Long term follow-up for patients with liver cirrhosis after partial splenic embolization.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fifteen cases of liver cirrhosis (LC) were examined to determine whether the partial splenic embolization (PSE), done to improve hematological disorders, could also improve liver function for at least 12 months.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Peripheral blood count, serological and coagulatory examination were retrospectively examined before PSE, 6 months and 12 months after PSE.

RESULTS

Hematological disorders were improved (p < 0.01) and persisted at improved levels in all cases. In patients in Child A or Child B classification, the levels of cholinesterase, total cholesterol and prothrombin time were also improved significantly after PSE (p < 0.05). However, those parameters were not improved in Child C classification.

CONCLUSION

PSE may improve not only hematological disorders but also liver functions for at least one year.