[Results of the mesoportal bypass (Rex shunt) in the treatment of idiopathic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children].

BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EPVO) is the principal cause of portal hypertension in children. The objective of this study was to analyze the capacity of the surgical technique that creates a mesoportal shunt to treat changes caused by EPVO.

METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with idiopathic EPVO who underwent a mesoportal shunt and analysis of the changes in the number of leucocytes, platelets, prothrombin time and spleen size one year after the surgery.

RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent surgery, out of which 10 had prior leukopenia, 11 thrombopenia, 9 longer prothrombin times and all had hypersplenism. One patient suffered a postoperative shunt thrombosis, was reoperated and underwent a change in the operative technique. The remaining patients (92%) have functioning shunts 4.3 ± 2.5 years after surgery, and none have suffered any episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. One year after surgery, there were significant changes in the number of platelets, prothrombin time and spleen size, with no significant changes in the number of leukocytes. However, the number of patients who went from a leukopenic to a normal state was significant, as happened with changes in prothrombin time.

CONCLUSIONS: Mesoportal Rex shunt improves some of the disorders caused by portal hypertension in children suffering EPVO, with a high rate of surgical success. This technique should be of first choice in these patients.