title: Bleeding esophageal varices.
abstract: The unresolved issue of the optimal treatment of portal hypertension attests to the disappointments in present treatment. In reality, the disappointments are a result of progressive liver disease, which is not helped and probably deteriorates more rapidly after shunting operations. This dissatisfaction has led some to abandon shunts and to accept a higher incidence or potential for recurrent bleeding after nonshunting operations. The long-term results of splenic artery ligation and perhaps embolization are awaited with interest. Until then, as Conn has said, "We must learn to select better who should be shunted or to shunt better those we select".
mesh_terms: D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications; D008102:Liver Circulation; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications; D011168:Portal System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011170:Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000601:surgery