[Criteria of evaluation of hemorrhagic portal hypertension and surgical indications].

Massive, active bleeding of the oesophageal varices in cirrhotics requires immediate, comprehensive and continuing appraisal of determining risk parameters (liver function and morphology, hyperdynamic syndrome, renal function, dynamic angiography of the splanchnic circulation). When survival is linked with stopping the haemorrhage, indications must not be looked at restrictively and operation has to be fast. Minor surgical measures aimed at temporary control of the haemorrhage are not satisfactory. Side-to-side portacaval anastomosis is effective in terms of reducing portal pressure and controlling the haemorrhage. Mesenterico-caval shunt with H-dacron graft interposition is sufficient dynamically and has less effect on porto-hepatic flow. Long-term results with this technique requires further study.