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1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated

Portal Hypertension

Dr. Nghia Nguyen, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist at GastroDoxs in Houston, provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for portal hypertension. Utilizing lifestyle changes, medications, and advanced procedures like TIPS and endoscopic banding, he ensures comprehensive, patient-centered exceptional quality care.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Blood clots in the portal vein
Rare conditions (schistosomiasis, congenital vascular defects)
Heart conditions affecting blood flow
History of prior liver disease

Signs and Symptoms

Often no symptoms in early stages
Abdominal swelling from fluid buildup (ascites)
Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools (variceal bleeding)
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Confusion or difficulty thinking (hepatic encephalopathy)
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Fatigue and poor appetite

How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Portal Hypertension?

Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your medical history, alcohol use, viral hepatitis exposure, and signs of liver disease or heart problems.

Blood Tests

We check liver enzymes, bilirubin, platelet count and coagulation studies to assess liver function and portal pressure risks.

Imaging Studies

Abdominal ultrasound or elastography evaluates liver stiffness, spleen size and any collateral vessels.
CT or MRI provides detailed views of the portal venous system and detects thrombosis or vascular anomalies.

Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy looks for esophageal or gastric varices and grades their severity to guide urgent treatment.

Pressure Measurement (HVPG)

Hepatic vein pressure gradient measurement quantifies the portal hypertension and helps tailor therapy.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for portal hypertension.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

Low-sodium diet recommendations to reduce fluid buildup (ascites)
Alcohol avoidance to protect liver function
Weight management for associated liver conditions
Guidance on safe, regular exercise to support overall health

2. Medications

Beta-blockers to lower portal vein pressure and reduce variceal bleeding risk
Diuretics to control swelling and ascites
Lactulose or rifaximin to manage hepatic encephalopathy (confusion from liver toxins)

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

Endoscopic banding (variceal ligation) to stop or prevent bleeding from enlarged veins
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) to create an alternate blood flow pathway
Collaboration with interventional radiology for tailored, image-guided treatments

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About the Author

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for portal hypertension?

The code is K76.6 and it's used for insurance claims and medical record keeping.

Can this condition be reversed?

Early cases may improve with lifestyle changes and treatment, while advanced cases require ongoing care.

Is the TIPS procedure safe?

TIPS is generally safe but can have side effects. Dr. Nguyen collaborates with top radiologists to minimize risks.

How soon will I feel better?

Some patients notice symptom improvement within days of starting medication; others may take weeks, especially after a procedure.

Is cirrhosis always linked to portal hypertension?

Most cases are due to cirrhosis, but other rare conditions can also increase portal pressure.

Do I need regular follow-up?

Yes. Regular monitoring of bleeding risk, liver function, and symptoms is important for effective management.

Can lifestyle changes help?

Yes. Reducing salt intake, avoiding alcohol, and staying active can lower portal pressure and improve overall liver health.

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