Hospital Address
16th Milestone, Chakrata Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248008, Dehra Dun, India, Uttarakhand
Phone Number
+91 75052 09117
Email Address
sachinarora7777@gmail.com
Dr. Sachin Arora, Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Dehradun.
16th Milestone, Chakrata Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248008, Dehra Dun, India, Uttarakhand
+91 75052 09117
sachinarora7777@gmail.com
Dr. Sachin Arora is a highly experienced Gastrointestinal Surgeon based in Dehradun, specializing in the treatment of portal hypertension, particularly through the surgical creation of shunts, such as the splenorenal shunt. This advanced procedure is designed to alleviate the symptoms of portal hypertension by diverting blood flow away from the portal venous system to reduce pressure. Dr. Arora’s expertise in this complex surgery offers patients with severe portal hypertension a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. His meticulous approach to patient care ensures personalized treatment plans, careful management of post-surgical recovery, and thorough follow-ups to monitor the success of the intervention.
Surgery for portal hypertension, particularly using shunts like the splenorenal shunt, is a significant treatment option for managing the symptoms and complications associated with high pressure in the portal venous system. This surgery connects the splenic vein to the renal vein, diverting blood flow to reduce pressure.
Benefits:
Reduction in Portal Pressure: The primary benefit is the significant decrease in portal venous pressure, which effectively reduces the risk of bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices.
Decrease in Ascites: By lowering portal pressure, the procedure can help manage the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, improving patient comfort and reducing the need for paracentesis (fluid removal).
Improvement in Quality of Life: Patients often experience a marked improvement in their quality of life due to the reduction of symptoms associated with high portal pressure.
Risks:
Surgical Complications: Like all surgeries, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Shunt Blockage or Failure: There is a possibility of the shunt becoming blocked or failing, which may necessitate further intervention.
Increased Risk of Encephalopathy: Diverting blood from the liver can lead to an increased risk of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that affects brain function due to the accumulation of toxins not cleared by the liver.
Potential for Liver Deterioration: Reducing the blood flow to the liver can potentially impact liver function over time, requiring close monitoring.
Recovery:
Hospital Stay: Patients typically remain in the hospital for several days post-operation to ensure there are no immediate complications.
Monitoring and Medication: Postoperative care involves regular monitoring of liver function and shunt patency, along with medications to prevent infection and manage pain.
Diet and Activity: Gradual reintroduction of physical activity and dietary adjustments are important to support recovery and overall health.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the shunt and the overall health of the liver.
Portal hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure within the portal venous system, which comprises the veins coming from the stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas merging into the portal vein. Surgery is typically required when non-surgical treatments, like medication, fail to control the high pressure, which can lead to serious complications like variceal bleeding.
A splenorenal shunt is a surgical procedure that connects the splenic vein to the left kidney vein (renal vein). This diversion creates a new pathway for blood flow, bypassing the liver and reducing the high pressure in the portal vein, thus alleviating the symptoms of portal hypertension.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the spleen and left kidney. The splenic vein is then surgically connected to the left renal vein, creating a channel that redirects the blood flow and lowers pressure in the portal venous system.
Risks include bleeding, infection, shunt failure or blockage, worsening of encephalopathy (a brain disorder due to liver disease), and general surgical risks such as reactions to anesthesia. Long-term risks also include potential liver function deterioration due to reduced blood flow.
The primary benefit is the reduction of portal pressure, which decreases the risk of life-threatening bleeding from varices. It can also reduce the buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and improve overall quality of life for patients suffering from severe symptoms of portal hypertension.
Recovery involves a hospital stay of several days to monitor for complications. Patients may experience pain and discomfort initially, which is managed with medication. It’s important to follow up closely with the healthcare team for regular monitoring of liver function and shunt effectiveness. Gradual return to normal activities is encouraged based on individual recovery progress.