Porto-caval shunt

A Porto-caval shunt is a surgical connection made between the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver, and the inferior vena cava, the large vein returning blood to the heart. This procedure is typically performed to bypass the liver when it is damaged or not functioning properly, such as in cases of severe liver disease or cirrhosis. By diverting blood flow directly into the general circulation, it helps reduce pressure in the portal vein system, preventing complications like internal bleeding from swollen veins. It's a carefully considered surgical solution to address complications arising from liver dysfunction.