liver and gallbladder disorders
Portal Vein Thrombosis
Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis
Drugs (to dissolve or prevent blood clots) Treatment of cause of blockage and complications If a blood clot suddenly blocks the vein, a drug that dissolves clots (such as tissueplasminogenactivator) is sometimes used. The effectiveness of this treatment (called thrombolysis) is unclear. If the disorder develops gradually, an anticoagulant, such asheparin, is sometimes used over the long term to help prevent clots from reocurring or enlarging. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots. In newborns and children, the cause (usually an infected umbilical cord or acute appendicitis) is treated. Problems caused by Portal Hypertension are also treated. Usually, rubber bands are inserted through a flexible viewing tube (endoscope), which is passed through the mouth into the esophagus. The bands are used to tie off the varicose veins. Antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers and nitrates, reduce pressure in the portal vein and thus prevent bleeding in the esophagus. Octreotide, a drug that reduces blood flow to the liver and thus decreases blood pressure in the abdomen, may be given intravenously to help stop bleeding. 