Best Portal Hypertension Doctors in Bangalore

Portal hypertension is a medical condition characterised by an increase in the pressure within the portal vein, the large vessel that transports blood from the digestive organs to the liver. The most common culprit is cirrhosis, which entails the scarring of the liver predominantly due to chronic liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease or viral hepatitis. The disease can thus be classified into two primary types: Cirrhotic and Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

The city of Bangalore is not immune to the occurrence of this disease. However, residents need not be unduly alarmed as Bangalore boasts some of the best portal hypertension treatment doctors. At Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, patients will find highly skilled doctors for portal hypertension treatment who are well versed in managing this complex condition.

Types/Stages of Portal Hypertension

This condition primarily manifests in two forms observed by portal hypertension treatment doctors:

• Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension: This type is linked with cirrhosis and results from an elevated resistance to blood flow through the liver.

• Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension: Less common than its counterpart, this form can be triggered by blood clots in the portal vein, parasitic infections, or congenital abnormalities.

Symptoms of Portal Hypertension

The symptoms of portal hypertension could include:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding from enlarged veins (varices) within their oesophagus or stomach

• Ascites, which involves a fluid buildup in the abdominal region

• Encephalopathy which leads to confusion and cognitive impairment

• Splenomegaly or enlargement of the spleen

• Swelling in the legs

Tests to Diagnose Portal Hypertension

To diagnose this disease, the best portal hypertension doctors at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore use:

• Ultrasound: This gives a detailed image of the liver and other abdominal organs.

• CT/MRI Scans: These provide comprehensive images of the liver, spleen, and veins.

• Endoscopy: This helps visualise signs of portal hypertension like enlarged veins.

• Measurement of Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient: Considered the gold standard, this test measures the pressure in the portal vein.

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

At Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, our portal hypertension treatment doctors are equipped with advanced technology to offer a range of treatment options:

• Medications: Beta-blockers and other drugs help reduce pressure in the portal vein.

• Endoscopic Treatment: This is used to treat varices and prevent bleeding.

• Anticoagulant Therapy: This is particularly beneficial for non-cirrhotic patients with blood clots in the portal vein.

• Shunt Procedures: These surgical interventions by portal hypertension disease treatment doctors help divert blood flow and reduce portal pressure.

• Liver Transplantation: In severe cases, transplantation can be considered as a lifesaving option.