Combination of modified Sugiura technique and proximal splenorenal shunt for the management of portal vein thrombosis in noncirrhotic portal hypertension

Background: Noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a condition when a high hepatic venous pressure gradient with preserved liver functions and the absence of parenchymal dysfunction. NCPH with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare condition. Surgery aims to reduce portal vein flow and alter portal vein circulation. Case: A male, 59 years old, complained of blackish stool in the last 2 weeks and enlarged abdomen. Physical examination revealed anemia and melena with splenomegaly and ascites. Laboratory findings were anemia, normal hepatobiliary function, and no liver infection. Abdominal Doppler ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed ascites, splenomegaly, noncirrhotic liver, dilatation of portal vein, low portal vein peak velocity, and PVT. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed esophageal varices grade 3 with a positive red color sign and cardia stomach varices. We performed a modified Sugiura technique through the left subcostal incision and proximal splenorenal shunt. The procedures of the modified Sugiura technique are splenectomy, devascularization, transection, and end-to-end anastomosis of the lower esophagus above the gastroesophageal junction, devascularization of the upper 2/3 of the lesser and greater curvatures of the stomach, and pyloroplasty. Portal circulation alteration used the proximal splenorenal shunt with end-to-side anastomosis of the splenic vein to left renal vein. At the one-year follow-up after surgery, his physical condition was better and there was no sign of complications. Conclusion: Devascularization procedure using a modified Sugiura technique is useful to treat and avoid rupture of esophageal varices. Portal circulation alteration using the proximal splenorenal shunt is a good choice. The treatment in NCPH utilizing the combination of modified Sugiura technique and the proximal splenorenal shunt is proper without complication. Keywords: modified Sugiura technique, proximal splenorenal shunt, portal vein thrombosis, noncirrhotic portal hypertension