During a procedure for portal hypertension, a stent is placed between the portal vein and which vein?

The correct choice is the hepatic vein. In cases of portal hypertension, a stent is often placed to create a connection between the portal vein and the hepatic vein. This procedure, known as a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), is utilized to alleviate the high pressure in the portal venous system, which can lead to complications such as variceal bleeding and ascites.

By creating a shunt between the portal vein and the hepatic vein, blood flow is redirected, reducing pressure in the portal system. The hepatic vein serves as a recipient for the diverted blood, allowing it to re-enter the systemic circulation. This can help manage the symptoms associated with portal hypertension and improve the overall condition of the patient.

Other veins mentioned, such as the esophageal or left gastric veins, are related to complications arising from portal hypertension but are not directly involved in the placement of a stent in this context. The splenic vein is also important in relation to the portal venous system, but it does not function as the outlet for the stent created during this particular procedure. Thus, the hepatic vein is the primary and most appropriate choice for this scenario.