Portal Hypertension
Advanced Treatment, Better Outcomes
Understanding Portal Hypertension
Portal Hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure inside the portal venous system (the veins carrying blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver) becomes abnormally high. This increased pressure develops when blood flow is blocked either within the liver (as in cirrhosis) or outside the liver (as in EHPVO or NCPF). The high pressure forces blood to flow through smaller veins, which can enlarge and rupture, leading to serious complications.
In simple terms, portal hypertension means that blood cannot flow smoothly into the liver, causing back-pressure in the veins of the stomach, esophagus, and spleen. This can result in swollen veins (varices), enlarged spleen, bleeding, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
A clinical syndrome caused by cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic diseases.
Linked to complications like variceal bleeding, ascites, and splenomegaly.
When Should You Seek A Specialist
Symptoms Of Portal Hypertension
Vomiting Blood or Passing Black Stools
Repeated vomiting of blood or black tarry
stools
Abdominal
Swelling
Fluid buildup (ascites) or visible engorged veins on the abdomen.
Enlarged
Spleen
Enlarged spleen or feeling of heaviness in the left upper abdomen.
Unexplained Fatigue or Anemia
Unexplained fatigue or Anemia is often from blood loss or low blood counts.
Easy bruising or low
platelets
Easy bruising or low platelets indicates overactivity of the spleen (hypersplenism).
growth and development issues in children
Sometimes linked with non-cirrhotic causes like EHPVO and NCPF.
Common Causes of Portal Hypertension
Several underlying conditions can cause portal hypertension:
Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction (EHPVO)
A blockage of the portal vein outside the liver, common in younger patients.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
The most common cause, where scar tissue blocks blood flow.
Non-Cirrhotic Portal Fibrosis (NCPF)
Fibrosis of small portal vein branches inside the liver without cirrhosis.
Portal Vein Thrombosis
Formation of clots in the portal vein due to clotting disorders or abdominal infections.
Parasitic Infections
Such as schistosomiasis, a major cause in some countries.
How We Diagnose?
Ultrasound with Doppler detects enlarged spleen, portal vein changes, and altered blood flow.
Provides detailed images of the portal venous system and collateral veins.
Endoscopy identifies esophageal and gastric varices at risk of bleeding.
Blood tests evaluate liver function, blood cell counts, and clotting profile.
Personalized treatments backed by expertise.
Treatment Options
Splenectomy
In selected patients with severe hypersplenism and very low blood counts, spleen removal may be considered.
Medical Management
Beta-blockers to reduce pressure in portal veins, and diuretics for ascites.
Liver Transplant (for Cirrhosis)
Considered in advanced cases where liver function is severely impaired
Shunt Surgeries
Surgical procedures like splenorenal or mesocaval shunts that redirect blood flow to reduce portal pressure and bleeding risk.
Why Trust Us for Portal Hypertension Management?
Combined expertise of two leading liver surgeons
Dr. Vikas Patel has been part of more than 600 liver transplants, while Dr. Dharmendra Dangi has been part of over 500 liver transplants and performed 500+ complex liver and HPB surgeries. Together, they bring unmatched skill to even the toughest cases.
Experience with high-risk and pediatric cases
From critically ill adults to children needing delicate surgery, our team has successfully managed some of the most challenging and rare liver conditions. Both doctors are trained to manage challenging cases, including liver failure in children, elderly patients, and blood group mismatches.
Proven results using advanced techniques
We use the latest surgical and medical methods including minimally invasive procedures to ensure safer operations, faster recovery, and long-term success. Dr. Dangi is one of the few surgeons in India performing midline donor hepatectomy, a safer way to remove part of the liver from a living donor.
Nationally recognized for excellence
Our surgeons are trusted across India for their leadership in liver surgery. Their work has been featured in medical journals, presented at national conferences, and acknowledged in health magazines such as Silicon India (Top 10 Liver Transplant Surgeons, 2025).
OUR APPROACH
Accurate Diagnosis
using advanced imaging and testing
Personalized Treatment Plans
based on your stage and condition
Complete Pre & Post Transplant Support
when surgery is needed
A Multidisciplinary Team
Both surgeons jointly plan and perform procedures to ensure the best outcomes.
FAQ
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
Your concerns are valid. Here are expert answers to help you make confident decisions about your liver health.
They are enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach that can rupture and bleed heavily due to increased portal pressure.
Yes. Non-cirrhotic causes such as EHPVO and NCPF are especially common in children and young adults.
Splenectomy is used in selected cases where spleen enlargement leads to severe blood cell destruction and low counts.
They lower portal pressure by diverting blood flow, preventing recurrent variceal bleeding.
Cure depends on the cause. For cirrhosis, cure may require liver transplant, while in EHPVO and NCPF, shunt surgeries often provide long-term relief.
Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, regular follow-ups, and preventing infections help reduce risks in portal hypertension patients.
Yes, with routine check-ups, abdominal ultrasound, and endoscopy in at-risk individuals, early diagnosis and preventive treatment are possible.
Take the First step to a
Take Control of Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension can be frightening, especially when it leads to bleeding or swelling. But with timely diagnosis and the right treatment plan, its complications can be controlled effectively. From endoscopic therapies to advanced surgical options like shunt surgery and splenectomy, modern medicine offers hope and better quality of life.
Ahmedabad's Trusted Surgeons for Complex Liver Conditions
At our liver transplant and HPB surgery care center, Dr. Vikas Patel and Dr. Dharmendra Dangi treat both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic causes of portal hypertension, including EHPVO and NCPF. With unmatched expertise in both simple and complex cases, they work together to bring you the best chance at recovery.