Non-Surgical Treatment

TIPS procedures

TIPS procedures, also known as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, aid in the treatment of variceal bleeding. During the procedure, a radiologist uses imaging guidance to create a tunnel through the liver to connect the portal vein to the hepatic vein. A stent is then placed to keep this connection open. These procedures help to reduce internal bleeding.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of variceal bleeding include stomach pain, lightheadedness, melena (black stools), blood in your vomit, bloody stools, and excessively low blood pressure.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for this condition include portal hypertension, bacterial infection, severe cirrhosis, and large esophageal varices.

Before Your Exam

Before a TIPS procedure, let your radiologist know if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Discuss any medications and recent illnesses with your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing and leave your jewelry at home. Refrain from eating or drinking at least eight hours before procedure.

Time required for your exam

TIPS procedures can last from anywhere from 2 to 6 hours.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Selective arterial embolization

Selective arterial embolization helps with gastrointestinal and trauma-related bleeding. This procedure is minimally invasive and uses imaging technology to embolize vessels to stop hemorrhaging. This, in turn, helps to control and stop the bleeding.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding can include vomiting blood, black stool, rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, chest pain, and abdominal pain.

Risk Factors

Partaking in excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, excessive use of NSAIDs can also lead to a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Before Your Exam

Discuss any medications with your radiologist and follow their instruction on which to take and which to stop before the procedure. Refrain from eating or drinking several hours before your procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home after.

Time required for your exam

A selective arterial embolization procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Bronchial artery embolization

Bronchial artery embolization is a non-surgical procedure that embolizes the bronchial arteries that are feeding the impacted areas. This procedure helps to control bleeding and is used for the treatment of hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

Symptoms

Hemoptysis is coughing up blood and can be a result of a number of different things, including COPD, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, trauma, or a parasitic infection.

Risk Factors

The above conditions can put someone at risk of developing hemoptysis, as well those with cystic fibrosis or non-CF bronchitis.

Before Your Exam

Before a bronchial artery embolization, talk to your doctor about any medications and follow his or her advice on which you can still take. You may be advised to stop taking NSAIDs before the procedure. Stop drinking alcohol 24 hours before the procedure and refrain from eating or drinking several hours beforehand.