Portal hypertension is high blood pressure in vein that carries blood from the spleen and GI tract to the liver, which then processes the blood, extracting nutrients and toxins. This increased blood pressure causes other veins to enlarge, especially in the abdomen, where they can bleed easily as they are so weak.

Our liver specialists at MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute will evaluate you for portal hypertension. Treatment at first may include diet and lifestyle changes. If these fail our doctors may recommend surgery. Surgery may include:

• Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
• Distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS)
• Liver transplantation is advised in cases of end-stage liver disease