Esophagogastric Devascularization Research Articles

The learning curve of laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization for portal hypertension with 10-year follow-up.

Laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) are minimally invasive, effective, and safe in treating esophageal-fundic variceal bleeding with portal hypertension (PHT). The study aimed to assess the learning curve of LSED by cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis. The 10-year follow-up data for LSED and open surgery were also examined. Five hundred and ninety-four patients were retrospectively analyzed. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, open operation conversion, and postoperative complications were selected as the evaluation indicators of surgical ability. The learning curve of LESD was assessed by the CUSUM approach. Patient features, perioperative indices, and 10-year follow-up data were examined. Totally 236 patients underwent open surgery, and 358 underwent LSED. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. The LSED patients experienced less intraoperative blood loss, fewer complications, and faster recovery compared to the open surgery cohort. The learning curve of LESD was maximal for a case number of 50. Preoperative general characteristics were comparable for both stages. But the skilled stage had decreased operation time, reduced blood loss, less postoperative complications, and better recovery compared to the learning stage. The LSED group had higher recurrent hemorrhage-free survival rate and increased overall survival in comparison with cases administered open surgery in the 10-year follow-up. Free-liver cancer rates were similar between two groups. About 50 cases are needed to master the LSED procedure. Compared to open surgery, LSED is a safer, feasible, and safe procedure for PHT patients, correlating with decreased rebleeding rate and better overall survival.

Treatment of portal hypertension complicated by variceal bleeding

Background. Mortality in variceal bleeding (VB) on the background of portal hypertension (PH) is highest among patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. The treatment of PH complicated by VB is a complex problem that is far from being solved, especially in case of Child-Pugh class B and C decompensation. The aim of the study was to determine the causes of PH complicated by VB, features of conservative and interventional therapy, indications and nature of surgical procedures, treatment efficacy, as well as causes of complications and mortality. Materials and methods. We analyzed treatment outcomes of 923 inpatients with PH complicated by VB who were treated in the clinic of the Department of Surgery of the Faculty of Dentistry of Bogomolets National Medical University on the basis of the Kyiv City Clinical Emergency Hospital from 2012 to 2023. It was possible to talk about the cause of PH based on anamnestic data in 61 % of cases. In 711 (77 %) patients, the source of bleeding was detected endoscopically within 30–60 minutes from the moment of admission to the clinic. Conservative therapy included the administration of hemostatic and agents lowering pressure in the portal system, as well as vasoconstrictors that reduce portal blood flow. For the failure of conservative therapy, unstable hemostasis, and repeated previous bleedings, 59 (6.4 %) patients were operated. The methodology of the research analysis consisted in the fact that the arithmetic mean and standard error (M ± m) were determined as the characteristics of the groups for features with a distribution corresponding to the Gaussian law. This reference method of descriptive statistics was applied to evaluate surgical treatment in comparison with conservative therapy and interventional measures. Results. Endoscopic hemostasis by the ligature method was achieved in 97 (10.5 %) patients. Repeated endoscopy due to VB recurrence was done in 276 (29.9 %) participants. In cases of unsatisfactory endoscopic hemostasis, as well as recurrent VB, a Sengstaken-Blakemore probe was installed. In case of right-sided PH, the formation of varices in the esophagus is caused by the discharge of blood mainly through the coronary vein, which required its transection during еsophagogastric devascularization. In compliance with this rule, the patients underwent esophagogastric devascularization, circular transection of the esophagus, which provided portoazygous disconnection. The total mortality rate was 43.1 %, among operated people — 8.5 %, and among non-operated ones — 42.1 %. Conclusions. PH complicated by VB is evidence of decompensated processes in the liver parenchyma or obstruction in the portal system. Conservative therapy and interventional measures make it possible to stop bleeding and prepare the patient for elective surgery, if necessary. An operation that stops blood flow through dilated veins of the esophagus or stomach is an effective method of treating bleeding in portal hypertension.

Portal vein velocity predicts portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization.

Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) is a potentially fatal complication after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization (SED) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, the impact of portal vein velocity (PVV) on PVST after SED remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore this issue. Consecutive cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SED at Tongji Hospital between January 2010 and June 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of PVST, which was assessed using ultrasound or computed tomography after the operation. PVV was measured by duplex Doppler ultrasound within one week before surgery. The independent risk factors for PVST were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram based on these variables was developed and internally validated using 1000 bootstrap resamples. A total of 562 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SED were included, and PVST occurred in 185 patients (32.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PVV was the strongest independent risk factor for PVST. The incidence of PVST was significantly higher in patients with PVV ≤ 16.5cm/s than in those with PVV > 16.5cm/s (76.2% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.0001). The PVV-based nomogram was internally validated and showed good performance (optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.907). Decision curve and clinical impact curve analyses indicated that the nomogram provided a high clinical benefit. A nomogram based on PVV provided an excellent preoperative prediction of PVST after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization.

The Early Initiation of Perioperative Anticoagulation Therapy in Cirrhotic Patients with Portal Hypertension After Laparoscopic Splenectomy Plus Esophagogastric Devascularization: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience.

Background: Portal veinous system thrombosis (PVST) is a common complication after laparoscopic splenectomy plus esophagogastric devascularization (LSED). Anticoagulation therapy was still in debate in LSED perioperation. This study aimed to determine the postoperative risk factors of PVST, the efficacy and safety of the anticoagulation therapy after LSED procedure, and the potential impact of anticoagulation on patients' liver function and overall survival (OS). Methods: Three hundred patients who underwent LSED were retrospectively enrolled and analyzed in the study. The characteristics of patients, perioperative parameters, risk of PVST, and long-term follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. Results: One hundred eighty six of 300 patients received perioperative anticoagulation therapy (p-AT) postoperation, while 114 patients did not receive p-AT (non-p-AT). The non-p-AT group had more intraoperative blood loss, PVST, longer abdominal drain days, and postoperative hospital stays separately compared with the p-AT group. No significant difference of postoperative complications was found between the two groups. In the 1-year follow-up postoperation, both groups had great improvement in hypersplenism and the portal vein hemodynamics. During the 10-year follow-up period, the incidence of PVST was significantly higher in the non-p-AT group than in the p-AT group. Anticoagulation therapy, sex, variceal hemorrhage history, portal vein diameter, and portal vein velocity were the independent prognostic factors determined by the Cox regression analysis for PVST. The thrombosis-free survival rate (P = .002), recurrent hemorrhage-free survival rate (P < .01), and the OS rate (P < .01) were significantly lower in the non-p-AT group than in the p-AT group. Conclusions: The initiate use of anticoagulation therapy in postoperation of LSED is effective and safe in cirrhotic patients. The anticoagulation therapy after LSED will help decrease portal vein thrombosis, the rebleeding rate, and extend the OS of the patients, especially among women, with variceal hemorrhage history, high portal vein diameter, and low portal vein velocity.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Esophagogastric Devascularization Versus Endoscopic Varices Ligation Plus Laparoscopic Splenectomy in the Treatment of Portal Hypertension.

Background/Aims: To compare laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) plus laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in treating esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) caused by portal hypertension (PH). Methods: Between January 2015 and May 2022, 87 patients with PH caused by hepatitis B cirrhosis were included in the retrospective study (34 in LSED versus 53 in EVL + LS). Results: The clinical features of both groups were well-matched (P > .05). The EVL+LS group was associated with shorter operation time, lower operative blood loss, faster gastrointestinal (GI) recovery, lower C-reactive protein levels, and shorter hospital stays after operation (P < .05). Operative morbidity was more significant in the LSED group (19 55.9% versus 18 33.9%) (P < .05). On postoperative days 1 and 3, albumin levels were remarkably lower (P < .05) in the LSED group. The mean follow-up was 24.3 months for LSED and 26.5 for EVL+LS. Hematological parameters, hepatic functional status, hepatic hemodynamics, and endoscopy indicated a substantial improvement in both groups (P < .05), but no significant difference was identified (P > .05). There was no discernible difference in the incidence of GI bleeding between the two groups (P > .05). Conclusion: EVL+LS is a safer, simpler, and more minimally invasive treatment of EGVB secondary to PH.

Predictors of Long-Term Rebleeding Risk in Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing Esophagogastric Devascularization and Splenectomy: Impact of Portal Vein Thrombosis and Hemoglobin Levels.

BACKGROUND Esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS) is widely used to treat patients with portal hypertension in China. This study aimed to determine risk factors that increase risk of rebleeding after EGDS and evaluate the effect of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) on rebleeding rates after EGDS. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical data of patients with cirrhosis (n=138) who underwent EGDS between December 2010 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were assigned to rebleeding or non-rebleeding groups and followed up. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses identified the independent predictors of 3-year and 5-year rebleeding. RESULTS A total of 138 consecutive patients who underwent EGDS and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Total bilirubin (HR: 2.392, 95% CI 1.032-5.545, P=0.042) and PVT (HR: 3.345, 95% CI 1.477-7.573, P=0.004) predicted 3-year rebleeding during univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that PVT (HR: 3.967, 95% CI 1.742-9.035, P=0.001) was an independent predictor. Hemoglobin >87.5 g/L (HR: 3.104, 95% CI 1.283-7.510, P=0.012) and PVT (HR: 2.349, 95% CI 1.231-4.483, P=0.010) were predictors of 5-year rebleeding during multivariate analysis. Albumin >37.5 g/L was an independent predictor of rebleeding in patients with PVT at 3 and 5 years (HR: 3.964, 95% CI 1.301-9.883, P=0.008; HR: 3.193, 95% CI 1.275-7.997, P=0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS PVT is associated with increased 3-year and 5-year rebleeding rates after EGDS but not at 10 years. Also, hemoglobin >87.5 g/L predicted rebleeding at 5 years. Albumin has huge prospects as a predictor of rebleeding at 3 and 5 years in patients with PVT.

Surgical outcome of extrahepatic portal venous obstruction: Audit from a tertiary referral centre in Eastern India.

Extra hepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) is the most common cause of portal hypertension in Indian children. While endoscopy is the primary modality of management, a subset of patients require surgery. This study aims to report the short- and long-term outcomes of EHPVO patients managed surgically. All the patients with EHPVO who underwent surgery between August 2007 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative complications were classified after Clavien-Dindo. Binary logistic regression in Wald methodology was used to determine the predictive factors responsible for unfavourable outcome. Total of 202 patients with EHPVO were operated. Mean age of patients was 20.30 ± 9.96 years, and duration of illness, 90.05 ± 75.13 months. Most common indication for surgery was portal biliopathy (n = 59, 29.2%), followed by bleeding (n = 50, 24.8%). Total of 166 patients (82.2%) had shunt procedure. Splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization was the second most common surgery (n = 20, 9.9%). Nine major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo > 3) were observed in 8 patients (4.0%), including 1 (0.5%) operative death. After a median follow-up of 56 months (15-156 months), 166 patients (82.2%) had favourable outcome. In multivariate analysis, associated splenic artery aneurysm (p = 0.007), isolated gastric varices (p = 0.004), preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and stenting (p = 0.015), and shunt occlusion (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of unfavourable long-term outcome. Surgery in EHPVO is safe, affords excellent short- and long-term outcome in patients with symptomatic EHPVO, and may be considered for secondary prophylaxis.

Portosystemic Shunt Surgery for Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction Beyond Endoscopic Variceal Eradication: Two Decades of Pediatric Surgical Experience

This exclusively surgical series on pediatric extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) defines surgical indications beyond endoscopic eradication of esophageal varices (EEEV), the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure, and the long-term post-surgical outcome. EHPVO management protocol at the reporting institute has been endotherapy untilesophageal variceal eradication and surgery for select adverse sequelae manifesting after EEEV. One hundred and thirty-nine EHPVO cases underwent surgery for the following indications in combination: i) massive splenomegaly with severe hypersplenism (n=132, 95%); ii) growth retardation (GR, n=95, 68%); iii) isolated gastric (IGV) and ectopic varices (n=49, 35%); iv) Portal cavernoma cholangiopathy (PCC) (n=07, 5%). A portosystemic shunt (PSS) was performed in 119 (86%) cases. Types of PSS performed were as follows: central end-to-side splenorenal shunt with splenectomy (n=104); side-to-side splenorenal shunt (n=4); mesocaval shunt (n=1); inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) to left renal vein shunt (n=2); IMV to inferior vena cava shunt (n=3); H-graft interposition splenorenal shunt (n=1); spleno-adrenal shunt (n=3); makeshift shunt (n=1). Esophagogastric devascularization (n=20, 14%) was opted for only for non-shuntable anatomy. At a median follow-up (FU) of 41 (range: 6-228) months, PSS block was detected in 13 (11%) cases, with recurrent variceal bleeding in 4 cases. PCC-related cholestasis regressed in 5 of 7 cases. Issues of splenomegaly were resolved, and growth z-scores improved significantly. Endotherapy for secondary prophylaxis untilEEEV has resulted in a shift in surgical indications for EHPVO. Beyond EEEV, surgery was indicated predominantly for non-variceal sequelae, namely massive splenomegaly with severe hypersplenism, GR, and PCC. Varices warranted surgery infrequently butmore often from sites less amenable to endotherapy, i.e., IGV and ectopic varices. The selection of PSS was tailored to anatomy and surgical indications. On long-term FU post surgery, PSS block was detected in 13% of patients. PCC-related cholestasis regressed in 71%, and issues of splenomegaly resolved with significantly improved growth Z scores.

Efficacy, feasibility and safety of TIPS in the treatment of recurrent portal hypertension with variceal bleeding after open splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization.

To investigate the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as a treatment for patients with recurrent portal hypertension with variceal bleeding (RPHVB) who have previously undergone open splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (OSED). The data were retrospectively retrieved from 39 cirrhotic RPHVB patients who had undergone OSED from August 2015 to December 2020. All patients were treated with TIPS using the Viabahn stent. Out of the 39 patients included in the study, TIPS was successfully performed in 38 patients with a success rate of 97.44%. One patient had a failed attempt due to cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). Among the 38 patients who underwent TIPS, 33 patients also underwent varicose vein embolization, while the remaining 5 patients only underwent TIPS procedure. A total of 39 Viabahn stents were implanted, with 5 patients receiving stents expanded to their nominal diameter of 8mm and the remaining 33 patients having their shunt maintained at a diameter of 6mm. The postoperative hemostasis rate was 97.37% (37/38). The portal vein pressure (PVP) and portal pressure gradient (PPG) decreased significantly from (31.28 ± 6.24) and (20.61 ± 5.14) mmHg to (19.58 ± 4.69) and (9.24 ± 3.07) mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, the rebleeding rate was 6.09% (2/29), while the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and shunt dysfunction was 13.79% (4/29) for each. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is an effective, feasible and safe treatment for RPHVB patients who have previously undergone OSED. A satisfactory clinical outcome could be achieved with a 6mm-diameter shunt in most patients.

Theme: Hepatobiliary system

Theme: Hepatobiliary system

Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Portal Venous Systemic Thrombosis in Patients with Cirrhosis Undergoing Splenectomy and Esophagogastric Devascularization.

The aim of the study is to develop a nomogram for predicting postoperative portal venous systemic thrombosis (PVST) in patients with cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization. In total, 195 eligible patients were included. Demographic characteristics were collected, and the results of perioperative routine laboratory investigations and ultrasound examinations were also recorded. Blood cell morphological traits, including the red cell volume distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width, were identified. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were implemented for risk factor filtration, and an integrated nomogram was generated and then validated using the bootstrap method. A color Doppler abdominal ultrasound examination on a postoperative day (POD) 7 (38.97%) revealed that 76 patients had PVST. The results of the multivariate logistic regression suggested that a higher RDW on POD3 (RDW3) (odds ratio (OR): 1.188, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.073-1.326), wider portal vein diameter (OR: 1.387, 95% CI: 1.203-1.642), history of variceal hemorrhage (OR: 3.407, 95% CI: 1.670-7.220), and longer spleen length (OR: 1.015, 95% CI: 1.001-1.029) were independent risk parameters for postoperative PVST. Moreover, the nomogram integrating these four parameters exhibited considerable capability in PVST forecasting. The nomogram's receiver operating characteristic curve reached 0.83 and achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 0.711 and 0.848, respectively, at its cutoff. The nomogram's calibration curve demonstrated that it was well calibrated. The nomogram exhibited excellent performance in PVST prediction and might assist surgeons in identifying vulnerable patients and administering timely prophylaxis.

Sarcopenia, body composition and factors associated with variceal gastrointestinal bleeding and splenectomy in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni.

Sarcopenia is a common complication of cirrhosis and an important predictor of morbimortality. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) as well as to evaluate whether muscle mass and function are associated with variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (VUGIB) and previous splenectomy in subjects without other liver diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study including adults with HSS who underwent clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, muscle strength and physical performance evaluations and were submitted to bioelectrical impedance analysis and abdominal ultrasound. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 European consensus criteria. A total of 66 patients with HSS (62.1% male; mean age 48.8±8.6y) were included. Overall, six subjects (9.1%) were diagnosed with probable sarcopenia and none had confirmed sarcopenia. Fat-free body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with VUGIB (odds ratio 0.701 [95% confidence interval 0.51 to 0.96]; p=0.025). Compared with patients who did not undergo surgery, individuals who underwent esophagogastric devascularization combined with splenectomy (EGDS) had higher serum lipid levels, fat percentage and frequency of metabolic syndrome, with lower skeletal muscle mass index and hand grip strength. HSS mansoni seems not to cause sarcopenia. However, a lower fat-free BMI was associated with previous VUGIB and the subgroup of patients who underwent EGDS presented higher lipid levels, fat percentage and frequency of metabolic syndrome and lower muscle mass and function.

Chinese expert consensus for laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization(2021)

Laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization has the advantages of less trauma, less bleeding and faster recovery.In order to promote this technology in a scientific and standardized manner and to guide clinical practice, the Chinese Society of Spleen and Portal Hypertension Surgery, Chinese Medical Association, discussed and composed the "Chinese expert consensus for laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization（2021）".This consensus adheres to the standardization and minimally invasive principles of surgical treatment of portal hypertension, and elaborates the surgical indications and contraindications, preoperative evaluation, surgical technical points and precautions, postoperative management and common complications, especially the prevention and treatment of portal vein thrombosis.

Laparoscopic splenectomy and devascularization for massive splenomegaly in portal hypertensive patients: a retrospective study of a single surgical team's experience with 6-year follow-up data.

BackgroundIn China, laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) are effective and safe tools that are used to treat esophageal-fundic variceal bleeding with portal hypertension (PHT) with minimal trauma; however, due to the increased difficulty of operation, their application in massive splenomegaly (MS) remains limited. This study sought to determine the efficacy and safety of LSED in treating MS patients with PHT.MethodsThe data of 124 patients who underwent LSED by a single surgical team at our department from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of the patients, perioperative parameters, and long-term follow-up data were examined.ResultsA total of 61 MS and 63 mild-to-moderate splenomegaly (MMS) patients underwent LSED. Much larger spleen and significant lower of white blood cells and platelets was found in MS group compared the MMS group preoperation (P<0.05). The MS group had a significantly longer operation time (P=0.009), more blood loss (P=0.003), and more abdominal drainage days (P=0.017) than the MMS group. Four patients in the MS group and 0 patients in the MMS group were converted to open surgery. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications. Nine patients in the MMS group and 10 in the MMS group experienced recurrent bleeding in the follow-up period, but no significant differences were observed in terms of recurrent bleeding and overall survival (OS) between the 2 groups.ConclusionsLSED can be used to treat MS patients with PHT under careful perioperative management. For experienced surgeons, LSED is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive procedure with satisfactory long-term outcomes that can be used to treat MS patients with PHT.KeywordsLaparoscopic splenectomy (LS); massive splenomegaly (MS); devascularization; portal hypertension (PHT)

Impact of concurrent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization on surgical outcomes of partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension: A multicenter propensity score matching analysis

PurposePortal hypertension due to cirrhosis is common among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of partial hepatectomy in patients with HCC and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) with or without concurrent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (CSED). Patients and methodsFrom a multicenter database, patients with HCC and CSPH who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy were identified. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term overall survival (OS) were compared in patients with and without CSED before and after propensity score matching (PSM). ResultsOf the 358 enrolled patients, 86 patients underwent CSED. Before PSM, the postoperative 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between the CSED and non-CSED group (both P > 0.05). Using PSM, 81 pairs of patients were created. In the PSM cohort, the 5-year OS rate of the CSED group were significantly better than the non-CSED group (52.9% vs. 36.5%, P= 0.046). The former group had a significantly lower rate of variceal bleeding on follow-up (7.4% vs. 21.7%, P= 0.014). On multivariate analysis, CSED was associated with significantly better OS (HR: 0.39, P < 0.001). ConclusionHepatectomy and CSED can safely be performed in selected patients with HCC and CSPH, which could improve postoperative prognosis by preventing variceal bleeding, and prolonging long-term survival.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННОЙ ЛАПАРОСКОПИЧЕСКОЙ ЭЗОФАГОГАСТРАЛЬНОЙ ДЕВАСКУЛЯРИЗАЦИИ

Background. Transabdominal gastroesophageal devascularization is a technically feasible backup operation for most general surgeons in case of failure of endoscopic prophylaxis of bleeding from esophageal varices. There is an emerging trend in the development of laparoscopic technologies in the surgical correction of complications of portal hypertension. Purpose. Assessment of the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification. Material and methods. In the period from 2009 to 2020, the results of treatment of 31 patients were studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups by the method of simple randomization. In the control group, surgery was performed in a standard way, in the main group - in the modification we proposed. Results. The use of our proposed technological methods when performing the stage of transection of the abdominal esophagus during laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification reduced the frequency of technical difficulties at this stage, which caused conversions, anastomotic leakage and other intra and postoperative complications. In the long-term period, there was a decrease in the degree of esophageal varices, a decrease in the frequency of recurrent bleeding and mortality, as well as an improvement in the quality of life in patients after a modified operation in comparison with the standard technique. Laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in our modification shows better results as a method of secondary prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis of the liver in patients with a high risk of recurrence than the use of endoscopic sclerosis of esophageal varices, is characterized by a lower incidence of repeated episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices and less lethality. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the immediate and long-term results of the use of laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification in the clinic, it should be noted the reproducibility of the surgical intervention, its effectiveness and safety.

ОТКРЫТАЯ ЭЗОФАГОГАСТРАЛЬНАЯ ДЕВАСКУЛЯРИЗАЦИЯ В СОБСТВЕННОЙ МОДИФИКАЦИИ. ПРЕДВАРИТЕЛЬНОЕ СООБЩЕНИЕ О СЕРИИ СЛУЧАЕВ

Introduction. Progress in surgical technologies and the presence of a category of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and bleeding from esophageal varices who can not take nonselective beta-blockers and undergo repeated sessions of endoscopic ligation, allow to perform open esophagogastric devascularization as a reserve technique in surgical practice. Aim. Preliminary analysis of the results of performing open esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification. Material and methods. Open esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification was performed in five patients with Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis (3 men and 2 women) aged 44 to 59 years for delayed and planned indications after a repeated episode of bleeding from esophageal varices (from 2 up to 4 relapses). The technique included open esophagogastric devascularization with esophageal transection in combination with truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty without splenectomy. Results. All patients underwent successful surgery. The duration of the operation (Me [min; max]) was 245 [230; 310] min. The time spent in the department of anesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care was 2 [1; 5] days. During the postoperative follow-up of these patients for the period from 31 to 92 months, there were no recurrences of bleeding from esophageal varices. In all patients, endoscopic examination after a year showed regression of the degree of expansion of esophageal varices. Сonclusions. The use of the described methodology of multilevel stitching of submucosal esophageal varices in addition to hardware transection during open esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification enable to detect early all remaining significant varicose veins after hardware transsection of the esophagus and carry out their additional stitching without the need to open the esophagus and stomach potentially reduced the incidence of recurrent bleeding.

Dextranum in Combination with Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Prevents the Portal Vein Thrombosis after Splenectomy for Portal Hypertension

This study aimed to explore the effect of dextranum in combination with low-molecular-weight heparin on the prevention of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy for portal hypertension. Between February 2015 and February 2019, we enrolled 128 liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension as the subjects which were later divided randomly into the observation group and the control group, with 64 patients in each group. All patients received the splenectomy in combination with the esophagogastric devascularization. Following the surgery, dextranum was given to the patients in two groups for prevention of portal vein thrombosis, while those in the observation would additionally took low-molecular-weight heparin for prophylaxis of portal vein thrombosis. After medication, incidence of portal vein thrombosis after surgery was recorded, and at 1 d and 14 d after surgery, the platelet count in peripheral blood was also detected; furthermore, we recorded the condition of patients in preventive anti-coagulation treatment, oral administration of enteric-coated aspirin, postoperative hospitalization days and the incidence of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding and liver failure, within 3 mo after operation. In the observation group, the incidence rate of postoperative portal vein thrombosis was 9.37 %, significantly lower than 31.25 % in the control group (p<0.05), while the difference in the platelet count test at 1 d after operation showed no statistical significance (p>0.05), and the platelet count test showed an increasing trend at 14 d after operation (p<0.05); however, the intergroup comparison showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Between two groups, the duration of preventive anti-coagulation treatment and oral administration of aspirin showed no significant difference (p>0.05), while the patients had a shorter hospitalization duration in the observation group than their counterparts in the control group (p<0.05). Within 3 mo after operation, the incidence rate of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding and liver failure, in the observation group was 6.25 %, significantly lower than 26.56 % in the control group (p<0.05). After splenectomy for portal hypertension, dextranum in combination with the low-molecularweight heparin can prevent the portal vein thrombosis by inhibiting the platelet aggregation, thereby promoting the patients’ recovery and decreasing the incidence of postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization combined with fast-track principles offers greater benefit for patients with portal hypertension.

IntroductionLaparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of esophageal-fundic variceal bleeding with portal hypertension (PHT) in China, and its high safety and minimal trauma have been proven. Fast-track (FT) surgery improves patient recovery and decreases postoperative complications.AimTo determine whether LSED with fast-track principles can provide better outcomes than traditional treatment for patients with PHT.Material and methodsA total of 140 patients who underwent LSED with either traditional treatment or fast-track principles in our department were retrospectively analyzed. The postoperative outcomes, complications, inflammatory mediators, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and recurrent esophagogastric variceal bleeding rate were recorded.ResultsNo significant differences were found in the patients’ preoperative characteristics. The FT group had better outcomes than the non-FT group with respect to gastrointestinal function recovery, resumption of oral intake, and postoperative hospitalization. The incidence of postoperative complications, including pneumonia, severe ascites, and urinary tract infection, were significantly lower in the FT than the non-FT group. The C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 concentrations and the incidence of PVT were significantly lower in the FT than the non-FT group. The overall recurrent bleeding rate is 11.5% and no significant difference was found between the two groups in the follow-up period.ConclusionsLSED with fast-track principles was superior to LSED with traditional treatment in terms of postoperative outcomes, complications, postoperative inflammatory reactions, and the incidence of PVT. This strategy is safe and effective for the treatment of PHT.

DOES THE DROP IN PORTAL PRESSURE AFTER ESOPHAGOGASTRIC DEVASCULARIZATION AND SPLENECTOMY INFLUENCE THE VARIATION OF VARICEAL CALIBERS AND THE REBLEEDING RATES IN SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN LATE FOLLOW-UP?

ABSTRACT Background:The treatment of choice for patients with schistosomiasis with previous episode of varices is bleeding esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS) in association with postoperative endoscopic therapy. However, studies have shown varices recurrence especially after long-term follow-up. Aim:To assess the impact on behavior of esophageal varices and bleeding recurrence after post-operative endoscopic treatment of patients submitted to EGDS. Methods:Thirty-six patients submitted to EGDS were followed for more than five years. They were divided into two groups, according to the portal pressure drop, more or less than 30%, and compared with the behavior of esophageal varices and the rate of bleeding recurrence. Results:A significant reduction on the early and late post-operative varices caliber when compared the pre-operative data was observed despite an increase in diameter during follow-up that was controlled by endoscopic therapy. Conclusion:The drop in portal pressure did not significantly influence the variation of variceal calibers when comparing pre-operative and early or late post-operative diameters. The comparison between the portal pressure drop and the rebleeding rates was also not significant.