[Embolization of gastric veins in patients with esophageal hemorrhage during laparotomy]

The authors discuss the possibility of a laparotomy approach for endovascular embolization of the gastric veins in patients with portal hypertension and gastroesophageal bleeding. This approach was used in four patients in whom transhepatic catheterization of the portal channel was impossible. After laparotomy, catheterization of the portal vein system was conducted through one of the veins of the small intestine. The effect of embolization in two of three patients who were subjected to the operation consisted in correction of esophagitis and complete cessation of esophageal bleeding. In view of the danger of the development of operative and postoperative complications due to the specific features of the pathological condition, the authors recommend using laparotomy endovascular embolization of the gastric veins only in the presence of strict indications.