Abstract

Transvenous obliteration of gastric varices can be performed from the systemic venous side (draining veins or shunts) or from the portal venous side (portal afferent feeders). Balloon-occluded transvenous obliteration from the systemic veins is referred to as balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and balloon-occluded transvenous obliteration from the portal veins is referred to as balloon-occluded antegrade (anterograde) transvenous obliteration (BATO). BRTO is the conventional balloon-occluded transvenous obliteration procedure and BATO is considered an alternative or adjunctive approach. This is because, from a technical standpoint, the least invasive choice of access or approach for balloon-occluded transvenous obliteration of gastric varices is the traditional or conventional transrenal route. The objective of BRTO or BATO or both is complete obliteration of the gastric varices with preservation of the anatomical hepatopetal flow of the splenoportal circulation. This article reviews the indications, contraindications, and technical considerations of the conventional BRTO procedure. The indications of concomitant portal venous modulators such as splenic embolization or the creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or both are also discussed.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

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.