Mesobiileal shunt in an infant for control of bleeding from gastroesophageal varices.

There are various means to control bleeding gastroesophageal varices in children: sclerotherapy by injection, esophageal transection and variceal ligation, and different portosystemic shunts. Because of a high incidence of shunt thrombosis in children, many clinicians prefer other forms of therapy. However, only a successful shunt will lower the elevated portal venous pressure and eliminate the varices. This report describes a type of portosystemic shunt that will remain patent, even in an infant.