A simplified technique of performing splenorenal shunt (Omar's technique)

The splenorenal shunt procedure introduced by Robert Linton in 1947 is still used today in those regions of the world where portal hypertension is a common problem. However, because most surgeons find Linton's shunt procedure technically difficult, we felt that a simpler technique was needed. We present the surgical details and results of 20 splenorenal anastomosis procedures performed within a period of 30 months. Half of the patients (Group I) underwent Linton's conventional technique of splenorenal shunt; the other half (Group II) underwent a newly devised, simplified shunt technique. This new technique involves dissection of the fusion fascia of Toldt. The outcome of the 2 techniques was identical with respect to the reduction of preshunt portal pressure. However, our simplified technique was advantageous in that it significantly reduced the duration of surgery (P <0.001) and the amount of intraoperative blood loss (P <0.003). No patient died after either operation. Although Linton's splenorenal shunt is difficult and technically demanding, it is still routinely performed. The new technique described here, in addition to being simpler, helps achieve good vascular control, permits easier dissection of the splenic vein, enables an ideal anastomosis, decreases intraoperative blood loss, and reduces the duration of surgery. Therefore, we recommend the routine use of this simplified technique (Omar's technique) for the surgical treatment of portal hypertension.