portacaval anastomoses (portal-systemic anastomoses)
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Introduction
Naturally occurring venus communications between tributaries of the portal venous sytem & tributaries of the systemic venous sytem. The major portal systemic anastomosis include:
- Esophageal branches of left gastric vein with esophageal veins
- Superior rectal veins with inferior & middle rectal veins
- Paraumbilical veins with subcutaneous veins of anterior abdominal wall
- Retroperitoneal veins with venous branches of veins of colon & bare area of the liver
- A patent ductus venosus connecting left branch of portal vein to inferior vena cava (rare)
* may provide collateral circulation during portal obstruction or hypertension, although they may become varicose
Surgically created communications between the portal vein & the inferior vena cava or their tributaries.
Indications
to relieve portal hypertension