Details.
A minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure that lowers pressure in the portal vein by creating a channel between the hepatic vein and portal vein, with a stent placed to keep the channel open. Usually performed for patients with liver cirrhosis and varices that have bleeding acutely or recurrently and have not responded to other treatments, or for ascites. Preparation includes routine blood tests, discussing blood-thinning medicines with the doctor, and fasting for 6 hours before the procedure, although small amounts of water may be permitted. The patient is conscious but sedated, and imaging guidance is used. The procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Patients are monitored after the procedure, may go home the next day if symptoms are controlled, and should generally resume normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Follow-up ultrasounds are performed frequently.