Int J Gastrointest Interv.  2021 Apr;10(2):77-80. 10.18528/ijgii200043.

Percutaneous transsplenic obliteration of ectopic varices following pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein resection and splenic vein ligation

• Chatani S
• Sato Y
• Okuno N
• Hasegawa T
• Murata S
• Yamaura H
• Hara K
• Shimizu Y
• Inaba Y

• KMID: 2515520
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18528/ijgii200043

Abstract

Left-sided portal hypertension following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with portal vein resection and splenic vein ligation may cause ectopic variceal formation, potentially resulting in life-threatening bleeding. We report of a 79-year-old male suffering from severe anemia and melena after PD. Emergency endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed ectopic varices at the anastomosis site of pancreaticojejunostomy. An interventional radiology approach was preferred over surgical and endoscopic treatment because of the poor general condition and altered anatomy. In the first procedure, percutaneous transhepatic retrograde obliteration was performed using the coaxial double balloon-occlusion technique. Although hemostasis was obtained, re-bleeding occurred two months later. CECT revealed the development of another collateral pathway and the recurrence of varices. Insufficient embolization of the afferent vein was considered the cause of recurrence. Therefore, a percutaneous transsplenic approach was used, and complete embolization of varices was achieved. When transhepatic retrograde obliteration is not effective, transsplenic antegrade obliteration can be a useful therapeutic option.

Keyword

Hypertension; portal; Interventional radiology; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Varicose veins