Liver Cirrhosis Interventions
Interventional Radiology offers safe, effective, and minimally invasive solutions that transform the care of patients with liver cirrhosis — improving survival, comfort, and quality of life.
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition where healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by fibrotic scar tissue, leading to poor liver function and restricted blood flow through the liver. As cirrhosis progresses, portal pressures increases and patients may develop complications such as ascites (fluid build-up) and variceal bleeding.
Interventional Radiology (IR) plays a vital role in managing these complications through minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and in some cases, serve as a bridge to liver transplantation.
Key Interventional Procedures in Liver Cirrhosis
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
TIPS is a minimally invasive procedure where an artificial channel is created within the liver to connect the portal and hepatic veins. This reduces portal hypertension and prevents complications such as variceal bleeding and ascites. It can be life-saving in patients with recurrent bleeding or fluid accumulation unresponsive to medications.
Benefit: Decompresses portal pressure, controls bleeding, and relieves fluid build-up
Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO/PARTO)
These procedures are used to control bleeding from gastric varices by blocking abnormal bleeding veins in stomach under image guidance.
Benefit: Complete obliteration of gastric varices
Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis
Interventional radiologists can dissolve or remove clots in the portal vein using catheter-directed thrombolysis or angioplasty, restoring blood flow and preventing further liver damage.
Benefit: Restores blood flow and prevents liver damage
Percutaneous or Trans-Jugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB)
Liver biopsy helps in diagnosis and staging of liver disease. TJLB is offered when patient has higher bleeding risk due to fluid or coagulopathy.
Benefit: Safe diagnosis and staging for high-risk patients
Benefits of Interventional Radiology in Cirrhosis
Minimally invasive
Image-guided precision with small incisions
Reduced surgery need
Avoids the need for open surgery in many cases
Faster recovery
Shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal life
Symptom relief
Significant improvement in quality of life
Bridge to transplant
Vital bridge to liver transplantation in eligible patients
Life-saving intervention
Can be life-saving in emergency situations
⚠️ When to Consider Interventional Radiology
Cirrhosis Complications
- •Recurrent variceal bleeding despite medical/endoscopic therapy
- •Persistent or recurrent ascites
- •Portal vein thrombosis or severe portal hypertension
Liver Cancer & Advanced Disease
- •Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requiring loco-regional treatment
- •Patients awaiting liver transplantation
- •High-risk patients unsuitable for surgery
🌟 Transform Your Liver Care Journey
Interventional Radiology offers safe, effective, and minimally invasive solutions that transform the care of patients with liver cirrhosis — improving survival, comfort, and quality of life.
Don't let cirrhosis complications control your life. Modern IR procedures can provide significant relief and better outcomes.
Expert Care: Our interventional radiologists specialize in advanced liver interventions including TIPS, BRTO, and portal vein procedures to manage complex cirrhosis complications.