Understanding Portal Hypertension – UG Clinics Session by Dr. Tom George
The Believers UG Clinics recently conducted an insightful session on Portal Hypertension, led by Dr. Tom George, Head of the Department of Interventional Radiology at Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH), Thiruvalla. The event, held at the Amphitheater on March 15, 2025, provided undergraduate medical students with a comprehensive understanding of this complex condition and the latest interventional approaches in its management.
What is Portal Hypertension?
Portal Hypertension is a condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the portal venous system, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It is often a consequence of liver cirrhosis, blood clots, or other liver diseases that obstruct blood flow through the liver.
Causes of Portal Hypertension
🔹 Liver Cirrhosis – The most common cause, where scarring of the liver obstructs blood flow.
🔹 Portal Vein Thrombosis – Blood clot formation in the portal vein.
🔹 Schistosomiasis – A parasitic infection affecting the liver.
🔹 Congenital Abnormalities – Rare structural defects affecting the portal circulation.
Clinical Manifestations of Portal Hypertension
Patients with portal hypertension often experience:
✅ Esophageal & Gastric Varices – Enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach that can rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding.
✅ Ascites – Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
✅ Splenomegaly – Enlargement of the spleen due to increased pressure.
✅ Hepatic Encephalopathy – Toxin accumulation leading to confusion, drowsiness, and even coma.
✅ Caput Medusae – Prominent abdominal veins due to collateral circulation.
Interventional Radiology in Portal Hypertension Management
Dr. Tom George, an expert in Interventional Radiology, highlighted advanced minimally invasive treatment approaches that have transformed the management of portal hypertension:
🔹 Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) – A procedure where a stent is placed to connect the portal vein to the hepatic vein, reducing pressure.
🔹 Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) – A technique used for managing gastric varices by blocking blood flow.
🔹 Embolization of Varices – Blocking abnormal veins to prevent life-threatening bleeding.
Dr. Tom George emphasized that early diagnosis and timely interventional procedures can significantly improve survival and quality of life for patients with portal hypertension.
Key Takeaways from the Session
✔️ Understanding the pathophysiology of portal hypertension is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
✔️ Recognizing symptoms such as variceal bleeding and ascites can help in timely intervention.
✔️ Interventional radiology plays a vital role in modern, minimally invasive treatments.
✔️ Multidisciplinary collaboration between hepatologists, radiologists, and surgeons ensures better patient outcomes.
Conclusion – Advancing Medical Knowledge at Believers UG Clinics
The UG Clinics at Believers Hospital continue to provide high-impact educational sessions that bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world clinical applications.
Dr. Tom George’s session on Portal Hypertension was an eye-opener for students, offering them a deeper insight into the latest diagnostic and interventional approaches. With continued medical advancements, interventional radiology remains a game-changer in the management of complex vascular conditions.
👩⚕️ Stay tuned for more UG Clinics sessions aimed at shaping the future of medical professionals!
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