Appraisal of DSRS with SPGD for esophagogastric varices: a retrospective comparative study according to the underlying liver diseases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The differences in long-term results of distal splenorenal shunt with splenopancreatic and gastric disconnection (DSRS with SPGD) for portal hypertension of different etiologies including non-cirrhotic portal hypertension have yet to be reported. The data are important to determine the indications and contraindications for this procedure.

METHODOLOGY

Records of 54 patients of esophagogastric varices who survived 3 years or longer after DSRS with SPGD operation were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups based on underlying liver disease; posthepatitic cirrhosis (HC) group, alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) group, and idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) group.

RESULTS

The only serious long-term complication of DSRS with SPGD was portal thrombosis in two patients in the IPH group. Postoperative bleeding occurred in two cases of each group; one in IPH group was the only variceal bleeding and others were bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was developed in 28.6% patients in both the HC group and AC group. In all the cases, treatment for HCC was accomplished without aggravation of the varices. The cumulative survival rate was similar in the three groups, and no patient died of gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

A favorable outcome was achieved by DSRS with SPGD operation both in the patients with cirrhosis or IPH. Underlying liver disease is not a factor when considering DSRS with SPGD for portal hypertension.