[Splenic transposition for portal hypertension (author's transl)]

Operative techniques for splenic transposition are reviewed and operative indications discussed. Thoracic transposition of the spleen for treatment of oesophageal bleeding is indicated in children and in patients with portal thrombosis and, in addition, in cases of intractable ascites complicating posthepatic obstruction. Late results of 28 cirrhotics operated on after variceal bleedings are presented. Fatal bleeding recurrences were avoided in 83 per cent of the cases surviving six months and the mean survival is 7.5 years so far. In elective surgery of cirrhotics with well maintained portal flow the most rational operative procedures are distal spleno-renal shunt and thoracic transposition of the spleen.