Bleeding intestinal varices associated with portal hypertension and previous abdominal surgery

Patients with portal hypertension may develop portasystemic communication in adhesions formed after earlier surgery. This condition causes localized mesenteric and intestinal varices which may lead to significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Two patients with this disease spectrum are discussed. The recommended treatment was resection of the involved intestine and formation of a portacaval shunt to eliminate recurrence of the varices and subsequent hemorrhage.