Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio is reported to be the best non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. However, spleen enlargement is frequently detected during follow-up of patients after gastrectomy. Thus, we studied the relationship of the platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio with the development of esophageal varices after distal gastrectomy in patients without liver cirrhosis or hepatitis.
METHODOLOGY
We retrospectively studied 64 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy. Their platelet counts, spleen diameters and platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratios were correlated with the occurrence rate of esophageal varices after the surgery.
RESULTS
Esophageal varices were not detected during the first 6 months after surgery; however, esophageal varices were detected in 2 patients (3%) at 12 months after surgery and their mean platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio was 2,628 ± 409.
CONCLUSIONS
The platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio is a useful parameter for non-invasive prediction of esophageal varices after distal gastrectomy. In addition, we suggest that the occurrence rate of esophageal varices increases beyond 6 months after distal gastrectomy and when the platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio is less than approximately 2600 and thus, endoscopy should be performed to determine the presence of esophageal varices.

Authors

Oida T, Mimatsu K, Kano H, Kawasaki A, Kuboi Y, Fukino N, Kida K, Amano S

Institution

Department of Surgery, Social Insurance Yokohama Central Hospital, Yokohama, Japan. ooida.takatsugu@yokochu.jp

Source

Hepato-gastroenterology 59:118 2012 Sep pg 2008-11

MeSH

Aged
Chi-Square Distribution
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Esophageal and Gastric Varices
Female
Gastrectomy
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Platelet Count
Predictive Value of Tests
Retrospective Studies
Splenomegaly
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22819919