Intra-operative evaluation of portal pressure and immediate results of surgical treatment of portal hypertension in schistosomotic patients submitted to esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy

BACKGROUND: The main cause of portal hypertension in Brazil is the hepato-splenic form of mansonic schistosomiasis and the most employed technique for the surgical approach of this disease is the esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy, generally associated to postoperative endoscopical esophageal varices sclerotherapy. The hemodynamic alterations after surgical treatment and its possible influence on the outcome are not well established. AIM: To evaluate the immediate impact of esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy upon portal pressure as well as the results of the surgical treatment on digestive hemorrhage recurrence and on esophageal varices. METHODS: Nineteen patients with mean age of 37.9 years and portal hypertension and previous episodes of digestive hemorrhage caused by esophageal varices rupture due to hepato-splenic schistosomiasis were studied. None of the patients had received any treatment prior to the surgery and underwent to elective esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy. Portal pressure was assessed at the beginning and at the end of esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy through portal vein catheterization with a polyethylene catheter introduced through a jejunal branch vein. All patients were submitted to digestive endoscopy before and after the surgery, in order to classify the size of esophageal varices after esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy according to Palmer's classification. RESULTS: In all patients the portal pressure had diminished with a mean decrease of 31.3% after esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy. In the postoperative endoscopic follow-up (1 month), the esophageal varices showed a statistically significant reduction in their size, when compared to the pre-surgical measurements. CONCLUSION: These results have demonstrated that the esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy promotes immediate decrease in the portal pressure and a consequent reduction in the esophageal varices size. We also observed that the risk of mortality and severe complications related to this technique is not insignificant.     

Effect of laparoscopic splenectomy on portal hypertensive gastropathy in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Aim:  This study investigated the relationship between portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and splenomegaly, and the effect of laparoscopic splenectomy on PHG in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.
Methods:  Seventy patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension were prospectively studied. Indication for laparoscopic splenectomy was bleeding tendency in 10 patients, induction of interferon in 45, treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in seven, and treatment for endoscopic injection sclerotherapy-resistant esophagogastric varices in eight. The severity of PHG was classified into none, mild, or severe according to the classification by McCormack et al. The severity of liver disease was classified using the Child–Pugh score. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before and 1 month after the operation.
Results:  The prevalence of PHG was significantly correlated with the severity of liver disease using the Child–Pugh score. The severity of PHG was significantly correlated with the resected spleen volume. One month after the operation, PHG was improved in 16 of 17 patients with severe PHG and in 12 of 32 with mild PHG. The Child–Pugh score showed a significant improvement (6.8 ± 1.4 to 6.2 ± 1.2) at 3 months after laparoscopic splenectomy ( P  < 0.0001).
Conclusions:  PHG may be associated with splenomegaly, and laparoscopic splenectomy may have a beneficial effect on PHG, at least for a short time.     

晚期血吸虫病门脉高压症术后门静脉血栓形成的危险因素分析

目的探讨晚期血吸虫病门脉高压症脾切除贲门周围血管离断术后门静脉血栓(PVT)形成的危险因素。方法收集2004年8月至2014年3月期间本院外科收治的211例晚期血吸虫病门静脉高压症患者的临床资料,对可能影响术后PVT形成的因素进行单因素分析和Logistic回归分析。结果 211例患者中,59例术后PVT形成,发生率为27.96%(59/211)。单因素分析显示术前上消化道出血史、门静脉直径、脾静脉直径、食管静脉曲张程度、腹水、门脉高压性胃病、胃底静脉曲张、血氨水平是患者术后PVT形成的影响因素。Logistic回归分析显示门静脉直径增宽(OR=1.763,P=0.000)和门脉高压性胃病(OR=1.089,P=0.037)是患者术后PVT形成的独立危险因素。结论晚期血吸虫病门脉高压症术后PVT形成的发生率较高,门静脉直径增宽和门脉高压性胃病是PVT形成的独立危险因素。     

Laparoscopic splenectomy may be a superior supportive intervention for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism

Background and Aims: To evaluate and compare laparoscopic splenectomy and partial splenic embolization as supportive intervention for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism to overcome peripheral cytopenia before the initiation of and during interferon therapy or anticancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Between December 2000 and April 2008, 43 Japanese cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism underwent either laparoscopic splenectomy or partial splenic embolization as a supportive intervention to facilitate the initiation and completion of either interferon therapy or anticancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. We reviewed the peri‐ and post‐intervention outcomes and details of the subsequent planned main therapies. For interferon therapy, the rate of completion, the rate of treatment cessation and virological responses were evaluated. Anti‐cancer therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma included liver resection, ablation therapy, intra‐arterial chemotherapy, and transarterial chemoembolization. Results: All patients tolerated the operations well with no significant complications. The platelet count was significantly higher in the laparoscopic splenectomy group than in the partial splenic embolization group at 1 and 2 weeks after the intervention. Interferon therapy was stopped in two patients in the partial splenic embolization group due to recurrent thrombocytopenia whereas all patients in the laparoscopic splenectomy group completed interferon therapy. The planned anticancer therapies were performed in all patients, and were completed in all patients without any problems or major complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy may be superior to partial splenic embolization as a supportive intervention for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. Future prospective, randomized controlled patient studies are required to confirm these findings.     

Esophagogastric devascularization without splenectomy in portal hypertension: safe and effective?

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastric variceal hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effect of a novel surgi cal procedure, esophagogastric devascularization without splenectomy (EDWS), with the widely used modified esopha gogastric devascularization (MED) with splenectomy for the treatment of portal hypertension.METHODS: Fifty-five patients with portal hypertension were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 27 patients underwent EDWS, and the other 28 patients underwent MED Patients' characteristics, perioperative parameters and long term follow-up were analyzed.RESULTS: The portal venous pressure was decreased by 20%postoperatively in both groups. The morbidity rate of portal venous system thrombosis in the EDWS group was signifi cantly lower than that in the MED group (P=0.032). The 1and 3-year recurrence rates of esophagogastric variceal hem orrhage were 0% and 4.5% in the EDWS group, and 0% and8.7% in the MED group, respectively (P=0.631).CONCLUSIONS: EDWS is a safe and effective treatment for esophagogastric varices secondary to portal hypertension in selected patients. Patients treated with EDWS had a lower complication rate of portal venous system thrombosis com pared with those treated with conventional MED.     

Portal embolization in various types of liver: novel variables to predict hypertrophy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypertrophic effect of portal embolization in various types of liver and clarify useful variables, for predicting efficacy of portal embolization. METHODOLOGY: Portal embolization was performed for 46 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 30), biliary tract cancer (n = 9), or metastatic liver tumors (n = 7). The hypertrophic effect of portal embolization in relation to diseases, clinical liver conditions, histological fibrosis, and liver function were examined. RESULTS: The hypertrophic effect of portal embolization was impaired in the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic hepatitis/cirrhotic liver, and advanced liver fibrosis. ICGR15 (indocyanine green dye retention rate at 15 minutes) was revealed to be an independent adverse predicting factor. Especially in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, platelet count was significantly correlated with the hypertrophy ratio. In patients who underwent major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma, not only the incidences of posthepatectomy liver failure but also survival rate were similar between patients with and without portal embolization, although patients with portal embolization originally had a limited liver function. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative portal embolization made major hepatectomy possible in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, although portal embolization was less effective compared with other diseases. ICGR15 and platelet count may be novel variables to predict the hypertrophic effect of portal embolization in all and hepatocellular carcinoma patients, respectively.     

Clinical significance and prediction factors of gastric varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma is part of the natural history of liver cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic failure are the leading causes of death in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. With gastrointestinal bleeding, variceal bleeding is the most prominent, and most variceal bleeding is of esophageal origin. Gastric varices bleeding is often a massive and severe bleeding episode. The role of gastric varices among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma remains to be clarified. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical significance and prediction of gastric varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: From 1998 to 2000, we reviewed 304 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations. Patients' clinical characteristics, physical findings, laboratory data, image studies, endoscopic examinations and treatment were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 304 patients with HCC, twenty-one (6.9%) had gastric varices among 304 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The location of gastric varices were the posterior wall in 12 (57%), the lesser curvature in 1 (5%), the greater curvature in 4 (19%) and the fundus in 4 (19%). Three (14%) of these 21 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric varices had clinical evidence of bleeding. One of them died due to uncontrollable bleeding. Child-Pugh classification, hepatic encephalopathy, portal vein or splenic vein dilatation, ascites, splenomegaly, albumin level, prothrombin time and platelet count were significantly different between hepatocellular carcinoma patients with gastric varices and without gastric varices under the univariate analysis. Ascites (Odds ratio: 5.45; 95% confidence interval: 2.12-14.01) and portal vein or splenic vein dilatation (Odds ratio: 4.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.77-10.86) were the two most important predictors under the stepwise logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gastric varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is 6.9% and the risk of bleeding is low in this study. The Predictors of gastric varices among hepatocellular carcinoma are related to liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification, hepatic encephalopathy, portal vein or splenic vein dilatation, ascites, splenomegaly, albumin level, prothrombin time and platelet count.     

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma occurring after distal splenorenal shunt for esophagogastric varices

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Whereas endoscopic therapy is hardly effective, distal splenorenal shunt is expected to have permanent hemostatic effects on the esophagogastric varices complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma and to sustain favorable general condition of the patient. In this study, we examined the effects of the shunt in the patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma during the follow-up of the shunt operation. METHODOLOGY: Among the patients who had undergone distal splenorenal shunt operation for portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis, we selected only those who developed hepatocellular carcinoma during the follow-up, and then we reviewed our treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: Hepatocellular carcinomas developed postoperatively in 12 out of 59 patients with the shunt operation. At onset of the carcinomas, the varices were well controlled with no risk of bleeding; and the liver function was reasonably maintained and pancytopenia was alleviated, compared to those at shunt operation. We performed hepatectomy in 4 cases and nonoperative therapies in 8 cases. After the therapies, no variceal bleeding occurred. Those therapies caused minor complications but no death. CONCLUSIONS: Distal splenorenal shunt is a useful therapy for postcirrhotic esophagogastric varices as it enables us to safely perform therapies for the hepatocellular carcinomas that develop during the follow-up period.     

门静脉高压脾切除门奇静脉离断术后再出血的食管胃静脉曲张分类研究

目的：探讨门静脉（门脉）高压患者脾切除门奇静脉离断术（脾切断流术）后再发上消化道出血的平均时间、内镜下食管和胃静脉曲张的分类特点及门脉高压性胃病的发病率。方法：190例肝硬化门脉高压出血患者分为脾切断流术后再出血组（40例）和未行手术组（150例）,统计手术患者术后至首次出血的平均时间间隔,每组患者分别行内镜检查,观察并对比其曲张静脉的分型特点及门脉高压性胃病发生率。结果：脾切断流术后再发出血时间平均为24个月,再出血患者内镜皆提示存有食管和（或）胃静脉曲张,2组患者内镜下的曲张静脉分型构成比有明显差异,脾切断流术者以单纯食管静脉曲张及食管胃静脉曲张（GOV）1型为主,未发现孤立性胃静脉曲张（IGV）1型及IGV2型,60．0％患者存在门脉高压性胃病,其发病率及严重程度均高于未行手术组患者。结论：脾切断流术治疗门脉高压近期止血疗效确切,但术后曲张静脉并未有效消退,须强调手术的规范性,并在再出血高发时段定期内镜随访．及时掌握食管胃曲张静脉及门脉高压性胃病的发展情况,早期干预治疗,从而改善患者预后。     

Schistosomal portal hypertension: Randomized trial comparing endoscopic therapy alone or preceded by esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy

Background. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis mansoni.Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of combined surgery and sclerotherapy versus endoscopic treatment alone in the prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding due to portal hypertension in schistosomiasis.Material and methods. During a two-years period consecutive patients with schistosomiasis and a recent bleeding history were evaluated for prospective randomization. Absolute exclusion criteria were alcoholism or other liver diseases, whereas platelet count < 50,000/mm³, INR > 1.5 or presence of gastric varices were relative exclusion criteria. By random allocation 25 (group A) have received endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices alone and 22 (group B) combined treatment: esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy followed by sclerotherapy. Interim analysis at 24 months has shown significant statistical differences between the groups and the randomization was halted.Results. Mean age was 38.9 ± 15.4 years and 58.46% were male. Mean follow-up was 38.6 ± 20.1 months. Endoscopic comparison of the size of esophageal varices before and after treatment did not show significant differences among the two groups. Treatment efficacy was assessed by the rate of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding, that was more common in group A- 9/25 patients (36.0%) vs. 2/22 (9.0%) in group B (p = 0.029). Other complications were odynophagia, dysphagia and esophageal ulcer in group A and ascites and portal vein thrombosis in the surgical group.Conclusion. In portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis, combined surgical and endoscopic treatment was more effective for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding.     

Analysis of risk factors for massive intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy

Background/Purpose

Laparoscopic splenectomy is occasionally converted to open surgery due to massive intraoperative bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for massive bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy.

Methods

Fifty-three patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The indications were hematologic disease in 25 patients, liver cirrhosis in 17 patients, and other conditions in 11 patients. Univariate analysis was conducted with Fisher's exact test, and multivariate analysis was conducted with a stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

None of the patients required open surgery. Blood loss of more than 800?ml was defined as massive intraoperative bleeding. Univariate analysis showed significant risk factors for massive bleeding to be liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, splenomegaly, Child class, and preoperative platelet count. Independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis were portal hypertension and Child class.

Conclusions

Careful attention to intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy is necessary for patients with portal hypertension and/or deteriorated liver function.     

Influence of the extent of hepatectomy on the portal hypertensive state in patients with hepatoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Portal hypertensive symptoms, such as esophageal varices and hypersplenism, are frequently observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated whether or not the extent of hepatectomy for HCC has an influence on the deterioration of the portal hypertensive state. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC at our institute were retrospectively studied. The 54 patients were classified in two groups according to the extent of hepatectomy: Group A patients (n = 38) underwent minor hepatectomy (subsegmentectomy or less) and Group B patients (n = 16) underwent major hepatectomy (segmentectomy or more). On the basis of the endoscopic findings for the esophageal varices and the blood platelet counts, the alterations of portal hypertensive state were evaluated before and after hepatectomy. RESULTS: The number of patients whose esophageal varices deteriorated post-operatively, amounted to 9 (23.7%) in Group A and 1 (6.3%) in Group B (not significant). No significant differences were found in the platelet counts between pre- and post-operative states in each Group (A and B). In all of the 6 patients whose esophageal varices first came about after hepatectomy, the advent of the varices occurred more than 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in the patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC, the clinical deterioration of the portal hypertensive state in not caused by the extent of hepatectomy, but by the advance of the coexisting chronic hepatic diseases or tumor recurrence.     

Concomitant splenectomy for hypersplenic thrombocytopenia in hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenic thrombocytopenia (HSTC) is risky. Controversy exists concerning the role of concomitant splenectomy for HSTC in cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC. METHODOLOGY: During the past 10 years, 294 patients have undergone hepatic resection for HCC in our department. Among them, 11 cirrhotic patients with severe HSTC (platelet count < or = 80000/mm3) underwent splenectomy simultaneously. The clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The resected spleen weighed 479 +/- 242 g. The post-operative mortality and morbidity were 9.1% and 27.3%, respectively. In all patients, the platelet count was elevated to above 100000/mm3, and serum total bilirubin was significantly lowered within 1 week of operation. The overall 5-year actuarial and disease-free survival rates were 66.7%. None of the patients developed severe infectious complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant splenectomy for severe HSTC in cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC is justified as the benefits of concomitant splenectomy by far surpass the adverse effects.     

乙肝代偿期肝硬化患者高风险食管胃底静脉曲张预测模型的构建:一项病例对照研究

背景上消化道内镜检查是判断肝硬化患者食管胃底静脉曲张的金标准.对于高风险食管胃底静脉曲张尚缺乏有效无创预测模型.目的构建并验证乙肝代偿期肝硬化患者发生高风险食管胃底静脉曲张的模型.方法回顾性分析2018-01/2020-12于天津市北辰医院和武警特色医学中心收治的276例乙肝代偿期肝硬化患者常规实验室检查和超声检查临床资料.其中81例高风险静脉曲张患者,195例非高风险静脉曲张.采用Logistic回归分析影响乙肝代偿期肝硬化患者发生高风险食管胃底静脉曲张的独立危险因素,并使用这些因素构建预测模型.使用受试者工作特征曲线(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)验证所构建模型的预测效能.结果Logistic回归显示白蛋白(albumin,ALB)水平(OR=0.825,95%CI:0.779-0.873,P=0.000)、血小板(platelet,PLT)水平(OR=0.934,95%CI:0.895-0.975,P=0.001)、门静脉宽度(OR=1.481,95%CI:1.141-1.922,P=0.002)是乙肝代偿期肝硬化患者高风险静脉曲张发生的危险因素.预测模型:Y=-0.192×ALB(g/L)-0.068×PLT计数(10⁹/L)+0.39×门静脉宽度(mm)+6.87.该模型预测高风险食管胃底静脉曲张的ROC曲线下面积为0.976,最佳诊断切点为0.767,此时的敏感度为0.968,特异度为0.882.结论基于PLT、ALB和门静脉宽度的高风险食管胃底静脉曲张预测模型具有较高诊断效能,值得今后进一步研究和推广.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients with platelet counts lower than 1 × 109/L

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the gold-standard surgical intervention for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and the patients who experienced medical relapse to steroid. Fewer series are available regarding LS for patients with an extremely low platelet count. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy in the treatment of patients with a preoperative platelet count of less than 1 × 109/L. From April 2006 to Jan 2011, 10 patients were managed by laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenia with an extremely low preoperative platelet count. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative medical management has been reviewed. Before laparoscopic splenectomy, all of the 10 patients had a platelet count of less than 1 × 109/L but a normal level of coagulation function. Emergency laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. The mean operating time was 157 min; the mean intraoperative blood loss was 44 mL. During the operations, transfusion was provided in two patients. No intraoperative complications ensued. The patients were followed up for a mean of 28 months and showed good recovery without any postoperative complications. Laparoscopic splenectomy is a feasible technique in the treatment of ITP patients, characterized by severe mucocutaneous bleeding, extremely low platelet count, and normal prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).     

Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension

Background/Purpose

This study was conducted retrospectively to examine whether laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective procedure for patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension in comparison to patients with a normal-sized spleen.

Methods

From September 1994 to May 2005, we performed laparoscopic splenectomy in 50 patients at Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Japan. Of these, 17 patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and 17 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with normal-size spleen were enrolled in this study, in which we compared the surgical outcome between patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and those without splenomegaly (ITP group).

Results

The mean operative time (splenomegaly due to portal hypertension vs ITP; 171 vs 165 min; P = 0.7433) and estimated blood loss (248 vs 258 ml; P = 0.5396) were similar in the two groups. There were two patients with complications (11.8%) in the patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and five patients with complications (29.4%) in those with ITP. All patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension showed appropriate increases in the platelet count following surgery. No perioperative mortality occurred.

Conclusions

We concluded that laparoscopic splenectomy was an effective procedure for splenomegaly due to portal hypertension, with findings being similar to those observed in patients with a normal-sized spleen (such as patients with ITP).

     

脾切除贲门周围血管离断术治疗470例门静脉高压症疗效分析

目的总结脾切除贲门周围血管离断术治疗不合并肝癌及胆管癌的门静脉高压症患者的疗效。方法对不合并肝癌及胆管癌的门静脉高压症患者行脾切除贲门周围血管离断术并随访470例,其中肝炎后肝硬化436例,占92．8％。结果出血患者424例,手术止血率为993％（421／424）,围手术期病死率为1．4％（6／424）,主要死亡原因是上消化道出血、肝肾功能衰竭;急症及择期手术424例,预防手术46例,预防手术嗣手术期无死亡。平均随访时间4年,出血患者术后复发出血率为3．2％（15／470）,预防手术后无出血,肝性脑病发生率为1．9％（9／470）。结论脾切除贲门周围血管离断术防治门静脉高压症引起的上消化道出血效果好。合理选择手术适应证及手术时机、完全彻底断流、术后早期抗凝及近端脾静脉结扎预防术后肝外门静脉系统血栓形成是提高手术疗效的必要措施。     

Portal hypertensive colopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis

AIM: In patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, portal hypertensive colopathy is thought to be an important cause of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of colonic mucosal changes in patients with liver cirrhosis and its clinical significance. METHODS: We evaluated the colonoscopic findings and liver function of 47 patients with liver cirrhosis over a 6-year period. The main cause of liver cirrhosis was post-viral hepatitis (68%) related to hepatitis B (6%) or C (62%) infection. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the presence of esophageal varices, cardiac varices, and congestive gastropathy, as well as a full colonoscopy to observe changes in colonic mucosa. Portal hypertensive colopathy was defined endoscopically in patients with vascular ectasia, redness, and blue vein. Vascular ectasia was classified into two types: type 1, solitary vascular ectasia; and type 2, diffuse vascular ectasia. RESULTS: Overall portal hypertensive colopathy was present in 31 patients (66%), including solitary vascular ectasia in 17 patients (36%), diffuse vascular ectasia in 20 patients (42%), redness in 10 patients (21%) and blue vein in 6 patients (12%). As the Child-Pugh class increased in severity, the prevalence of portal hypertensive colopathy rose. Child-Pugh class B and C were significantly associated with portal hypertensive colopathy. Portal hypertensive gastropathy, esophageal varices, ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma were not related to occurrence of portal hypertensive colopathy. Platelet count was significantly associated with portal hypertensive colopathy, but prothrombin time, serum albumin level, total bilirubin level and serum ALT level were not related to occurrence of portal hypertensive colopathy. CONCLUSION: As the Child-Pugh class worsens and platelet count decreases, the prevalence of portal hypertensive colopathy increases in patients with liver cirrhosis. A colonoscopic examination in patients with liver cirrhosis is indicated, especially those with worsening Child-Pugh class and/or decreasing platelet count, to prevent complications such as lower gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Splenectomy with endoscopic variceal ligation is superior to splenectomy with pericardial devascularization in treatment of portal hypertension

INTRODUCTION Recurrent bleeding occurs in over 70% of portal hypertension patients with a variceal bleeding history[1]. It is a general consensus that all patients with a variceal bleeding history should accept further treatment to prevent re-bleeding. Su…     

Postoperative portal vein thrombosis in patients with hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis: relationship with intraoperative portal pressure and flow. A prospective study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Portal vein thrombosis is a frequent postoperative complication after esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy. The aim of this study was to analyze biochemical, hematological, coagulation blood tests and intraoperative portal vein hemodynamics after surgical treatment of hepatosplenic Mansonic schistosomal portal hypertension. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis with indication for surgical treatment were prospectively studied. All patients underwent routine pre- and postoperative biochemical, hematologic, coagulation blood tests and intraoperative portal hemodynamic evaluation (portal pressure and portal flow) before and after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy using a 4-F thermodilution catheter introduced inside the portal vein. RESULTS: Portal vein thrombosis, diagnosed by routine postoperative Doppler ultrasonography was found in 22 patients (55%). It was partial in nineteen and total in three. In patients with postoperative portal thrombosis, we observed a reduction in portal flow of 971 +/- 592 mL/min (42 +/- 16%) at the end of the surgery, while this reduction was of 720 +/- 644mL/ min (33 +/- 30%) in those with postoperative pervious portal vein (p = 0.245). The decrease in portal pressure was the same in both groups: 7.2 +/- 3.0 mmHg (23 +/- 10%) and 7.6 +/- 3.8 mmHg (27 +/- 14%) with and without thrombosis respectively (p=0.759). There was also no significant difference between patients with and without portal vein thrombosis regarding pre- and postoperative hemoglobin level or platelet levels, coagulation tests, portal vein diameter and spleen's weight. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis was observed in 55% of the patients but this complication did not show any correlation with the decrease in portal flow or pressure or with biochemical, hematologic, coagulation blood tests, portal vein diameter or spleen's weight.