The portal vein carries blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver. Shunt surgery connects the portal venous system to another, lower-pressure vein, redirecting blood flow and relieving the pressure that drives variceal bleeding.
Durable, long-term protection against future episodes of variceal bleeding.
Relieves dangerous pressure driving blood into fragile esophageal and stomach veins.
Preserves some blood flow to the liver, depending on the shunt selected.
Rex shunt restores near-normal circulation, supporting healthy liver growth in children.
Reduces reliance on repeated endoscopic banding or sclerotherapy sessions.
Tailored to each patient's anatomy, guided by detailed vascular imaging.
Effective alternative when endoscopic treatments have already failed.
Supports long-term wellbeing for both children and adults with portal hypertension.
Shunt surgery requires a detailed understanding of each patient's vascular anatomy, usually mapped in advance with specialized imaging such as a CT or MR angiogram, or occasionally direct venous pressure studies. The choice of shunt depends on which veins are open and usable, the underlying cause of the portal hypertension, and the patient's age and overall health. Because these are specialized procedures requiring particular surgical expertise, careful patient selection and pre-operative planning are essential to achieving safe, lasting results. Most patients experience durable, long-term protection against future bleeding episodes once the shunt has been established.
After shunt surgery, patients are monitored in hospital for bleeding, pain control and how well the new blood route is working. Walking is encouraged early, and food is restarted in stages. A Doppler ultrasound or scan is often used to confirm that the shunt is open and working well. At home, your team will advise on diet, medicines and activity, and follow-up visits to check liver function, blood counts and any return of symptoms. Families are told which signs, such as black stools, vomiting blood, confusion or unusual drowsiness, need urgent attention.
Book Appointment
Medically reviewed by
MBBS · MS (AIIMS, New Delhi) · MCh (JIPMER)
TNMC Reg. No. 93903
Surgical Gastroenterologist, Member: ASI · IASG · IHPBA · IAGES
