Thrombosis of the portal vein following distal splenorenal shunt.

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis with a patent shunt is a distinct clinical entity which can follow selective distal splenorenal shunt and should be looked for in patients in whom ascites and abdominal pain develop postoperatively. Possible mechanisms include an increase in blood viscosity and a decrease in portal flow which may be aggravated by inadequate devascularization.