Distal splenorenal shunt for decompression of portal hypertension in children with cystic fibrosis.
Apart from the sound physiologic basis for the distal splenorenal shunt as compared with the portacaval shunt and the conventional central splenorenal shunt, there are two important reasons why we think the use of this type of shunt is especially advantageous in children with portal hypertension secondary to cystic fibrosis. Firstly, the thick, fibrotic retroperitoneal area in the porta hepatis, where a portacaval shunt has to be constructed, can be avoided, which makes the distal splenorenal shunt the easier operation. Secondly, notwithstanding the relatively small-sized vessels, a wide anastomosis can be constructed with a high flow rate and, therefore, a minimal chance of shunt thrombosis.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D012082:Renal Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D013162:Splenic Vein / Q000601:surgery*