portal hypertension

[Solli]

As i understand Portal Hypertension as a result of Liver failure or damage liver is like high blood pressure withinn the portal veins.
A doctor mentioned that there is a procedure that will help prevent bleeding from the esophagus, what kind of procedure is this?

If Portal Hypertension contributes to the cause of Ascites, and if there is a procedure that can prevent the Bleeding of the portal veins will this also help prevent more fluid accumilating around the abdomen??

[imkindly]

There are several treatment options for portal hypertension. Your doctor may (?) have been referring to a shunt (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) (also called TIPS)....or he may have been referring to "banding" (tying off varices).

Here are two pretty good webpages on Portal Hypertension and treatment options:

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/florida/research/health/portal_hypertension.htm

http://www.studentbmj.com/back_issues/0401/education/106.html

[imkindly]

PS
Your other question....about ascites.

Ascites is caused by LOW Albumin levels in your bloodstream.

In laymens terms---
The liver produces Albumin.
Albumin is a protein in the blood that "waterproofs" veins.
When Albumin levels are LOW, veins are no longer "waterproof", and they "leak" protein (fluid).
This fluid usually collects in the legs (edema) or abdomen (ascites).

Low Albumin levels (this would show on your blood tests), are what causes Ascites.
Hope this helps.