Combined devascularization and proximal splenorenal shunt: is this a better option than either procedure alone?

Background/Purpose

We aimed to determine the rationality of pericardial devascularization (PCDV) plus proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) for cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension with variceal bleeding, using a duplex sonography study of the effects of the different surgical procedures (PCDV, PSRS, and PCDV + PSRS) on the hemodynamics of the portal system.

Methods

Ninety-nine patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and a history of bleeding esophageal varices were studied. These patients were divided into three groups (PSRS group, PCDV group, and PCDV + PSRS group). The hemodynamic parameters of the portal systems of all patients were measured by Doppler color-flow imaging perioperatively.

Results

In the PSRS group, the postoperative portal venous flow (PVF) and free portal pressure (FPP) decreased by 57 ± 9% and 52 ± 5%, respectively (P < 0.01). In the PCDV group, the postoperative PVF lessened by 8 ± 5% (P > 0.05), and the postoperative FPP was reduced by 19 ± 7% (P < 0.05). In the PCDV + PSRS group, the postoperative PVF and FPP were lowered by 36 ± 8% and 34 ± 10%, respectively (P < 0.05). The postoperative decreases of PVF and FPP in the PCDV + PSRS group were between those of the PSRS and PCDV groups. The differences among these groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Combined devascularization and splenorenal shunt (PCDV + PSRS) significantly decreases portal venous flow and portal pressure, as well as maintaining hepatopedal flow, thus entailing fewer complications compared to either PCDV or PSRS.