OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to study the effect of splenopneumopexy for patients with portal hypertension in children. METHODS From March 1993 to April 1998, splenopneumopexy was performed on six children with portal hypertension. Doppler ultrasound and radionuclide were used to demonstrate the portopulmonary shunt after operation. RESULTS The bleeding from the esophageal varices was controlled and the esophageal varices were eliminated gradually. The symptoms pertaining to hypertension were disappeared. The patency of the shunt was maintained without the formation of thrombosis. No pulmonary complication was observed. CONCLUSION The results indicated that splenopneumopexy was a safe and effective procedure for patients with portal hypertension in children.