Safety of Percutaneous Transmesenteric and Transsplenic Access for Portosystemic Shunt Creation in Patients with Portal Vein Obstruction: Single-Center Experience and Review of Literature

Purpose To evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous mesenteric vein access compared to transsplenic portal vein access for portosystemic shunt placement in patients with portal vein obstruction. Materials and Methods Eight patients underwent portosystemic shunt creation through either a transsplenic ( n = 4) or transmesenteric ( n = 4) approach. The superior or inferior mesenteric vein was percutaneously accessed under ultrasound guidance using a 21G needle and a 4F sheath. Hemostasis at the mesenteric access site was achieved with manual compression. For transsplenic access, sheath sizes between 6 and 8F were used and tract embolization with gelfoam was performed. Results Portosystemic shunt placement was successful in all patients. While there were no bleeding complications with transmesenteric access, hemorrhagic shock requiring splenic artery embolization occurred in one patient in which the transsplenic approach was used. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided mesenteric vein access seems feasible and a valid alternative to the transsplenic access in case of portal vein obstruction. Level of Evidence Level 4, case series.