The various smaller veins from the different digestive organs such as the stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, and spleen join together to form the portal vein, which passes blood to the liver. When there is excess pressure in the portal venous system, the condition is called portal hypertension. Blockage in the flow of blood in the portal system can cause portal hypertension. Common diseases with portal hypertension are
Gastrointestinal bleeding, the appearance of tortuous veins over the abdominal wall, splenic enlargement are hallmarks of portal hypertension. Patient may also present with associated disease-related symptoms like jaundice, ascites (excess fluid inside abdomen) and encephalopathy (impaired brain function).
Treatment goal is to address the underlying cause and to manage the complications. Medicines prescribed by the gastroenterologists may include beta-blockers (in cirrhotic liver), to lower the blood pressure and provide relief to the blood vessels. A diuretic (drugs that facilitate increased urine output) is prescribed for those suffering from symptoms of ascites. Those with decompensated liver cirrhosis ultimately require liver transplantation. Those with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction need shunt surgery which will divert the blood from portal venous system to systemic circulation. Patients with dilated blood vessels in esophagus and stomach require endoscopic procedures such as sclerotherapy, banding or glue injection depending on the size, symptoms, and location.
Our gastroenterology services treat all kinds of digestive system disorders. Book an appointment now with our GI Specialists and have the best team of doctors treating you!
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