Although splenectomy associated to left gastric vein ligature (SLGL) has been the standard procedure for the treatment of patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) and previous upper digestive tract bleeding (UDB) originated from rupture of esophageal varices (EV) in both university hospitals in Pernanbuco, the effects of this procedure over the EV pressure, what is probably the parameter that offers the best correlation with bleeding recurrence, has not been studied yet. SLGL was performed in 20 patients with HSS and previous UDB. EV pressure was measured before surgery by the non-invasive endoscopic pneumatic balloon method. Pre-operative EV pressure values were compared with the new measurements performed 5 to 8 days after surgery. Pre-operative measurements of EV pressure ranged from 20.0 to 28.7 mmHg (average 243±52.36). No correlation between EV pressure and varices diameter was found. Post-operatively a significant decrease in EV pressure was observed (p<0.001), with measurements ranging from 14.6 to 21.5 (average 17.29±1.75). The results shown in this study ratify the idea of using SLGL in HSS patients with previous UDB as the standard procedure. SLGL induces, at least during a short period of time after surgery and in most of the cases, a reduction in EV pressure leading to a reduced risk of UDB recurrence.
Mansonic schistosomiasis; Portal hypertension; Esophageal varices