Assessment of portasystemic shunt patency by estimation of d-xylose excretion

Abstract

Abstract The D-xylose excretion test appears to be a useful method of monitoring shunt patency after a portasystemic venous anastomosis for portal hypertension. A 5-hour urinary excretion greater than 6 g appears an acceptable indicator that the shunt is patent. A second criterion of patency is an increase of 4 g or more over the result of preoperative tests. If the excretion rate falls in the postoperative period or remains less than 4.2 g/5 h, the anastomosis may be assumed to be occluded.