[Effect of partial splenic embolization in prevention of gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) in prevention of gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients with recent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding were treated by PSE with Seldinger technique. All the patients were followed-up for 12 months. The data including peripheral blood cell count, liver function, plasma prothrombin time (PT), portal vein diameter, and appearance of gastroesophageal varices under gastroscopy were collected before and after embolization for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Five days after the operation, the numbers of leucocytes and platelets were significantly increased (P<0.05), and PT was significantly shortened (P<0.05). All the patients showed a good response after PSE with reduced internal diameter of the portal vein and blood flow (P<0.05). Gastroesophageal varices were relieved in all the patients. Rebleeding occurred in 11 patients during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PSE can be effective in preventing gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding.