[Value of Warren's distal spleno-renal shunt in the treatment of esophageal varicosities].

Analysis of 22 patients who underwent distal spleno-renal shunt shows that postoperative mortality is low, thrombosis of the shunt rare, and the risk of encephalopathy minimal. Decompression of esophageal varicositis is effective, but probably less marked and slower than after porta-caval shunt. Accordingly, distal spleno-renal shunt is not recommended as an emergency procedure.