Interventional devascularization for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension:mid-term to long-term results

Objective To assess the mid-term to long-term results of interventional devascularization in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension. Methods Interventional devascularization was performed in 49 patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis. The patients were followed up for 6-36 months after the procedure. The recurrence of bleeding,postoperative complications and outcome. were observed and analyzed. Results The technical success rate was 98.0% (48 / 49) and the mortality was 2%. The re-bleeding occurrence rate at 1,6,12,24 and 36 months was 0%,2.1%,12.5%,24.5% and 27.9%,respectively. The causes of re-bleeding included re-rupture of varicose vein (25%),portal hypertensive gastropathy (58.3%)and peptic ulcer (16.7%). Conclusion The interventional devascularization is a simple,safe and effective method for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to portal hypertension.