Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
7-8-2016
Journal
World Journal of Hepatology
Volume
8
Issue
19
Inclusive Pages
790-795
DOI
10.4254/wjh.v8.i19.790
Abstract
Cirrhotic patients with recurrent variceal bleeds who have failed prior medical and endoscopic therapies and are not transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt candidates face a grim prognosis with limited options. We propose that mesocaval shunting be offered to this group of patients as it has the potential to decrease portal pressures and thus decrease the risk of recurrent variceal bleeding. Mesocaval shunts are stent grafts placed by interventional radiologists between the mesenteric system, most often the superior mesenteric vein, and the inferior vena cava. This allows flow to bypass the congested hepatic system, reducing portal pressures. This technique avoids the general anesthesia and morbidity associated with surgical shunt placement and has been successful in several case reports. In this paper we review the technique, candidate selection, potential pitfalls and benefits of mesocaval shunt placement.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
APA Citation
Davis, J., Chun, A., & Borum, M. (2016). Could there be light at the end of the tunnel? Mesocaval shunting for refractory esophageal varices in patients with contraindications to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.. World Journal of Hepatology, 8 (19). http://dx.doi.org/10.4254/wjh.v8.i19.790
Peer Reviewed
1
Open Access
1
Comments
Reproduced with permission of Baishideng Publishing Group. World Journal of Hepatology