Determination of portacaval shunt patency in rats by splenoportography.

Open splenoportography was performed on a series of control, "sham-operated" and portacaval-shunt rats. Relevant vascular anatomy was well demonstrated. The criteria for diagnosis of patency, partial and total occlusion of portacaval shunts are mentioned and findings are correlated with postoperative weight variations. The possible significance of collaterals in the region of the shunt is briefly discussed.