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Liver Transplant (Expert Forum)
TIPS and alcohol consumption
Answered by
Thomas D Schiano, MD - Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Liver Transplantation, Hepatology
The Mount Sinai Medical Center
New York - NY
Questions posted in the Liver Transplant . Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
TIPS and alcohol consumption
by Manda29, Sep 07, 2009 01:59AM
My dad (64 yrs old) has cirrhosis and had numerous variceal bleeds this spring. At that time he had the TIPS procedure done. It has seemed to help (no more bleeds and ascites). He is an alcoholic and had not had a drink since December, but has recently started drinking again. His ammonia levels have gone up and he is starting to have bouts of encephalopathy. In the last couple of weeks he has also gained 22lbs of fluid back! What will happen if he continues to drink (especially with now having the TIPS)?
Thanks for any information!
Thanks for any information!
Doctor's Answer
by Thomas D Schiano, MD, Sep 07, 2009 01:07PM
, Sep 07, 2009 01:07PM
Even if a TIPS is functioning, active alcohol use can override its beneficial effects and can thus lead to the ascites and the variceal bleed recurring. Relapses like this really do necessitate that he enter into a relapse prevention program.
Unfortunately he will not admit to drinking again and hides it very well. The only thing that will help him is being admitted into the hospital again.... hopefully that will not be too late.