Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Portacaval anastomosis
Introduction
A portacaval anastomosis is a specific type of anastomosis that occurs between the veins of portal circulation and those of systemic circulation.
Specific types include:
| Region | Name | portal circulation | systemic circulation |
| Esophageal | esophageal varices | left gastric vein | esophageal veins |
| Rectal | hemorrhoids | superior rectal vein | middle rectal veins and inferior rectal veins |
| Paraumbilical | caput medusae | paraumbilical veins | inferior epigastric vein |
| Retroperitoneal | (no clinical name) | right colic vein, middle colic vein, left colic vein | renal vein, suprarenal vein, and gonadal vein |
It can be one of the conditions caused by portal hypertension.
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