Gastrointestinal hemorrhage from adhesion-related mesenteric varices.

As a result of this retrospective analysis of hemorrhage from a porta-systemic venous shunt occurring within the small intestine, we believe that the early diagnosis of the syndrome is strongly suggested by the presence of varices in unusual locations demonstrated by the venous phase of mesenteric arteriography. In all patients portal hypertension was present, and in all the affected bowel was adherent to postoperative adhesions on old suture lines. The syndrome was treated variously with lysis of adhesions, bowel resection, or portal-systemic shunt. Those patients with excellent hepatic reserve survived and had no further gastrointestinal bleeding.