TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTALSYSTEMIC SHUNT (TIPS) VERSUS
DISTAL SPLENORENAL SHUNT (DSRS)
What is portal hypertension and variceal bleeding?
Portal hypertension is an increase in the pressure within the portal
vein (the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver).
The increase in pressure is caused by a blockage in the blood flow throughout
the liver. Usually this blockage is caused by cirrhosis(scarring of the
liver), which is the result of chronic liver disease. Increased pressure in
the portal vein causes the development across the esophagus and stomach of
large veins (varices) to bypass the blockage. Varices are fragile and can
bleed easily.
Figure 1: Portal hypertension
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