Ascites
Fluid can accumulate in the abdomen when portal pressure and liver dysfunction alter circulation and fluid balance.
Liver & Portal Care
Portal hypertension needs the right team around the same table.
Understand ascites, varices, TIPS, and how interventional radiology works with hepatology and GI.
Portal Hypertension 101
Portal hypertension is a pressure problem in the venous system of the liver.
Cirrhosis and other liver conditions can raise portal venous pressure, contributing to varices, ascites and other complications. Interventional radiology may be involved in TIPS and other portal or variceal procedures.
Varices
Collateral veins can enlarge in the esophagus, stomach or elsewhere and may bleed.
TIPS
A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creates a channel through the liver to reduce portal pressure in selected patients.
Other IR options
Variceal embolization and other portal interventions may be used depending on anatomy and goals.
Emergency symptoms: vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, severe confusion, or rapidly worsening illness require urgent medical evaluation.
Team-based decision: TIPS is typically considered together with hepatology/GI because liver function, encephalopathy risk, heart function and transplant planning can all affect the decision.
Take It With You
Build your portal-hypertension visit guide.
Answer a few structured questions. Your guide is prepared on this page. Choose whether to download, print, copy, or open it in your email app; it is not sent to a doctor automatically.
Reach out
Contact Mike Swikehardt, MD directly.
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