Advice on stent procedure to liver. I'm having drain every fortnight n it getting me down enuff to give up.

[Segy]

Ex heavy drinker need advice on my liver. I'm having drain every fortnight. Stopped drinking 7.5 month ago. The hospital on about a stent for my liver. Is there any other options less invasive as its scary lol😕

[AyrshireK]

I take it they are talking about a TIPS procedure (Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) - this will in effect create a canal through your liver so that blood will pass through quickly thereby reducing portal hypertension (backing up of blood in your portal veinous system) and reducing the fluid build up and need for repeated draining.

Going through a drain procedure every couple of weeks must be dreadful and runs the risk of infection etc. Can't think that TIPS is hugely more invasive that that - they go in through one of your neck veins and pass the stent down to your liver that way. Similar way to how they carry out a Transjugular Liver Biopsy.

TIPS is very good at what it's designed to do and should stop the need for the regular drains.

As regards ascites, are you on a diuretic (water tablet) and are you following a low salt diet? Both of these should help reduce fluid build up but if that isn't working as a regime then TIPS might indeed be a good option.

TIPS has it's own draw backs in that it can potentially lead to increased symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy because blood will be going through the stent instead of through the liver tissue so it won't get any detoxification and this can lead to toxin build up. They'll need to treat you for HE to prevent that becoming an issue (lactulose, Rifaximin etc).

If they can't get on top of the fluid build up then you could potentially be looking at the need for transplant so TIPS could help you keep your own liver for a while longer.

Katie

[Segy in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you that's what they want to do, but scared to b honest. I was hoping me liver would try a bit harder. But I smashed it to long I think🫣 i don't no what else to do. I'd try owt just don't like to rely on NHS coz don't no how long it has left!!!!!!

[Porcupine_Tree in reply to AyrshireK]

What an excellent reply Katie. You certainly are very knowledgeable and a good communicator.

[TruthWillSetUFree]

Don’t give up Segy. Keep fighting.

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Segy

If you would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Kenny_]

Hi Segy, I too was getting fortnightly drains and it does take its toll. I had a TIPS procedure last October and haven’t needed a drain since (touchwood). I’m still on a low dose of diuretics & also take Rifraximin & lactose daily. I’m doing quite well now & believe the stent was the best option for me as the drains were becoming more & more painful, and often performed by doctors who were being trained to do the drain. I understand the need to teach but in the end I’d oftentimes b in tears after several attempts at finding the right place & then hospital stays after ruptured veins or temperature spikes.

Good luck & do your research to make sure you’ve got the best Interventional Radiologist doing the procedure.

[Segy in reply to Kenny_]

Thank you so much Kenny , I really appreciate you taking time to send that🥲

[Segy in reply to Kenny_]

We're there any complications? Could run around play football etc? Cheer

[Kenny_ in reply to Segy]

No complications. I’ve been told I can do whatever I want now, although I wouldn’t play contact sport (but that’s my own choice as I’d be concerned a physical hit could damage my spleen again)

[Segy]

Thanks for advice people! Any advice puts me in better position than to burying my head in the sand.

[Kenny_]

Don’t give up - from my experience, the stent procedure was quick & painless and nowhere near as intrusive as the drains.

[Segy in reply to Kenny_]

If I was religious I would say summert like God bless you, but I ain't really so all can say is a very big true thank you from the bottom my heart. Also I wish I lived near you lol not creepy! Coz no I no seems to have my illness, mainly alot ov folk around me it pancreatic trouble. I try not to winge lol as it is my own doing, but I'm a mardy arse😃!!! Did u have your stent done in the UK? I live NG10 so queen's med for me. Thanks again for your post.

[Kenny_]

I’m in Australia and had mine done at RPA Sydney.

I totally understand your wanting to be close to someone in the same situation - I can’t find anyone near me to discuss things with. It’s a lonely road sometimes, but this site is really good & there’s always someone to talk to. Reach out anytime

[Segy in reply to Kenny_]

Stroof shela!😃 Thank you so very much for your post👍