Endovascular management of sinistral portal hypertension-related variceal hemorrhage: a multicenter retrospective study

Purpose This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular managements, including splenic vein recanalization (SVR), partial splenic embolization (PSE), and percutaneous transsplenic gastric varices embolization combined with PSE (PSE+GVE), for management of SPH-related variceal hemorrhage (VH). Methods A total of 61 patients with SPH-related VH from three hospitals were enrolled and classified into three groups: the SVR group (Group 1, n =24), the PSE+GVE group (Group 2, n =17), and the PSE group (Group 3, n =20). Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared among the groups. Results The technical success rates for transhepatic and transsplenic SVR were 27.8% and 34.6%, respectively. No major complications were observed during any of the procedures. The median follow-up period was 53.2 months. The 2-year GI rebleeding rates for Group 1, 2, and 3 were 0%, 5.9%, and 35%, respectively. Groups 1 and 2 have a lower GI rebleeding rate ( p = 0.002, p = 0.048, respectively) and better results of the degree of GV ( p = 0.003, p = 0.044, respectively) compared to Group 3. No significant differences were found in 2-year GI rebleeding rates and the degree of GV between Group 1 and 2 ( p = 0.415, p = 0.352, respectively). Conclusion SVR, PSE+GVE, and PSE seem safe and effective for management of SPH-related VH. SVR appears to be the superior treatment option. Transsplenic access may further increase the SVR success rate. PSE+GVE seems to have comparable outcomes in GV control and GI rebleeding rates compared to SVR, while superior to PSE.