Splenoportography--a reappraisal.

Seventy-five percutaneous splenoportographies and splenic pulp pressure measurements were performed in 70 patients. This procedure was done routinely during the preoperative investigation of patients with bleeding esophageal varices. Splenoportagraphy was also performed for evaluation of patients with portal hypertension of an obscure etiology, and for follow-up study after portosystemic shunt procedures, where the spleen had been preserved. There were no complications related to the procedure. Splenoportography is a simple and safe diagnostic tool. The information obtained is important for planning an operation to relieve portal hypertension. It may also help in the postoperative evaluation of the patency of certain types of shunt procedures.