Tips modification and varice embolization

susie_sassafrass

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2010

Posts : 317

Posted 3/17/2011 2:20 PM (GMT 0)

After I had my tips procedure on Feb. 21st, my interventional radiologist told me he needed to go back in and do more work on my gastric veins.

I put it off for 10 days so I could visit my folks in Florida. No doctors or procedures!

Well, I am back home and scheduled for outpatient procedure on Monday. I wanted more clarification about what they had planned so I spoke to the nurse.

She told me he is going to check the shunt to make sure the portal vein is patent. He will also examine my gastric varices and embolize them as needed.

I have never had a vqrice emboli zed before. Anyone out there have any experience with this?

Susie

Giant Cell Hepa***
End Stage Liver Disease
Meld score:15

hep93

Elite Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 12014

Posted 3/17/2011 8:23 PM (GMT 0)

Susie, I've never heard of this. Usually,they band the varices.

Hugs,

Connie

arneeb

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 2360

Posted 3/18/2011 2:42 PM (GMT 0)

If you google it... there's not much info on it... and seems to be a rare procedure... can't find much on it...

susie_sassafrass

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2010

Posts : 317

Posted 3/18/2011 3:14 PM (GMT 0)

Had an appointment with my hepatologist this morning. He explained that my liver had developed a unique architecture of veins to provide the liver with blood while I had the clot in the portal vein. They are going to check the re-established portal vein to make sure blood is flowing properly. Apparently, some of these other veins are varicose, and they might have to embolize them to prevent potential future bleeding. They might only check them.

They did the tips because of the clot and compromised portal vein. They want to improve my portal vein's ability to be hooked up to a new liver when I need one.

Otherwise, I am doing better since the tips. I no longer take propranolol. He cut my spironolactone and furosemide in half, and I only have to take Nexium as needed. Curiously, my hepatic encephalothopy is improving.

Susie

hep93

Elite Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 12014

Posted 3/18/2011 4:37 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the information and update, Susie. It sounds like you are showing some improvements.

Hugs,

Connie

arneeb

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 2360

Posted 3/19/2011 4:04 AM (GMT 0)

thanks that was puzzling ... good info though...

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