SUCCESSFUL SPLENIC ARTERY EMBOLIZATION IN TREATMENT OF RECURRENT BLEEDING FROM GASTRIC VARICES IN PATIENT WITH LEFT-SIDED PORTAL HYPERTENSION

Background. Left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH) is a rare cause of bleeding. Aim. To analyse the outcomes of roentgen-endovascular embolization of the splenic artery (RESA) in recurrent bleeding from fundal gastric varices (FGV) secondary to LSPH. Material and methods. RESA was performed in the patient with LSPH and recurrent bleeding from FGV who had been previously operated on for chronic pancreatitis. Results. The procedure contributed to a stable hemostasis in bleeding from FGV, as well as to the persistent absence of relapses during the eighteen months' follow-up period. Conclusions. RESA in patients with LSPH and bleeding from FGV is a minimally invasive and highly effective tool.