American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 129, Issue 2, 237-241
Copyright © 1977 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Transhepatic obliteration of gastroesophageal varices: results in acute and nonacute bleeders
M Viamonte Jr,
R Pereiras,
E Russell,
J Le Page,
and
D Hutson
Seventy-three patients with hepatic cirrhosis and bleeding gastroesophageal varices underwent transhepatic portal vein catheterization and variceal obliteration. Gastroesophageal varices were successfully obliterated in 32 patients actively bleeding and in 35 patients with stabilized bleeding gastroesophageal varices. The remaining six were technical failures. Follow-up examinations in 10 patients from 1 month to 3 years later showed persistent obliteration of embolized veins. Recurrence of variceal bleeding occurred in nine patients. This method should be considered as a palliative, effective adjuvant to the medical treatment of patients with bleeding gastroesophageal varices.