Bleeding oesophageal varices: the management of shunt rejects.

It is noted that the majority of patients with bleeding oesophageal varices are not suitable for portal-systemic shunting operations. In addition the high incidence of post-shunt encephalopathy has encouraged the use of a direct attack on the varices. The results of injection sclerotherapy in 170 patients and oesophageal transection in 60 patients demonstrate acceptable control of bleeding without precipitation of encephalopathy.