Treatment of portal hypertension by use of limited shunt together with devascularization

Objective To investigate the effects of combination of limited shunt and devascularization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension.Methods The follow-up results of 39 portal hypertension(patients) undergoing the combined operation were retrospectively analysed.Results The postoperative free(portal) pressure decreased by 8cm H_2O,and hepatopetal portal venous blood flow was maintained.All the(patients) were followed-up for 6 to 24 months,the results showed that various degreas of recovery of liver function in 18 patients.One patient had transient hepatic encephalopathy.Ascites disappeared in 38 patients and gastroesophageal varices improved in 82.1% of patients.No case of rebleeding occured.Conclusions Limited shunt combined with devascularization can effectively maintain the blood supply to the liver,prevent upper gastroesophageal hemorrhage and reduce the occurrence rate of hepatic encephalopathy.It is a suitable operative method for the treatment of portal hypertensive patients.