Gastrojejunostomy inhibits postshunt siderosis.

Thirteen of fourteen dogs developed marked increases in hepatic hemosiderin (postshunt siderosis) after construction of portacaval shunt, whereas only three of 12 dogs developed such siderosis after construction of a portacaval shunt and end-to-side gastrojejunostomy with duodenal exclusion. Splenic hemosiderin was increased markedly in dogs with portacaval shunt but increased minimally in dogs with portacaval shunt and gastrojejunostomy. Rib marrow fat increased slightly in dogs with portacaval shunt and decreased slightly in dogs with portacaval shunt and gastrojejunostomy. Thus continued iron absorption appears to account for the development of postshunt siderosis and the addition of gastrojejunostomy ameliorates postshunt siderosis by diminishing iron absorption.