Results and hemodynamic changes after interposition mesocaval shunt

Forty-seven patients have been treated by interposition mesocaval shunting for portal hypertension and variceal bleeding between December 1973 and March 1980. The average age was 55 years. The underlying diseases were alcoholic cirrhosis in 26 patients (56%), macronodular cirrhosis in 11 patients (23%), and other causes in 10 patients (21%). Thirty-five operations (75%) were performed on an emergency basis for patients who continued to bleed after failure of conservative management. In these patients, the early mortality rate was 43%. Overall survival, rebleeding, and postshunt encephalopathy rates are correlated with the preoperative Child's classification. These figures are similar to those reported for end-to-side portocaval shunts. The improvement in postshunt encephalopathy rates as reported by Drapanas is not borne out by our results. Postshunt angiography was performed in 31 patients and shunt patency was confirmed in 28 (90%). In 26 patients, selective studies to determine portal flow patterns were carried out, and in only three patients was there any evidence of hepatopedal flow. In each of these patients, some kinking of the shunt was noted. Mesocaval shunting is a reasonable alternative to end-to-side portocaval shunts and is associated with similar rates of patency, rebleeding, mortality, and late postoperative encephalopathy. A well-constructed, patent mesocaval shunt totally diverts portal flow.