Abstract
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.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.