• 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (5) , 404-408
Abstract
The preliminary results with the SPTU stapling gun for esophageal transection in the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices were presented. Portal-systemic shunt was contraindicated in all 12 patients treated, 10 of whom had cirrhosis. Anastomotic leakage and recurrent bleeding were not problems, but stricture formation was, 4 of the 11 survivors requiring dilatation. The average period of follow-up is only 7 mo., but early results encourage further trial of the method for the increasing numbers of shunt rejects.