[Results of the distal splenorenal Warren shunt (author's transl)]

From May 1st 1977 until the end of December 1980 35 Warren shunts were performed upon unselected patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices. According to the Child classification they were divided up into nine Child A, 21 Child B and five Child C cases. Five (14.3) postoperative deaths occurred, yet only one due to technical failure; three patients died of hepatic coma and one of a perforated gastric ulcer. As a postoperative complication recurrent bleeding occurred in six cases (17.1%). Not even one case of pancreatitis could be observed. Fifteen patients were examined at least 6 months after operation. The control angiography (n = 15 = 100%) revealed hepatofugal circulation in only one case; splenomegaly was reduced in ten cases. Only one patient showed clinical signs of encephalopathy, fourteen patients were able to return to their normal activities. The late thrombosis rate was very low-only one case; however, the possibility of conversion to a portocaval shunt remains.