Use of caudal pancreatectomy as a novel adjunct procedure to proximal splenorenal shunt in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension: A retrospective cohort study.

Noncirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension.

Proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS), commonly performed for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), diminishes elevated portal venous pressure (PP) and prevents its sequelae. The change in PP after PSRS and its correlation with clinical outcome is largely unknown. Twenty-four patients who underwent PSRS for NCPH were evaluated prospectively. PP was measured after completion of splenectomy and after PSRS. Follow-up for 3 months was done to assess shunt patency and other relevant clinical variables. Change in PP and shunt patency were correlated with clinical outcome. Seventeen patients had extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and seven had non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). There was a significant decrease in PP (median10 mmHg) after PSRS (p 0.05). Shunt patency showed significant correlation with splenic vein diameter (p = 0.018), shunt diameter (p = 0.024), blood flow across shunt (p = 0.023), change in variceal grade (p = 0.032), and need for endotherapy (p = 0.002). PP decreases after PSRS in patients with NCPH. However, this does not correlate with clinical outcome. A patent shunt at 3 months correlated with most of these variables.

Portosystemic shunt surgery is an established treatment option for preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). The proximal splenorenal shunt is a widely performed procedure in these patients. In this study, the use of adrenal vein as an alternative conduit has been investigated. A retrospective analysis of patients with NCPH who underwent proximal splenoadrenal and splenorenal shunt between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Demographic findings, etiology of portal hypertension, clinical presentation, hematological parameters, liver function test, intraoperative findings, postoperative morbidity, and shunt patency were studied and compared between the two groups. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months with Doppler study of the shunt to assess shunt patency and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess regression of varices. During the study period, 97 patients with NCPH underwent shunt surgery (proximal splenoadrenal shunt, 8; proximal splenorenal shunt, 74; and interposition mesocaval shunt, 15). Anomalous anatomy of the left renal vein was the main indication (5/8 patients) for a splenoadrenal shunt. Median fall in portal pressure in patients who underwent splenoadrenal shunt was 11.5 mmHg (range, 2–14 mmHg). The median (range) operative time was 4.5 (3–6) hours and median (range) intraoperative blood loss was 160 (100–200) mL. During a median (range) follow-up of 32 (12–48) months, shunt thrombosis developed in one patient. Comparison of intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes showed no significant difference in median fall in portal pressure (p = 0.39), median operative time (p = 0.51), median blood loss (p = 0.80), Grade III/IV postoperative complications (p = 0.56), shunt thrombosis (p = 0.93), and varices regression rate (p = 0.72) between patients undergoing proximal splenorenal and splenoadrenal shunt. In conclusion, left adrenal vein is a suitable vascular conduit for porto-systemic shunt surgery. This is especially so if the performance of splenorenal shunt is precluded because of anatomic abnormality of the renal vein.

Backgrounds/AimsProximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) is usually done in symptomatic non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). The outcomes of splenectomy with endotherapy in non-bleeder NCPF patients has not been well studied. We here by aimed to study the post-surgical outcomes on short and long-term basis between PSRS and splenectomy among non-bleeder NCPF patients.MethodsThe consecutive non-bleeder NCPF patients whom underwent either splenectomy or PSRS from 2008 to 2016 were enrolled. The patients were followed up post-surgery clinically and biochemical investigations, Doppler ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were done as required. The peri-operative parameters compared were operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and morbidity. The long-term outcome measures compared were incidence of portal hypertension (PHTN) related bleed, change in grade of varices, shunt patency, shunt complications and thrombosis of spleno-portal axis.ResultsAmong 40 patients with non-bleeder status, 24 underwent splenectomy and 16 underwent PSRS. The baseline characteristics including indication of surgery, biochemical investigations and grade of varices were comparable between PSRS and splenectomy. The peri-operative morbidity was not significantly different between two groups. The median follow up duration was 42 months (12-72 months), the decrement in grade of varices was significantly higher in PSRS group (p=0.03), symptomatic PHTN related UGIB was non-significant between PSRS and splenectomy (p=0.5). In PSRS group, 3 (18.3%) patients had shunt thrombosis (n=1) & encephalopathy (n=2) while in splenectomy group two patients developed thrombosis of splenoportal axis.ConclusionsSplenectomy with endotherapy is alternative to PSRS in non-bleeder NCPF patients with indications for surgery.

Proximal splenoadrenorenal shunt: a safe and effective alternative in non cirrhotic portal hypertension

Background Portosystemic shunt surgery is an established treatment option for preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). The proximal splenorenal shunt is a widely performed procedure in these patients. In this study, the use of adrenal vein as an alternative conduit has been investigated. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with NCPH who underwent proximal splenoadrenal and splenorenal shunt between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Demographic findings, aetiology of portal hypertension, clinical presentation, haematological parameters, liver function test, intraoperative findings, postoperative morbidity, and shunt patency were studied and compared between the two groups. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months with Doppler study of the shunt to assess shunt patency and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess regression of varices. Results During the study period, 97 patients with NCPH underwent shunt surgery (proximal splenoadrenal shunt, 8; proximal splenorenal shunt, 74; and interposition mesocaval shunt, 15). Anomalous anatomy of the left renal vein was the main indication (5/8 patients) for a splenoadrenal shunt. Median fall in portal pressure in patients who underwent splenoadrenal shunt was 11.5 mmHg (range, 2–14 mmHg). The median (range) operative time was 4.5 (3–6) hours and median (range) intraoperative blood loss was 160 (100–200) mL. During a median (range) follow-up of 32 (12–48) months, shunt thrombosis developed in one patient. Comparison of intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes showed no significant difference in median fall in portal pressure (p=0.39), median operative time (p=0.51), median blood loss (p=0.80), Grade III/IV postoperative complications (p=0.56), shunt thrombosis (p=0.93), and varices regression rate (p=0.72) between patients undergoing proximal splenorenal and splenoadrenal shunt. Conclusions The left adrenal vein is a suitable vascular conduit for porto-systemic shunt surgery. This is especially so if the performance of splenorenal shunt is precluded because of anatomic abnormality of the renal vein.

BackgroundThe optimal management of gastric variceal bleeding in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is debatable due to the lack of data from large randomized controlled trials. Here we present our experience on proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) surgery in NCPH patients with bleeding gastric varices.MethodsOver a five-year period, a total of 25 PSRS surgeries were performed and data was collected prospectively. Nineteen extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and six non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) patients with bleeding fundic or isolated gastric varices and normal liver function were included. The collected data was analyzed retrospectively.ResultsOf the 25 patients who underwent PSRS five were lost to follow-up. Twenty patients (80%) were followed up for a median of 3.4 (1-5) years. Gastric variceal regression was noted in all 20 patients with the disappearance of varices in eight patients. On follow-up, shunt thrombosis was noted in four (20%) patients of whom, two had rebleeding between six months and three years after shunt surgery.ConclusionPSRS was effective in controlling gastric variceal hemorrhage in 92% (23 of 25) of patients with preserved liver function.

Management of hypersplenism in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: a surgical series

High patency of proximal splenorenal shunt: A myth or reality ? – A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUNDPortal hypertension (PH) is associated with changes in vascular structure and function of the portosplenomesenteric system (PSMS). This is referred to as portal hypertensive vasculopathy. Pathological abnormalities of PSMS has been described in the literature for cirrhotic patients. Raised portal pressure and hyperdynamic circulation are thought to be the underlying cause of this vasculopathy. In view of this, it is expected that pathological changes in splenic and portal vein similar to those reported in cirrhotic patients with PH may also be present in patients with non-cirrhotic PH (NCPH).AIMTo investigate pathological abnormalities of splenic vein in patients with NCPH, and suggest its possible implications in the management of PH.METHODSA prospective observational study was performed on 116 patients with NCPH [Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO): 53 and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF): 63] who underwent proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS), interposition shunt or splenectomy with devascularization in JIPMER, Pondicherry, India, a tertiary level referral center, between 2011-2016. All patients were evaluated by Doppler study of PSMS, computed tomography porto-venogram and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. An acoustic resonance forced impulse (ARFI) scan and abdomen ultrasound were done for all cases to exclude cirrhosis. Intraoperative and histopathological assessment of the harvested splenic vein was performed in all. The study group was divided into delayed and early presentation based on the median duration of symptoms (i.e. 108 mo).RESULTSThe study group comprising of 116 patients [77 (66%) females and 39 (34%) males] with NCPH had a median age of 22 years. Median duration of symptoms was 108 mo. The most common presentation in both EHPVO and NCPF patients was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis and melena). The ARFI scan revealed a median score of 1.2 (1.0-1.8) m/s for EHPVO and 1.5 (0.9-2.8) m/s for NCPF. PSRS was performed in 84 patients (two of whom underwent interposition PSRS using a 10 mm Dacron graft); splenoadrenal shunt in 9; interposition mesocaval shunt in 5; interposition 1st jejunal to caval shunt in 1 patient and devascularization with splenectomy in 17 patients. Median pre-splenectomy portal pressure was 25 (range: 15-51) mm Hg. In 77% cases, the splenic vein was abnormal upon intraoperative assessment. Under macroscopic examination, wall thickening was observed in 108 (93%), venous thrombosis in 32 (28%) and vein wall calcification in 27 (23%) cases. Upon examination under a surgical magnification loupe, 21 (18%) patients had intimal defects in the splenic vein. Histopathological examination of veins was abnormal in all cases. Medial hypertrophy was noted in nearly all patients (107/116), while intimal fibrosis was seen in 30%. Ninety one percent of patients with intimal fibrosis also had venous thrombosis. Vein wall calcification was found in 22%, all of whom had intimal fibrosis and venous thrombosis. The proportion of patients with pathological abnormalities in the splenic vein were significantly greater in the delayed presentation group as compared to the early presentation group.CONCLUSIONPathological changes in the splenic vein similar to those in cirrhotic patients with PH are noted in NCPH. We recommend that PH in NCPH be treated as systemic and pulmonary hypertension equivalent in the gastrointestinal tract, and that early aggressive therapy be initiated to reduce portal pressure and hemodynamic stress to avoid potential lethal effects.

Background: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) come under the broad category of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Current management of this condition primarily focuses on controlling and preventing variceal bleeding through endoscopic and medical therapy, with surgery typically reserved for cases where endotherapy fails. However, the role of surgical interventions, either shunt surgery or splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization, warrants re-evaluation due to their possible efficacy in controlling variceal bleeding. In addition, surgery addresses other complications associated with NCPH, including symptomatic splenomegaly, hypersplenism, and portal biliopathy.Methods: In this ambispective single-centre study, patients with NCPH who underwent either proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) or splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization were included. Preoperative data were extracted from electronic medical records, while postoperative follow-up focused on assessing rebleeding episodes, esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, hematological parameters, and the requirement for additional endoscopic interventions. Optimal outcome was defined as the absence of rebleeding/new-onset bleeding, resolution of varices to grade 0-I, and no postoperative requirement for endoscopic therapy.Results: Rebleeding or new-onset bleeding occurred postoperatively in only one patient (2.5%) from the entire study population. Overall, optimal outcomes were achieved in 43 patients (74.1%). On subgroup analysis, 21 patients (84%) of the PSRS group and 22 patients (66.6%) who underwent splenectomy with devascularization achieved optimal outcomes. Surgical intervention was associated with significant improvement in hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, and platelet count, along with a marked reduction in variceal grade on follow-up endoscopy.Conclusion: Surgical management in NCPH is highly effective in preventing rebleeding from esophagogastric varices and yields favorable outcomes in terms of variceal resolution and reduced postoperative need for endoscopic interventions. These findings support the consideration of surgery as a primary management option in selected patients with NCPH and not just in those who have failed medical and endoscopic options.

BackgroundPresence of retro-aortic left renal vein poses special challenge in creating spleno-renal shunt potentially increasing the chance of shunt failure. The technical feasibility and successful outcome of splenectomy with proximal spleno-renal shunt (PSRS) with retro-aortic left renal vein is presented for the first time. The patient was treated for portal hypertension and hypersplenism due to idiopathic extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction.Case presentationA twenty year old male suffering from idiopathic extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction presented with bleeding esophageal varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, asymptomatic portal biliopathy and symptomatic hypersplenism. As variceal bleeding did not respond to endoscopic and medical treatment, surgical portal decompression was planned. On preoperative contrast enhanced computed tomography retro-aortic left renal vein was detected. Splenectomy with proximal splenorenal shunt with retro-aortic left renal vein was successfully performed by using specific technical steps including adequate mobilisation of retro-aortic left renal vein and per-operative pressure studies. Perioperative course was uneventful and patient is doing well after 3 years of follow up.ConclusionsPSRS is feasible, safe and effective procedure when done with retro-aortic left renal vein for the treatment of portal hypertension related to extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction provided that attention is given to key technical considerations including pressure studies necessary to ensure effective shunt. Present case provides the first evidence that retro-aortic left renal vein can withstand the extra volume of blood flow through the proximal shunt with effective portal decompression so as to treat all the components of extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction without causing renal venous hypertension.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension: Medical and endoscopic management.

Proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) is a commonly performed procedure to decompress portal hypertension, in patients with refractory variceal bleed, especially in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). If conventional methods are hindered by any technical or pathological factors, alternative surgical techniques may be required. This study analyzes the effectiveness of various unconventional shunt surgeries performed for NCPH. A retrospective analysis of NCPH patients who underwent unconventional shunt surgeries during the period July 2011 to June 2022 was conducted. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months with doppler study of the shunt to assess shunt patency, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate the regression of varices. During the study period, 130 patients underwent shunt surgery; among these, 31 underwent unconventional shunts (splenoadrenal shunt [SAS], 12; interposition mesocaval shunt [iMCS], 8; interposition PSRS [iPSRS], 6; jejunal vein-cava shunt [JCS], 3; left gastroepiploic-renal shunt [LGERS], 2). The main indications for unconventional shunts were left renal vein aberration (SAS, 8/12), splenic vein narrowing (iMCS, 5/8), portalhypertensive vascular changes (iPSRS, 6/6), and portomesenteric thrombosis (JCS, 3/3). The median fall in portal pressure was more in SAS (12.1 mm Hg), and operative time more in JCS, 8.4 hours (range, 5-9 hours). During a median follow-up of 36 months (6-54 months), shunt thrombosis had been reported in all cases of LGERS, and less in SAS (3/12). Variceal regression rate was high in SAS, and least in LGERS. Hypersplenism had reversed in all patients, and 6/31 patients had a recurrent bleed. Unconventional shunt surgery is effective in patients unsuited for other shunts, especially PSRS, and it achieves the desired effects in a significant proportion of patients.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is traditionally associated with hepatic parenchymal diseases, such as acute liver failure and cirrhosis. Its prevalence in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) patients, extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is less well described. HE in NCPH allows one to study the effect of portosystemic shunting and ammonia without significant hepatic parenchymal injury. The current review narrates the spectrum and management of hepatic encephalopathy in NCPH patients. We synthesized data from various studies on the occurrence and management of HE in NCPH, mainly EHPVO, idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), and porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD). The prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in NCPH is reported from 12 to 60%, depending on the condition and diagnostic criteria. MHE was reported in nearly a third of EHPVO patients. Studies show that venous ammonia levels are significantly elevated in patients with MHE and spontaneous shunts (82.4 ± 20.3 vs. 47.1 ± 16.7 µmol/L, P = 0.001). Large portosystemic shunts substantially increase the risk of HE, with 46-71% of patients with persistent or recurrent HE having identifiable shunts. Management of HE in NCPH primarily focuses on reducing ammonia levels through lactulose, which has shown improvement in 53% of patients with MHE after three months (P = 0.001). Shunt occlusion in patients with large portosystemic shunts is helpful in selected cases. HE in NCPH, particularly in EHPVO, is associated with elevated ammonia levels and spontaneous shunts. Despite the high prevalence of HE in NCPH, this is still a neglected aspect in the care of NCPH. A high index of suspicion and the application of appropriate screening tools are crucial for timely diagnosis and management. HE screening tools that are well-studied in cirrhosis, are also valid in NCPH. Effective management strategies include lactulose, rifaximin, dietary modifications, and shunt embolisation in some cases. Future research should focus on the long-term natural history and efficacy of treatment strategies in this population.