demonstrated longterm patency and minimal morbidity. Clinical encephalopathy was seen in only 1 patient although 3 additional patients required lactulose therapy.

Successful surgical treatment for hepatic encephalopathy caused by a pancreatic siphon: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 39-year-old man with cirrhosis of the liver who developed hepatic encephalopathy and progressive diabetes caused by a pancreatic siphon after undergoing a distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) for a variceal hemorrhage. Radiologic occlusion was judged to be inappropriate because of the extensive DSRS. The DSRS was surgically closed 6 years after the operation to restore portal perfusion. To alleviate the portal hypertension, splenectomy and gastric devascularization were performed, which proved successful, as the encephalopathy disappeared completely, the ammonia levels decreased, liver function improved, and the diabetes subsided. Our experience indicates that a small percentage of cirrhotic patients who undergo DSRS with longterm followup may develop various undesirable complications, although some of these patients benefit from a combination of surgical shunt occlusion, splenectomy, and gastric devascularization.

The changing spectrum of treatment for variceal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of endoscopic therapy, liver transplantation, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on patient selection and outcome of surgical treatment for this complication of portal hypertension, as reflected in a single surgeon's 18-year experience with operations for variceal hemorrhage.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Definitive treatment of patients who bleed from portal hypertension has been progressively altered during the past 2 decades during which endoscopic therapy, liver transplantation, and TIPS have successively become available as alternative treatment options to operative portosystemic shunts and devascularization procedures.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty-three consecutive patients who were surgically treated for portal hypertensive bleeding between 1978 and 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. Four Eras separated by the dates when endoscopic therapy (January 1981), liver transplantation (July 1985), and TIPS (January 1993) became available in our institution were analyzed. Throughout all four Eras, a selective operative approach, using the distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS), nonselective shunts, and esophagogastric devascularization, was taken. The most common indications for nonselective shunts and esophagogastric devascularization were medically intractable ascites and splanchnic venous thrombosis, respectively. Most other patients received a DSRS.

RESULTS

The risk status (Child's class) of patients undergoing surgery progressively improved (p = 0.001) throughout the 4 Eras, whereas the need for emergency surgery declined (p = 0.002). The percentage of nonselective shunts performed decreased because better options to manage acute bleeding episodes (sclerotherapy, TIPS) and advanced liver disease complicated by ascites (liver transplantation, TIPS) became available (p = 0.009). In all Eras, the operative mortality rate was directly related to Child's class (A, 2.7%; B, 7.5%; and C, 26.1 %) (p = 0.001). As more good-risk patients underwent operations for variceal bleeding, the incidence of postoperative encephalopathy decreased (p = 0.015), and long-term survival improved (p = 0.012), especially since liver transplantation became available to salvage patients who developed hepatic failure after a prior surgical procedure. There were no differences between Eras with respect to rebleeding or shunt occlusion. Distal splenorenal shunts (p = 0.004) and nonselective shunts (p = 0.001) were more protective against rebleeding than was esophagogastric devascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

The sequential introduction of endoscopic therapy, liver transplantation, and TIPS has resulted in better selection and improved results with respect to quality and length of survival for patients treated surgically for variceal bleeding. Despite these innovations, portosystemic shunts and esophagogastric devascularization remain important and effective options for selected patients with bleeding secondary to portal hypertension.

An evaluation of splenopancreatic disconnection as a modification of the distal splenorenal shunt, studied in nonalcoholic patients by sequential angiography

To evaluate the validity and complications of modifying the distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) by performing splenopancreatic disconnection (SPD), hemodynamic changes in the portal system were assessed by visceral angiography in 93 patients with nonalcoholic portal hypertension during early postoperative follow-up after DSRS. There were 40 patients who underwent DSRS alone and 53 who underwent DSRS plus SPD. Early follow-up angiography showed that portal vein perfusion was well maintained, and that the diameter of the portal vein had decreased significantly by the same degree in both groups. Hepatofugal collaterals for the shunt had developed to a greater extent in the DSRS group, while they were almost completely absent in the DSRS with SPD group. Nevertheless, partial portal vein thrombosis was not detected in the DSRS group, although it was seen in seven (13.2%) of the patients who underwent DSRS plus SPD, in whom the left proximal splenic vein was not visible. The proximal splenic vein was seen in significantly less of the DSRS with SPD patients (47.2%) than the DSRS group patients (85%). In conclusion, SPD more effectively prevented the early postoperative development of collateral pathways for the shunt compared with standard DSRS; however, the possible stagnation of blood flow in the left proximal splenic vein may predispose to a risk of partial portal vein thrombosis developing during the early postoperative period after DSRS with SPD.

Red cell survival in patients with nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis before and after distal splenorenal shunt

We previously reported severe hemolysis in one patient immediately after distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate changes in red cell survival after DSRS. In ten patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis in whom DSRS was performed for esophageal varices, red cell survival and splenic quantitative hemodynamic studies were performed before and after DSRS. The splenic venous blood flow per unit volume (flow/volume ratio) was calculated. The red cell survival was significantly (P < 0.05) shortened after DSRS; the apparent half-life survival time (T 1/2) before and after DSRS was 24.6 +/- 5.9 (mean +/- SD) and 16.3 +/- 8.5 days, respectively. After DSRS, the spleen volume was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, whereas the splenic venous blood flow was slightly increased. The spleen flow/volume ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after DSRS. There was a significant and negative correlation (r = -0.684, P < 0.05) between the postoperative percentage change in T 1/2 and the spleen flow/volume ratio. These findings suggest that the red cell survival period is significantly decreased, after DSRS in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis, and that the increased splenic blood flow per unit spleen volume after DSRS may play an important role in the hemolytic reaction in the spleen after this procedure.

Surgery in portal hypertension

The role of surgery in portal hypertension remains a topic of debate. For the past 100 years, various surgical procedures have been used to treat variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, and end-stage liver disease. The past decade has seen significant advances in pharmacotherapy, endoscopy, interventional radiology, and surgery for the management of patients with portal hypertension. Liver transplantation has come of age in the 1990s and is now an accepted therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. The wide array of management options can complicate the decision making process and defines the need to evaluate these patients fully. Factors such as the aetiology and extent of liver disease, response to prior medical, endoscopic, and other interventional treatments, and possibility of future liver transplantation must be considered. This manuscript will review the history of surgical treatments of portal hypertension, describe the surgical procedures with their advantages and disadvantages, and evaluate their role in the elective and emergent settings.

The role of surgery in the treatment of portal hypertension

The role of surgery in the treatment of portal hypertension continues to evolve. Pharmacologic and endoscopic therapies are the primary treatment modalities for the prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding and ascites. Failure of these therapies is the indication for invasive intervention such as TIPS, surgical shunt, or devascularization. Distal splenoreal shunting provides selective variceal decompression with less encephalopathy and accelerated hepatic failure than portal decompression. Liver transplantation remains the treatment of choice for patients with poor hepatic function.

Does the direction of portal blood flow determine outcome with small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt?

BACKGROUND

Partial portal decompression, as attained by small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunting, continues to gain popularity because of favorable outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine whether the direction of preshunt or postshunt portal blood flow or reversal in the direction of portal flow occurred with shunting effect outcome after small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt.

METHODS

In 56 consecutive patients the direction of portal flow was determined before and after shunting. The direction of portal blood flow before and after shunting and changes in the direction of portal flow that occur with shunting were correlated with 30-day and 1-year survival, as well as with the rate of postshunt encephalopathy.

RESULTS

Portal pressures significantly decreased in all with shunting. Whether or not stratified by Child's classification, neither the preshunt nor postshunt direction of portal flow affected 30-day or 1-year survival or incidence of encephalopathy. Eleven patients (significant at p < 0.001, fisher's exact test) had reversal of portal blood flow with shunting without an increase in 30-day or 1-year survival or incidence of encephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunts significantly reduce portal pressure and lead to reversal of portal flow in significant numbers. Significant hepatic dysfunction is uncommon after shunting. Neither the direction of preshunt or postshunt portal blood flow nor the reversal of portal blood flow with shunting has an effect on clinical outcome after small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt.

Bleeding oesophageal varices

BACKGROUND

The Danish contribution to evaluation and treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices.

METHODS

Danish papers dealing with portal hypertension and oesophageal varices have been reviewed and set in relation to international publications.

RESULTS

The Danish papers have mainly contributed with controlled clinical trials concerning both primary and secondary prophylaxis. Furthermore, they have dealt with pathophysiologic, clinical and experimental studies concerning portal haemodynamics and the evolution and treatment of variceal bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The Danish studies have been well designed and are frequently cited. Further prospective randomized studies in the new treatment modalities are encouraged.

Effect of prior portosystemic shunt on early hepatic hemodynamics and sinusoids following 84% hepatectomy in dogs

The effects of a prior portosystemic shunt (PSS) on the hepatic hemodynamics and sinusoids shortly after an 84% hepatectomy (Hx) were investigated in dogs. Fifteen mongrel dogs were divided into three groups, a 70% Hx group (n = 5), an 84% Hx group (n = 5) and an 84% Hx+PSS group (n = 5). In the last group, a shunt was inserted between the splenic and femoral veins prior to the hepatectomy. The systemic and hepatic hemodynamics were measured, before and 180 min after the hepatectomy, and the remaining liver tissue was then examined immunohistochemically by light microscopy using the thrombomodulin (TM) staining method. The postoperative portal vein pressure and the vascular resistance were significantly lower in the PSS group than in the 84% non-PSS group. The total postoperative hepatic blood flow was higher in the 84% non-PSS group than in the other two groups. Immunohistochemical observation after TM staining indicated that the sinusoidal endothelial cells in the 84% non-PSS group were markedly damaged 3 h after surgery. We conclude that a prior PSS improves the hepatic hemodynamics and is beneficial to the sinusoids within the first few hours of an 84% hepatectomy in dogs.

Selective distal splenorenal shunts for intractable variceal bleeding in pediatric portal hypertension

The treatment of portal hypertension in the pediatric population has undergone an evolution toward less invasive methods of care. With the advent of endoscopic sclerotherapy, surgery is less common in the acute care of these patients. Few reports deal with the role of portosystemic shunting in the emergent management of variceal hemorrhage in children. To address this issue, the authors studied the medical records of all pediatric patients at their institution who underwent placement of a shunt for portal hypertension during the last 10 years. Nine patients underwent a total of 10 emergent or semiurgent shunting procedures. Seven were boys and two were girls. Six patients had portal hypertension as a result of intrahepatic disease. Two had extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis. Five children had abnormal hepatic function. The median age at the time of the procedure was 9 years. The indication for surgical shunting in all cases was gastrointestinal hemorrhage not responsive to sclerotherapy. Eight patients underwent emergent distal splenorenal shunts (DSRS), and two underwent a nonselective mesocaval shunt, with one undergoing both. Postoperatively all patients had cessation of bleeding. Operative mortality was zero. Early complications included ascites (3), small bowel obstruction (1), and hepatorenal syndrome (1). The child who underwent a nonselective shunt procedure had encephalopathy. Two DSRS thrombosed, requiring reexploration; eight shunts remained patent. Three patients eventually had orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) because of progressive hepatic failure. Two children died; neither death was shunt related.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A critical appraisal of the small-diameter portacaval H-graft

BACKGROUND

The ideal portasystemic shunt should prevent variceal hemorrhage and preserve portal flow to reduce hepatic encephalopathy. The partial shunting proposed by Sarfeh effectively controls variceal bleeding while preserving prograde hepatic portal flow.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed results of the partial portacaval shunt prospectively in 43 patients undergoing small-diameter (8-mm or 10-mm) portacaval H-graft. Patients entered into the study had Child-Pugh class A and class B cirrhosis, and all had documented previous variceal hemorrhages. We used the Sarfeh technique without performing portal collateral ligation.

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 5%. Acute graft thrombosis occurred in 3 patients, 2 of whom were successfully lysed by urokinase infusion angiographically, while later graft occlusion occurred in 1 case. Only 1 patient rebled from varices in our late follow-up (14 to 65 months). Prograde portal flow was maintained in 90% of patients undergoing repeat angiography 27 +/- 13 months postoperatively. The incidence of all encephalopathy episodes was 16%, with only 1 patient having this complication chronically.

CONCLUSIONS

The small-diameter portacaval H-graft of Sarfeh is an effective operation for controlling variceal hemorrhage. It preserves hepatic portal perfusion over time in the majority of patients, reducing the risk of encephalopathy. The procedure may be particularly suited for alcoholic cirrhotic patients with less advanced liver disease.

Surgical management of portal hypertension

Portal hypertension is frequently complicated by upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding and ascites. Hemorrhage from esophageal varices is the most common cause of death from portal hypertension. Medical treatment, including resuscitation, vasoactive drugs, and endoscopic sclerosis, is the preferred initial therapy. Patients with refractory hemorrhage frequently are referred for immediate surgical intervention (usually emergency portacaval shunt). An additional cohort of patients with a history of at least 1 episode of variceal hemorrhage is likely to benefit from elective shunt operations. Shunt operations are classified as total, partial, or selective shunts based on their hemodynamic characteristics. Angiographically created shunts have been introduced recently as an alternative to operative shunts in certain circumstances. Devascularization of the esophagus or splenectomy is done for specific indications. Medically intractable ascites is a separate indication for surgical intervention. Liver transplantation has been advocated for patients whose portal hypertension is a consequence of end-stage liver disease. In the context of an increasingly complex set of treatment options, we present an overview of surgical therapy for complications of portal hypertension.

Analysis of nutrient hepatic blood flow after 8-mm versus 16-mm portacaval H-grafts in a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

In previous unrandomized studies, we demonstrated that patients undergoing 8-mm diameter portacaval H-grafts with collateral ablation (partial shunts) have lower rates of portasystemic encephalopathy (PSE) postoperatively than patients undergoing total portacaval shunts. We postulated that nutrient hepatic blood flow was greater after partial shunts because 8-mm grafts preserved some portal flow.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, we analyzed hepatic hemodynamics in 18 of 30 randomized patients who consented to be studied after complete operative recovery, grouped according to shunt size. We measured nutrient hepatic blood flow using 99m-Tc-Mebrofenin tracer elimination kinetics, and fractionated it into its portal venous and hepatic arterial components. PSE was assessed by blinded observers. Stepwise logistic regression was used to select the variable that best predicted encephalopathy. From 1989 to 1993, we conducted a randomized, prospective trial of partial (8 mm) versus total (16 mm) portacaval H-grafts. Group differences were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

Hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 2 of 10 patients with partial shunts versus 5 of 8 patients with total shunts. Nutrient hepatic blood flow was significantly higher for partial shunts compared with total shunts (403 +/- 601 versus 243 +/- 17mL/min). Three variables--nutrient hepatic blood flow, portal blood flow, and hepatic arterial flow--were analyzed by stepwise logistic regression. Nutrient hepatic blood flow was selected as the best predictor of hepatic encephalopathy. In this series, PSE did not occur in any patient with more than 325 mL/min of nutrient hepatic blood flow.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide a physiologic basis for clinical observations demonstrating a lower incidence of PSE with partial shunts and indicates the superiority of partial over total shunts. Partial shunts, by preserving portal flow, maintain higher nutrient hepatic blood flow than total shunts and thus minimize PSE rates.

Mesocaval interposition shunt with small-diameter polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in sclerotherapy failure

Fifty-seven patients with failed sclerotherapy received a mesocaval interposition shunt with an externally supported, ringed polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis of either 10 or 12 mm diameter. Thirty-one patients had Child-Pugh grade A disease and 26 grade B; all had a liver volume of 1000-2500 ml. Follow-up ranged from 16 months to 6 years 3 months. Three patients (5 per cent) died in the postoperative period. There were two postoperative recurrences of variceal haemorrhage and one recurrent bleed in the second year after surgery. The cumulative shunt patency rate was 95 per cent and the incidence of encephalopathy 9 per cent; the latter was successfully managed by protein restriction and/or lactulose therapy. The actuarial survival rate for the whole group at 6 years was 78 per cent, for those with Child-Pugh grade A 88 per cent and for grade B 67 per cent. Small-lumen mesocaval interposition shunting achieves portal decompression, preserves hepatopetal flow, has a low incidence of shunt thrombosis, prevents recurrent variceal bleeding and is not associated with significant postoperative encephalopathy.

The effect of splenomegaly on splanchnic hemodynamics in nonalcoholic cirrhosis after distal splenorenal shunt and splenopancreatic disconnection

We investigated the effect of splenomegaly on portal hemodynamics during and after distal splenorenal shunt with splenopancreatic disconnection in 27 patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis (13 with and 14 without splenic enlargement). Data were obtained by Doppler flowmetry, electromagnetic flowmetry and computed tomographical scanning. The splenomegaly group had a significantly higher preoperative splenic and portal blood flow than the nonsplenomegaly group. In both groups, postoperative portal venous pressure did not fall; portal blood flow significantly decreased while splenic volume was reduced, despite the lack of significant changes in splenic venous blood flow. There was a greater reduction of portal blood flow with previous splenomegaly than with normal-sized spleens, and this was not related to the degree of reduction in liver volume. In the splenomegaly group, the increase of splenic blood flow was only present during the early postoperative period. In conclusion, distal splenorenal shunt with splenopancreatic disconnection influenced portal hemodynamics differently in nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients with and without splenomegaly.

Survival and quality of life after portal blood flow preserving procedures in patients with portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis

Between 1979 and 1991, 156 patients with histologically proven liver cirrhosis, good liver function, and bleeding portal hypertension underwent operation with portal blood flow preserving procedures (selective shunts: 101; Sugiura-Futagawa: 55). Long-term results of the procedures and the quality of life of the 145 patients who survived the operation were studied. During the observation period (range 3 to 156 months), 28 patients died. The main causes of death were liver failure and hepatoma. Twenty-three patients were lost for follow-up. Twenty-six patients (18%) developed 1 or more encephalopathic episodes. Four patients (3%) experienced rebleeding. One hundred eight patients (74%) had a good quality of life, and 26 (18%) had a poor quality of life. Eleven (15%) of 73 patients with a history of alcoholism continued drinking. Five-year survival for the selective shunt group was 81% and for the devascularization group was 83%. In 81% of the patients, portal blood flow was maintained. It is concluded that both procedures are effective in the long-term. Most patients are able to rehabilitate from the use of alcohol, and most of them have a good quality of life. For patients with good liver function (whose main problem is bleeding), surgery is the best choice of treatment.

Partial versus total portacaval shunt in alcoholic cirrhosis. Results of a prospective, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Results of the first prospective randomized clinical trial comparing partial and total portacaval shunt for variceal hemorrhage are reported.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Total portacaval shunts produce subnormal portal pressures, completely diverting hepatic portal flow. Partial shunts maintain higher pressures and preserve hepatopedal flow. No randomized trials of these two approaches have been performed.

METHODS

Alcoholic patients with cirrhosis (n = 30) and variceal hemorrhage treated at one institution were randomized to receive partial (8-mm diameter portacaval H grafts with collateral ablation, n = 14) or total shunts (16-mm diameter grafts, n = 16). Portography was performed after operation and then yearly. Investigators blinded to shunt type assessed encephalopathy; hospitalizations were reviewed.

RESULTS

Child's class, age, and operative urgency were similar for the two groups. Two patients (with total shunts) died within 30 days. Hepatopedal flow was maintained in 13 partial and 0 total shunt patients (p < 0.0001). Shunt gradients were 16 +/- 5 compared with 6 +/- 3 cm saline after partial and total shunts (p < 0.0001). There were no shunt thromboses or variceal hemorrhages. Encephalopathy-free survival was significantly greater after partial shunts (p = 0.013; life table analysis). Five total compared with zero partial shunt patients required hospitalization for coma (p = 0.02). Long-term survival was not different for the two groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial shunts control variceal hemorrhage while maintaining hepatopedal flow and elevated portal pressures. By minimizing encephalopathy rates, partial shunts provide improved quality of survival compared with total shunts.

Splenectomy in patients with undiagnosed splenomegaly

Of splenectomies performed in the Cork Regional Hospital over an 11 year period, ten were undertaken primarily for diagnostic purposes. A definitive histological diagnosis was established in nine patients, seven of whom had lymphoma, two with Hodgkin's disease and five with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The weight of the excised spleen in all patients with lymphoma exceeded 1 kg; in all those with a diagnosis other than lymphoma, the spleen weighed less than 1 kg. A majority of patients also had symptomatic improvement from reversal of hypersplenism and from relief of the mechanical pressure effects of an enlarged spleen. Operative mortality was zero. Diagnostic splenectomy is a worthwhile procedure. Most patients will have lymphoma.

Treatment of portal hypertension in children

The management of children with portal hypertension (PH) has substantially changed owing to the good results and broader application of both endoscopic sclerotherapy and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Since the introduction of sclerotherapy for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices, the number of surgical procedures has sharply decreased. Until the early 1980s, however, the treatment of choice of bleeding esophageal varices was based on different variations of two main types of open surgery: devacularization and transection operations and portosystemic shunts. The experience with nonshunt procedures is limited in the pediatric population. Literature reports from the last 25 years have emphasized a number of restrictions related to portosystemic shunts in small subjects. However, portosystemic shunts, selective or not, can be performed even in very young subjects with high rates of success. From 1974 to 1984 the distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) was the procedure of choice for the treatment of children with variceal bleeding in our institution. Forty-two children underwent DSRS during this period. Since 1985, when endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) replaced DSRS as the first therapeutic option in our service, this shunt has been performed in only 8 children in whom EVS has failed, none of them during the last 2 years. In this cohort of 50 cases of DSRS, the shunt patency has increased from 71% in the first 7 patients to 95% thereafter. There has been no perioperative mortality. From 1985 to April 1993, 107 children were submitted to EVS sessions for the treatment of esophageal varices bleeding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Narrow-diameter portacaval shunts for management of variceal bleeding

Over the past decade, we have developed and refined a method for partial portosystemic shunting for the control of bleeding esophageal varices in alcoholic cirrhotic patients. The narrow-diameter interposition portacaval H-graft using 8 mm polytetrafluoroethylene has been performed in 32 patients at our institution with low operative mortality (6.3%) and nearly complete cessation of variceal bleeding (96.7%) over a mean follow-up period of 43 months. In comparison with total shunts, diminished rates of postshunt encephalopathy (13% versus 40%) have been observed. Prograde portal blood flow has been preserved in 90% of 30 patients studied by perioperative portography. Shunt patency with continued prograde flow has been demonstrated at up to 9 years of follow-up. Investigators at three other centers have studied partial shunting using substantially similar techniques, with similar findings. Based on these results, we conclude that narrow-diameter shunts provide effective, long-lasting treatment for variceal hemorrhage due to portal hypertension in the alcoholic.

Total shunting and elective management of variceal bleeding

A 20-year experience with treatment of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis is reported. Considering that total shunts are well tolerated immediately after operation (hospital mortality rate for all elective procedures being 6.4%), that they offer a good protection against rebleeding (rebleeding variceal rate of 7.6%), and that they offer the same long-term survival as given by other shunts (5- and 10-year survival rates of 57% and 31%, respectively), the authors affirm that these kinds of shunts are still useful in well selected cases. Late follow-up results of a prospective randomized trial of elective mesocaval shunts compared to portacaval shunt have shown no significant differences in operative mortality, rebleeding rates, encephalopathy rates, or survival. Based on this information, the authors currently use portacaval shunt as their operation of choice.

Role of distal splenorenal shunt for long-term management of variceal bleeding

Distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) has been studied extensively over the past 25 years to define its role in management of variceal bleeding. The operative technique of the shunt has not changed, but more aggressive attempts at portal-azygos disconnection have been studied for their effect on maintenance of portal perfusion. Control of variceal bleeding is achieved in about 90% of patients. Portal flow to the liver is maintained in > 90% of patients with nonalcoholic etiology of portal hypertension and in 50% to 84% of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis depending on the degree of portal-azygos disconnection. Encephalopathy and liver failure do not seem to be accelerated by DSRS but depend on the severity of the underlying liver disease. Reported survival likewise depends on the etiology of portal hypertension and the severity of liver disease: > 90% survival can be achieved in portal vein thrombosis and patients with cirrhosis and normal liver function, but 50% to 60% 3- to 5-year survivals are reported for patients with more advanced disease. DSRS offers one treatment modality for management of variceal bleeding that must fit into an overall strategy for these patients. Full evaluation is the key to allow selection of patients for pharmacotherapy, sclerotherapy, variceal decompression, or liver transplantation.

Propranolol versus sclerotherapy in preventing variceal rebleeding: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sclerotherapy has been widely recommended as initial treatment for prevention of variceal rebleeding. The present study was aimed at comparing the efficacy of endoscopic sclerotherapy and long-term administration of propranolol in the prevention of rebleeding and long-term survival in patients who had bled from varices.

METHODS

One hundred sixteen consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted because of variceal bleeding were randomly allocated to either continuous administration of propranolol to reduce the resting heart rate by 25% (58 patients) or weekly intravariceal sclerotherapy sessions using 5% ethanolamide oleate until varices disappeared (58 patients). Results were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Rebleeding occurred in 37 patients of the propranolol group and in 26 patients of the sclerotherapy group (RR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-2.03). The actuarial probability of rebleeding was lower in the sclerotherapy group (P = 0.02). No differences were found in rebleeding index, hospitalization requirements, survival, and causes of death. Complications were significantly more frequent and severe in the sclerotherapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the higher efficacy of sclerotherapy decreasing the probability of rebleeding when compared with propranolol, no beneficial effects were observed on other parameters also reflecting the efficacy of therapy. Moreover, complications of sclerotherapy were more frequent and severe than those of propranolol, which probably shall restrict the use of long-term elective sclerotherapy.

Treatment of acute gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage

About 30% to 35% of patients with portal hypertension bleed from gastroesophageal varices and mortality remains high reflecting the challenges of effectively dealing with the bleeding event itself and the problems of underlying liver disease. Careful resuscitation and control of risk of complications is the most essential element of medical therapy (Fig. 2). Use of newer, more effective drug combinations with vasopressin or somatostatin permit control of hemorrhage in the majority of patients with fewer drug-induced complications. Endoscopic sclerotherapy and, more recently, banding therapy provide immediate control of hemorrhage and eradication of varices and rebleeding in up to 90% of patients. Persistent, recurrent bleeding in the small number of remaining patients can be effectively managed by "portacaval shunt rescue" or orthotopic liver transplantation in selected cases with acceptable surgical morbidity and mortality. The contribution and role of the TIPS procedure is unknown but very promising; at least as a bridge procedure in patients awaiting transplantation. Until appropriate prospective, comparative trials are performed, the role of TIPS as a long-term alternative to portacaval shunt surgery or other endoscopic or surgical options remains unknown.

Intraperitoneal haemorrhage from anterior abdominal wall varices

Patients with oesophageal varices frequently present with gastrointestinal haemorrhage but bleeding from varices at other sites is rare. We present a patient with hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis and partial portal vein occlusion who developed spontaneous haemorrhage from anterior abdominal wall varices into the rectus abdominus muscle and peritoneal cavity.

Complications and limitations of injection sclerotherapy in portal hypertension

Injection sclerotherapy is now the accepted first line treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices, although it is associated with an impressive list of rare complications. The main problem concerns the strategy for uncontrollable or recurrent bleeding. Patients with uncontrolled bleeding may be referred for surgery after considerable blood loss and are then extremely difficult to assess. The effects of blood loss on liver function can lead to an unduly pessimistic assessment of liver status. An effective choice of emergency surgical procedure may require considerable surgical expertise. Oesophageal transection and devascularisation are satisfactory for many patients with oesophageal varices secondary to cirrhosis and should nearly always control bleeding. Difficulties arise in patients who are grossly obese and in those who have undergone extensive surgery in the upper abdomen. Problems may also be encountered in those treated by repeated sclerotherapy, which may have caused severe inflammatory change and thickening around the lower oesophagus and upper stomach. We believe that an emergency mesocaval shunt using either a vein graft or a synthetic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene is the procedure of choice for this difficult group of very sick patients. The surgical exposure is satisfactory and not unduly prolonged in even the largest patients and the technique does not interfere with any subsequent transplant operation. There is a greater choice in the management of the patient with less urgent bleeding from recurrent varices after sclerotherapy. Repeat sclerotherapy may be effective for small oesophageal varices while liver transplantation may be indicated in the patient with deteriorating liver function. A selective distal splenorenal shunt should be considered for patients with intact splenic and left renal veins and a mesocaval vein graft for the remainder. We would therefore suggest that surgery should still be considered for the management of portal hypertension, particularly in the following circumstances: (1) Uncontrollable bleeding during the initial course of sclerotherapy; (2) Life threatening haemorrhage from recurrent varices; (3) Bleeding from ectopic varices not accessible to sclerotherapy; (4) Uncontrollable bleeding from oesophageal ulceration secondary to injection sclerotherapy; (5) Severe, symptomatic hypersplenism; (6) For patients who live in communities remote from blood transfusion facilities and adequate medical care. The management of the complications of portal hypertension continues to pose problems. We believe that the best results should come from a combined management approach using injection sclerotherapy as primary treatment and surgery for complications and for haemorrhage from unusual anatomical sites.

A comparison of the metabolic changes after the distal splenocaval and portacaval shunts

The distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) is the recommended procedure for selective variceal decompression, but its use may be limited in patients who have undergone left nephrectomy, those with an anatomically aberrant relationship between the splenic and left renal veins, and those whose preoperative angiographic findings suggest a risk of developing postoperative renal vein hypertension. For these clinical situations, the selective distal splenocaval shunt (DSCS) is a useful alternative to the DSRS. However, the metabolic consequences of the DSCS have not yet been studied in detail and therefore, using a canine model, the metabolic changes following the DSCS and the portacaval shunt (Eck) were compared. The metabolic changes observed following the Eck were hyperammonia and amino acid imbalance, while those following the DSCS were similar to those of the control dogs. In terms of the hepatic adenosine triphosphate level, which reflects hepatic mitochondrial function, the DSCS dogs were also similar to the control dogs. These data suggest that there was no metabolic disadvantage of the DSCS compared to the control.

The role of portosystemic shunting in the management of portal hypertension

In this chapter, we have tried to indicate the role of the portosystemic shunt in the treatment of portal hypertension. The conclusions are evident: in the last 10 years it has lost its role as leader in the treatment of portal hypertension. However, some firm statements can be made. The selective shunt is an operation that provides both good variceal decompression and satisfactory maintenance of liver function. Its results in great part depend on the skill of the surgeon. Only a patient with good liver function (Child's classes A and B) is a candidate for shunt surgery, with, very occasionally, a patient with severe disease (class C). In an emergency, the operation is used only after failure of sclerotherapy, but it must be used at the right time before the patient's condition has deteriorated. In the prevention of variceal rebleeding, the selective shunt or sclerotherapy can be routine measures. The choice between the two treatments depends on the patient's willingness and the ability of the institution to perform both procedures successfully. If sclerotherapy is chosen, the institution must be able to rapidly rescue a sclerotherapy failure by shunt surgery. Liver transplantation is probably the treatment of the future, but it is at present impossible to suggest that the procedure is feasible for all patients with variceal bleeding and severe liver disease.

Long-term follow-up of poor-risk patients undergoing small-diameter portacaval shunts

The small-diameter portacaval H-graft has been shown to be a reliable method of controlling variceal hemorrhage. However, little has been written about the long-term follow-up of poor-risk patients treated by this method. Over the last 11 years, we have performed 38 portacaval H-grafts; 79% of the patients were Child's B or C, and 79% were alcoholic. The mean age was 52 years, and the mean period of follow-up was 44 months. Over 37% of the grafts were performed in patients who were bleeding at the time of operation. Our 30-day operative mortality was 13%. Postoperatively, the small-diameter H-graft was associated with mild to moderate encephalopathy in 33% of the patients and ascites in 42%. Both these conditions were easily controlled with diet and medication. Early recurrent variceal bleeding was seen in 13% of patients. However, on late follow-up, recurrent hemorrhage and encephalopathy have been seen in only 12% and 14% of patients, respectively. We conclude that the portacaval H-graft is a reliable and lasting method for controlling variceal bleeding with an acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality.