Portal Hypertension Treatment in Thailand

Increased pressure in the portal vein leads to swollen and enlarged veins in areas such as the stomach, rectum, or oesophagus, which are variations of portal hypertension. When liver disease or scarring (such as cirrhosis) blocks blood flow, blood attempts other paths, which leads to varices.

Liver failure can be caused by portal hypertension, especially if chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis triggers it. Gradually, the increased portal vein pressure can lead to further liver damage and impairment of liver function.

Complications such as ascites, variceal haemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy can arise from this. In more critical circumstances, liver failure can occur, where the liver can no longer carry out its vital functions and a liver transplant is required to maintain life.

By lowering liver strain and enhancing general health, lifestyle modifications can help manage portal hypertension.

• Avoiding alcohol to stop liver disease from becoming worse is one of the most crucial lifestyle adjustments.
• A nutritious, low-sodium diet helps promote liver health and control fluid retention.
• Regular low-impact exercise can enhance circulation and general health.
• Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce liver stress and the chance of developing fatty liver disease.
• Preventing additional liver damage by effectively controlling underlying diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Since cirrhosis induces fibrosis, or scarring, in the liver, it blocks the normal flow of blood through the liver, which creates portal hypertension. The scar tissue constricts the blood vessels, particularly the portal vein, as the liver becomes increasingly damaged. Portal hypertension is caused by increased pressure in the portal vein. Severe side effects are bleeding ascites and further liver damage, which could be caused by the blood taking alternative paths because of the high pressure, like through varices (swollen veins).

When advanced liver disease, like cirrhosis, is the cause of portal hypertension, a liver transplant is a necessary therapy. A liver transplant can be used to replace the injured liver if its function declines to the extent that it cannot filter blood and regulate portal pressure. By doing so, portal hypertension is decreased, normal blood circulation is re-established, and related issues, such as bleeding, varices, and ascites, are prevented. In the event of severe liver failure and other treatment failure, a liver transplant is typically an option.

In Thailand, the intervention type applied will determine the recovery from the treatment of portal hypertension. There can be improvement in medical treatment over weeks to months, but recovery from surgery or operations typically takes a few weeks. To get the best recovery outcomes, follow-ups should be done repeatedly.

You can search our MediGence website, which offers a pre-screened list of highly qualified and internationally trained gastroenterologists from Thailand's leading hospitals, to find an accredited GERD specialist. You can schedule online consultations with experts through MediGence, view their profiles, and read their credentials, experience, and feedback. The site also allows you to contact the top hospitals and provides personalised assistance for your medical needs, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment for your condition.

Yes, you can get a second opinion on the treatment of portal hypertension in Thailand through MediGence. With MediGence, you can contact highly trained professionals from world-class Thai hospitals who can provide additional information regarding your diagnosis and options for treatment. The website allows you to easily access professional advice, enabling you to make informed healthcare decisions and receive optimal treatment.