Arterialization of the portal vein in cirrhosis: the findings at wedge hepatic venography.

A new operation for the treatment of cirrhosis and portal hypertension has recently been described involving arterialization of the portal vein in combination with an end-to-side portacaval shunt. We present, for the first time, the appearances at wedge hepatic venography. No significant change is seen in the wedge hapatic pressure as a result of this technique, and the sinusoidal pattern is preserved. Filling of the portosplanchnic collaterals is not as frequent as after end-to-side shunts alone, and the appearances seem to reflect improved sinusoidal perfusion. The clinical results have been encouraging.