The study is a report of the long-term follow-up of 53 patients with prehepatic portal hypertension, their life and work conditions. The average time of the follow-up was 25 years. It was concluded, that the long-term prognosis is derived from the development of the disease, its recognition, the used therapy and from the function of the patient's liver. From the battery of therapeutic modalities a very good experience has been achieved with the endoscopic treatment of bleeding varices. The portosystemic shunt is a pathophysiologically well justified but selective procedure, which is indicated in about 20% of bleeding patients. The long-term prognosis of the disease was found good in 75% of patients.

1st Surgical Clinic Palacký University Olomouc Czechoslovakia