Successful laparoscopic division of a patent ductus venosus: report of a case

Patent ductus venosus (PDV) is a rare condition of a congenital portosystemic shunt from the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava. This report presents the case of an adult patient with PDV, who was successfully treated with laparoscopic shunt division. A 69-year-old male was referred with hepatic encephalopathy. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a large connection between the left portal vein and the inferior vena cava, which was diagnosed as PDV. The safety of a shunt disconnection was confirmed using a temporary balloon occlusion test for the shunt, and the shunt division was performed laparoscopically. The shunt was carefully separated from the liver parenchyma with relative ease, and then divided using a vascular stapler. Portal flow was markedly increased after the operation, and the liver function of the patient improved over the 3-month period after surgery. Although careful interventional evaluation for portal flow is absolutely imperative prior to surgery, a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach can be safely used for treating PDV.