Transhepatic embolization of varices.

Abstract

Percutaneous transhepatic embolization of varices (PTEV) has proved to be effective in the control variceal bleeding, particularly in Child's Class C Category patients whose bleeding was not adequately controlled by pitressin perfusions. PTEV, using Gel-Foam soaked in sodium tetradecyl sulfate, controlled acute variceal bleeding in 71--95% of patients and appears to be more effective as an embolizing agent than bucrylate, which controlled 43--57%. Considering the poor condition of the patients particularly during acute bleeding episodes, PTEV is a relatively safe therapeutic procedure that buys time for the surgeons to perform a decompressive shunt electively as definitive surgery. A one-year recurrent bleeding rate of 30% and a two year recurrence of 37.5% was noted. Thus, for long term control of variceal bleeding, a surgical decompressive shunt is recommended in addition to PTEV.

• Authors: W C Widrich, A H Robbins, D C Nabseth
• Journal: Cardiovascular and interventional radiology (Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol) Vol. 3 Issue 4 Pg. 298-303 ( 1980) ISSN: 0174-1551 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6970079 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vasopressins
• Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate

Topics

• Catheterization (instrumentation)
• Embolization, Therapeutic (adverse effects, methods)
• Esophageal and Gastric Varices (drug therapy, therapy)
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (drug therapy, therapy)
• Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable
• Humans
• Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate
• Vasopressins (therapeutic use)