A surgical portacaval shunt is a medical procedure that involves creating a connection between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava to redirect blood flow in cases of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension refers to increased blood pressure in the portal vein system, which carries blood from the intestines, spleen, and pancreas to the liver.
The shunt is performed as a treatment for portal hypertension when it becomes severe and compromises liver function. During the procedure, a surgeon connects the portal vein, which carries nutrient-rich blood, to the inferior vena cava, which transports deoxygenated blood back to the heart. By creating this direct connection, the shunt bypasses the liver, allowing blood to flow more freely and reducing the pressure on the liver.
The surgical portacaval shunt is typically performed when other treatment methods, such as medication or endoscopic therapies, have proven ineffective in managing portal hypertension. By reducing the pressure on the liver, the procedure can alleviate symptoms associated with portal hypertension, including gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites.
However, the surgical portacaval shunt is not without risks or complications. Potential complications include infection, blood clots, encephalopathy (a neurological disorder), and kidney problems.
Overall, the surgical portacaval shunt is a procedure undertaken to redirect blood flow in cases of severe portal hypertension, helping to relieve symptoms and improve liver function.
