PARTIAL PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTING BY CARBON-COATED ePTFE GRAFTS FOR PORTAL HYPERTENSION IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS

Abstract

We present our first experience gained in use of polytetrafluoroethylene carbon-coated grafts for partial portosystemic shunting in three cirrhotic patients. The results obtained indicate that these grafts in mesocaval position can function as a long-term «bridge» to hepatic transplantation in patients with uncontrolled gastroesophageal varices. The different options of portal hypertension treatment and the current role of shunting procedures in the era of liver transplantation are discussed in short literature review.

Keywords

• hepatic cirrhosis
• portal hypertension
• partial portosystemic shunt