[Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in evaluation of the results of portacaval shunt].

The article discusses the results of endoscopic examination of 44 children with extrahepatic portal hypertension before and after various types of portocaval shunting. Thirteen children were also examined in the late-term postoperative periods. It was found that decompression of the portal system not only leads to rapid reduction of the esophageal varicosities but also facilitates relief from gastritis and esophagitis. An unfavorable effect of cava-mesenteric shunts on the development of the bulbo-gastric reflux was revealed. It is shown that long-term regular medical observation over these patients and their nonoperative treatment are necessary.