[Indications, value and limitations of azygos-portal disconnection in the treatment of esophageal varices]. / Indicazione, valore e limiti della deconnessione azygos-portale nella terapia delle varici esofagee.

ABSTRACT

Satisfactory results obtained, lasting for years in some cases, following azygos-portal disconnection in selected patients with bleeding oesophageal varices, portal hypertension, splenopathy and gastroduodenal ulcer are referred to. It is suggested that wider use should be made of this technique, particularly in patients in poor condition, because the long-term picture does not include the hyperammoniaemic encephalopathy often associated with extensive portosystemic shunts.