[(The behaviour of dacron grafts in porta-caval interposition-shunts)]

After the successful completion of experiments with animals, 7 patients with portal hypertension were implanted with porta caval interposition grafts, using 12 mm gauge, 3-4 cm long, Dacron double velour. In 6 patients after 6-8 month the oesophageal varices were again seen, there we must assume that the porta caval shunts had closed. In view of this we must state that this material is not suitable, and until we have a more efficient alternative the latero-lateral shunt is the method of choice.