[Sequelae and long-term results following portasystemic anastomoses and significance of ambulatory after care].

After portocaval anastomosis 149 cirrhotic patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Liver insufficiency was observed in 24%. Encephalopathy was chronic in 14% and episodic in 11%. The most common postoperative complication was edema of the ankle (48%). Further operations bore a minimal risk (mortality 3/22). Sixty-eight percent of the patients agreed to abstain from alcohol; 85% took vacation trips and 95% were satisfied with the operation.