[Changes in liver haemodynamics after mesenterico-caval dacron prosthesis anastomosis ("H-shunt") in portal hypertension (author's transl)].

In fourteen patients with portal hypertension and bleeding from oesophageal varices, mesentericocaval anastomoses using a dacron-velour prosthesis ("H-shunt") were carried out. Evaluation of the haemodynamics showed: 1. Comparison of 13 pre- and post-operative angiograms showed an haemodynamicically effective shunt in 12 and a stenosed shunt in one. 2. The aim of relieving the portal circulation while maintaining antegrade portal flow was achieved in six patients. 3. In six patients, the portal vein was not seen in a splenic or mesenteric portogram despite an open shunt. Functionally, this corresponds to a porto-caval anastomosis. 4. Pressure reduction in the portal circulation can be so marked as to obtain retrograde portal flow from the hepatic artery. 5. If the portal blood flow through the liver disappears, the hepatic artery may obtain additional flow from the superior mesenteric artery (reversed flow in the gastroduodenal artery). 6. Increased arterial flow to the liver is made possible by a reduction in intrahepatic resistance. The role of collaterals, either arterio-portal shunts or shunts between the sinusoids, is discussed. 7. The hepato-fugal collateral circulation was reversed in twelve patients.