PURPOSE: To present subtotal splenectomy and splenorenal shunt as a surgical option to treat severe bleeding from a Roux en Y jejunal loop varices secondary to portal hypertension. METHOD: A 64-year-old white woman presented severe episodes of bleeding from varices inside a Roux en Y jejunal loop secondary to portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. Subtotal splenectomy was performed with preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. This procedure was combined with a central splenorenal shunt to divert part of portal blood to systemic flow. RESULTS: This procedure was safely performed with no complications. A 2-year post-operative follow-up of the patient has been uneventful. No re-bleeding occurred during this period and she returned to her normal life. CONCLUSION: Subtotal splenectomy combined with central splenorenal shunt seems to be a safe procedure useful for the treatment of enteral bleedings due to portal hypertension.
PURPOSE: To present subtotal splenectomy and splenorenal shunt as a surgical option to treat severe bleeding from a Roux en Y jejunal loop varices secondary to portal hypertension. METHOD: A 64-year-old white woman presented severe episodes of bleeding from varices inside a Roux en Y jejunal loop secondary to portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. Subtotal splenectomy was performed with preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. This procedure was combined with a central splenorenal shunt to divert part of portal blood to systemic flow. RESULTS: This procedure was safely performed with no complications. A 2-year post-operative follow-up of the patient has been uneventful. No re-bleeding occurred during this period and she returned to her normal life. CONCLUSION: Subtotal splenectomy combined with central splenorenal shunt seems to be a safe procedure useful for the treatment of enteral bleedings due to portal hypertension.