CO2 splenoportography: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: Previously, splenoportography with 18-gauge needles provided excellent portal imaging. However, because of concern about bleeding, this technique was replaced with arterial portography and noninvasive techniques, which are not always accurate. We present a modification of splenoportography using CO2 and an ultrafine needle in eight patients whose previous imaging studies were inconclusive. CONCLUSION: CO2 splenoportography is safe and expedient and provides adequate visualization of the portal system for surgical planning in selected patients.