THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF 71 PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL VARICES.

Abstract

The clinical course of 71 patients with esophageal varices who were treated surgically at the Toronto General Hospital in the 17-year period 1947-1964 was reviewed. Forty-five portacaval anastomoses, 19 splenorenal anastomoses and seven transesophageal ligations were performed. The splenorenal shunt was 62% effective and the portacaval shunt 89% effective in preventing further hemorrhage. The end-to-side portacaval shunt was the preferred operation. The overall hospital mortality from a shunting procedure (including emergency procedures) was 17%. The mortality rate was much lower in patients with reasonably normal liver function than in those with elevated serum bilirubin, lowered serum albumin, or refractory ascites. Over 70% of the patients were still alive three years after surgical treatment of the portal hypertension.

• Authors: R J BAIRD, R T MIYAGISHIMA, W G BIGELOW, J A KEY, R O HEIMBECKER
• Journal: Canadian Medical Association journal (Can Med Assoc J) Vol. 92 Pg. 103-7 (Jan 16 1965) ISSN: 0008-4409 [Print] Canada
• PMID: 14232180 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Ascites
• Esophageal and Gastric Varices
• Hemorrhage
• Humans
• Hypertension, Portal
• Jaundice
• Ligation
• Male
• Mortality
• Portacaval Shunt, Surgical
• Portography
• Splenorenal Shunt, Surgical
• Surgical Procedures, Operative