PORTAL HYPERTENSION: Pathophysiology and Common Treatments

An animated primer on the physiological causes and effects of portal hypertension, which is defined by increased hydrostatic pressure in the hepatic portal vein. The hepatic portal system routes blood from the digestive tract through the liver to protect our bodies from any potentially dangerous substances we consume. When this system is blocked, pressure builds in the hepatic portal vein, which can lead to varices, hepatic encephalopathy, splenomegaly, and ascites. Treatments focus on managing these effects via medication and non-surgical procedures. If portal hypertension is caused by end-stage liver disease, e.g. cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be required.

Written and Directed by Joel B. Floyd, Jr., MSMI, CMI
Narrated by Kelsey Buckner, BSN, RN

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 The Hepatic Portal System
01:12 Causes of Portal Hypertension
01:46 Effects of Portal Hypertension
03:01 Treatment Options
04:29 Summary

Sources:
Moore, Keith L., Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 5th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006
Mescher, Anthony L., Junqueira’s Basic Histology, 13th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2013
Kumar et al., Robbins Basic Pathology, 9th ed., Elsevier Saunders, 2013
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-l...
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-proc...
https://www.umcvc.org/health-library/...
https://www.cirse.org/patients/ir-pro...

The information on this channel is intended as a supplement to medical education and should not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor with any health concerns.

Thank you for supporting the channel! Feel free to leave subject matter-related questions or suggestions in the comments, or contact us via the Bethea Medical Media website.

Website: https://www.betheamedicalmedia.com
Instagram:   / betheamedicalmedia