Surgical technique for inferior mesenteric vein to renal vein shunt in portal hypertension

An important role still exists for the creation of surgical portasystemic s hunts. Multiple techniques have been described. However, no particular one is satisfactory for all clinical situations. The objective of the present p aper is to describe an alternative surgical technique for the creation of a decompressive portasystemic shunt. This technique consists of an end-to-si de anastomosis between the inferior mesenteric vein and the left renal vein . In our experience, the inferior mesenteric vein to left renal vein anasto mosis may be a useful portal decompressive shunt for patients with otherwis e difficult peri-portal or peri-pancreatic anatomic exposures. This techniq ue should be a useful tool in the armamentarium of surgeons dealing with pa tients who need portal decompressive surgical shunts. Am J Surg. 1999;178:5 5-56. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.