Best Doctors for Portal Hypertension in Chennai

Types/Stages of Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension can be broadly classified into two types:

• Cirrhotic portal hypertension: According to portal hypertension treatment doctors, this is the most frequent type, primarily caused by cirrhosis resulting from increased resistance to blood flow through the liver.

• Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: This type is less common and can occur due to blood clots in the portal vein, parasitic infections, or congenital abnormalities.

Symptoms of Portal Hypertension

Portal Hypertension manifests itself through several symptoms such as:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding from enlarged veins in the oesophagus or stomach

• Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, also known as ascites

• Encephalopathy leading to confusion and cognitive impairment

• Enlargement of the spleen, medically termed as splenomegaly

• Swelling in the legs

Tests to Diagnose Portal Hypertension

At Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, diagnosis by portal hypertension disease treatment doctors involves a comprehensive approach:

• Ultrasound: To visualise the portal venous system and detect signs of portal hypertension.

• CT/MRI scans: These are advanced imaging techniques providing detailed images of the liver and surrounding structures.

• Endoscopy: This procedure allows doctors to examine the oesophagus and stomach for enlarged veins.

• Measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient: This is considered the gold-standard test for diagnosing portal hypertension.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Portal Hypertension at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai

At Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, the best portal hypertension doctors provide personalised treatment plans to patients:

• Medications: For cirrhosis-related portal hypertension, doctors may prescribe medications such as beta-blockers.

• Endoscopic treatment: This procedure can be used to treat enlarged veins or varices in the oesophagus or stomach.

• Liver transplantation: In severe cases of cirrhosis, liver transplantation may be considered as an option by surgeons.

• Anticoagulant therapy or shunt procedures: These can be effective in treating non-cirrhotic causes of portal hypertension.