Splenic artery ligature associated with endoscopic banding for schistosomal portal hypertension

Abstract

AIM: To propose a less invasive surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension.METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and portal hypertension with a history of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from esophageal varices rupture were evaluated in this study. Patients were subjected to a small supraumbilical laparotomy with the ligature of the splenic artery and left gastric vein. During the procedure, direct portal vein pressure before and after the ligatures was measured. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed at the 30th postoperative day, when esophageal varices diameter were measured and band ligature performed. During follow-up, other endoscop..