Percutaneous transhepatic portography. I. Technique and application.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Portal hypertension is a common complication of liver cirrhosis.
• Visualizing the portal venous system is crucial for managing portal hypertension and its complications, such as varices.
• Traditional methods may have limitations in visualizing the portal vein and its tributaries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic portography with selective catheterization.
• To assess the success rate of the procedure in visualizing the portal vein system and its tributaries.
• To determine the prevalence of collateral veins and varices in patients with portal hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Percutaneous transhepatic portography was performed on 120 patients.
• Selective catheterization of the portal vein and its tributaries was employed.
• Ultrasonically guided puncture was utilized to enhance the technique.

Main Results:

• The procedure was successful in 96% of examinations.
• Collateral veins were visualized in 81% of patients.
• Esophageal or gastric varices were identified in 69% of patients with portal hypertension.
• The procedure demonstrated low risk and minimal discomfort.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous transhepatic portography is a highly successful and safe imaging modality for the portal venous system.
• The technique is particularly valuable in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension for diagnosing varices.
• High-quality portograms were consistently obtained, aiding clinical decision-making.