[Varicosis of small intestine and mesentery: rare portocaval shunt (author's transl)].

Oesophageal piles are the most common source of bleeding in portal hypertension. Dilated, submucous veins of the entire intestine, however, can also be sources of haemorrhage. The incidence of bleeding decreases in aboral direction. Pre-existing venous connections between the mesenterial veins of the terminal ileum nd the right gonadal vein can participate in setting up a hepatofugal collateral circulatory system.