Effects of combined splenorenal shunt devascularization and devascularization only on hemodynamics of the portal venous system in patients with portal hypertension

Shunt and devascularization have totally different effects on hemodynamics of the portal venous system , and the actual results of combined shunt and devascularization should be determined by more clinical observations. This study aimed to evaluate effects on hemodynamics of the portal venous system after conventional spleno-renal shunt combined with pericardial devascularization and pericardial devascularization only. METHODS: In 20 patients who had received conventional splenorenal shunt combined with pericardial devascularization(CP) and 18 who had received pericardial devascularization and splenectomy (PCDV), hemodynamic parameters of the portal venous system were studied by magnetic resonance angiography 1 week before and 2 weeks after operation. Free portal pressure was detected continuously by a transducer during the operation. RESULTS: Compared to the preoperative data, a decreased flow of the portal vein (PVF) (563.12±206.42 ml/min vs 1080.63±352.85 ml/min, P<0.05), a decreased diameter of the portal vein (PVD) (1.20±0.11 cm vs 1.30±0.16 cm, P<0.01 ), a decreased free portal preasure ( FPP ) (21.50±2.67 mmHg vs 29.88±2.30 mmHg, P<0.01) and an increased flow of the superior mesenteric vein (SMVF) (1105.45±309.03 ml/min vs 569.13±178.46 ml/min, P < 0.05) were found in the CP group after operation; a decreased PVD (1.27±0.16 cm vs 1.40±0.23 cm, P<0.05), a decreased PVF (684.60±165.73 ml/min vs 1175.64±415.09 ml/min, P<0.05), a decreased FPP (24.40±3.78 mmHg vs 28.80±3.56 mmHg, P<0.05) and an increased SMVF (697.91+121.83 ml/min vs 521.30±115.82 ml/min, P<0.05) were found in the PCDV group. After operation, the PVF of CP group (563.12±206.42 ml/min vs 684.60±165.73 ml/min, P>0.05) was not decreased significantly while FPP (21.50±2.67 mmHg vs 24.40±3.78 mmHg, P< 0.01) was decreased significantly as compared with that of the PCDV group. PVF and FPP could be decreased by both surgical procedures, but the effect of decreasing FPP is much better in the combined procedures than in PCDV. Since there is no significant difference in PVF between the two groups, the combined procedures could integrate advantages of shunt with those of the devascularization, maintaining the normal anatomy structure of the hepatic portal vein, and should be one of the best choices for patients with PHT when surgical interventions are considered.

Novel therapy for non-cirrhotic hyperammonemia due to a spontaneous splenorenal shunt

Spontaneous splenorenal shunts in the absence of cirrhosis have rarely been reported as a cause hyperammonemia with encephalopathy. Several closure techniques of such lesions have been described. Here we report a case of a patient with no history of liver disease who developed significant confusion. After an extensive workup, he was found to have hyperammonemia and encephalopathy due to formation of a spontaneous splenorenal shunt. There was no evidence of cirrhosis on biopsy or imaging and no portal hypertension when directly measured. The shunt was 18 mm and too large for embolization so the segment of the splenic vein between the portal vein and the shunt was occluded using an Amplatzer plug. Thus, the superior mesenteric flow was directed entirely to the liver. After interventional radiology closure of the shunt using this technique there was complete resolution of symptoms.The case represents the first report of a successful closure of splenorenal shunt via percutaneous embolization of the splenic vein with an amplatzer plug using a common femoral vein approach.

Fathal pulmonary hypertension after distal splenorenal shunt in schistosomal portal hypertension

Mansonic schistosomiasis is the main cause of portal hypertension in Brazil. Hepatosplenic (HS) form is manifested by hepatomegaly mainly on the left hepatic lobe associated with large splenomegaly and bleeding due to esophageal varices with high mortality rates.

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 >= 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 >= 22 mmHg after splenectomy and devascularization alone is an important indicator that an additional proximal splenorenal shunt needs to be performed. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 269-274)

Management of hypersplenism in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension:a surgical series

BACKGROUND:Hypersplenism is commonly seen in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(NCPH).While a splenectomy alone can effectively relieve the hypersplenism,it does not address the underlying portal hypertension.The present study was undertaken to analyze the impact of shunt and non-shunt operations on the resolution of hypersplenism in patients with NCPH.The relationship of symptomatic hypersplenism,severe hypersplenism and number of peripheral cell line defects to the severity of portal hypertension and outcome was also assessed.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of NCPH patients with hypersplenism managed surgically between 1999 and 2009 at our center was done.Of 252 patients with NCPH,64(45 with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and 19 with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis) had hypersplenism and constituted the study group.Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad InStat.Categorical and continuous variables were compared using the chi-square test,ANOVA,and Student’s t test.The MannWhitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare non-parametric variables.RESULTS:The mean age of patients in the study group was 21.81±6.1 years.Hypersplenism was symptomatic in 70.3% with an incidence of spontaneous bleeding at 26.5%,recurrent anemia at 34.4%,and recurrent infection at 29.7%.The mean duration of surgery was 4.16±1.9 hours,intraoperative blood loss was 457±126(50-2000) mL,and postoperative hospital stay 5.5±1.9 days.Following surgery,normalization of hypersplenism occurred in all patients.On long-term followup,none of the patients developed hepatic encephalopathy and 4 had a variceal re-bleeding(2 after a splenectomy alone,1 each after an esophago-gastric devascularization and proximal splenorenal shunt).Patients with severe hypersplenism and those with defects in all three peripheral blood cell lineages were older,had a longer duration of symptoms,and a higher incidence of variceal bleeding and postoperative morbidity.In addition,patients with triple cell line defects had elevated portal pressure(P=0.001),portal biliopathy(P=0.02),portal gastropathy(P=0.005) and intraoperative blood loss(P=0.001).CONCLUSIONS:Hypersplenism is effectively relieved by both shunt and non-shunt operations.A proximal splenorenal shunt not only relieves hypersplenism but also effectively addresses the potential complications of underlying portal hypertension and can be safely performed with good long-term outcome.Patients with hypersplenism who have defects in all three blood cell lineages have significantly elevated portal pressures and are at increased risk of complications of variceal bleeding,portal biliopathy and gastropathy.

Management of splenic artery aneurysm associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms although rare are clinically significant in view of their propensity for spontaneous rupture and life-threatening bleeding. While portal hypertension is an important etiological factor, the majority of reported cases are secondary to cirrhosis of the liver. We report three cases of splenic artery aneurysms associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and discuss their management. METHODS: The records of three patients of splenic artery aneurysm associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction managed from 2003 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical presentation, surgical treatment and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: The aneurysm was >3 cm in all patients. The clinical symptoms were secondary to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (hematemesis in two, portal biliopathy in two) while the aneurysm was asymptomatic. Doppler ultrasound demonstrated aneurysms in all patients. A proximal splenorenal shunt was performed in two patients with excision of the aneurysm in one patient and ligation of the aneurysm in another one. The third patient had the splenic vein replaced by collaterals and hence underwent splenectomy with aneurysmectomy. All patients had an uneventful post-operative course. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery aneurysms are associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Although technically difficult, it can be safely performed in an experienced center with minimal morbidity and good outcome.