Splenorenal bypass in the treatment of renal artery stenosis.

A retrospective study is presented of our experience from 1962 to 1976 with the splenorenal bypass procedure in the treatment of 32 patients with renovascular hypertension. The over-all results were 53 per cent of the patients cured, 28 per cent improved and 19 per cent failures. Improved results were noted when the splenorenal bypass was performed in relation to specific operative indications. The results were somewhat better in men than in women and poor results were obtained in children. Intraoperative and early postoperative complications were minimal. There were 2 postoperative deaths, for a hospital mortality rate of 6.3 per cent. Late complications were limited to splenic artery graft stenoses, which developed in 3 patients (9.4 per cent). When performed in relation to specific clinical and operative indications the splenorenal bypass is believed to represent an excellent means to achieve safe and effective renal revascularization.