[A comparative experimental study of side-to-side and end-to-side mesocaval shunt]

In this study, the side-to-side (MCS-SS) and end-to-side (MCS-ES) mesocaval shunt were performed in two groups of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced cirrhosis of rats. The anastomotic stoma was made equal to the calibre of mesenteric veins. It was found that the portal vein pressure after MCS-SS was lower than that after MCS-ES owing to the more effective drainage of both extra- and intrahepatic portal blood flow. It was also found that with MCS-SS, some inflow from the superior mesenteric vein was reserved to irrigate the liver and the content of insulin in the portal vein was not affected. The authors came to the conclusion that MCS-SS was superior to MCS-ES for less likely causing post-shunt encephalopathy and the deterioration of hepatic function.