Overview:
If your child has portal hypertension, that means they have high blood pressure in the portal vein, which is responsible for draining blood from the intestines to the liver. This condition can arise from liver damage (cirrhosis) or portal vein blockage (thrombosis).
Symptoms may include:
- enlarged spleen
- abdominal distension
- vomiting or passing blood
- low platelet or white blood cell counts
Treatment/procedure options:
Diagnosis involves tests like ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or angiography. Treatment options include medical interventions like transfusions and medications, and endoscopic procedures. If symptoms persist, surgical evaluation may be needed.
Surgical options include palliative and restorative approaches. Palliative shunts alleviate symptoms but don't restore liver blood flow. The restorative meso-Rex bypass, or "Rex shunt," has a 90% success rate. It rebuilds blood flow, reducing spleen size and resolving symptoms.
The Rex shunt involves using a vein to create a bridge around the blockage, restoring normal blood flow to the liver. After surgery, children spend about seven days in the hospital, with post-operative care in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Routine follow-ups involve blood tests, ultrasounds, and possibly a CT scan one year after surgery.
Our goal is to provide individualized treatment plans for each child, ensuring the best possible care for their specific needs and anatomy.