Endovascular stenting of mesenterico-portal vein stenosis to reduce blood flow through venous collaterals prior to pancreatoduodenectomy

Background When the mesenterico-portal vein is stenosed due to tumor related compression, venous collaterals develop and flow occurs antegrade towards the portal vein through the collateral tributaries. Undertaking pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer in this setting may result in significant blood loss during the process of ligation of these tributaries. Description of technique We describe the technique of endovascular stenting of the mesenterico-portal vein to reduce flow within these collateral tributaries and hence blood loss, to facilitate extended pancreatoduodenectomy and vein resection. Conclusion Percutaneous transhepatic placement of endovascular stent into a stenotic mesentero-portal vein facilitates pancreatoduodenectomy by reducing operative time, which would otherwise be required in dealing with the extensive venous collaterals and hence also reducing blood loss.