AIM To compare retrospectively the effects of combined operation (splenorenal shunt plus portaazygous devascularization) and pericardial devascularization only (PCDV) on esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB). METHODS We summarized 220 cases of EVB admitted from april 1978 to april 2000. All patients were divided into combined operative group (140 patients) and PCDV group (100 patients). The therapeutic effects and changes of portal hemodynamics were studied with doppler flowmeter and DSA pre and postopera...