Distal splenorenal shunt for decompression of portal hypertension in children with cystic fibrosis.

Apart from the sound physiologic basis for the distal splenorenal shunt as 
compared with the portacaval shunt and the conventional central splenorenal shunt, 
there are two important reasons why we think the use of 
this type of shunt is especially advantageous in children with portal 
hypertension secondary to cystic fibrosis. Firstly, the thick, fibrotic retroperitoneal area 
in the porta hepatis, where a portacaval shunt has to be 
constructed, can be avoided, which makes the distal splenorenal shunt the 
easier operation. Secondly, notwithstanding the relatively small-sized vessels, a wide anastomosis 
can be constructed with a high flow rate and, therefore, a 
minimal chance of shunt thrombosis. 