Budd-Chiari syndrome develops when a clot blocks the hepatic veins, which supply blood to the liver. This clot prevents the liver from releasing blood, causing the liver to enlarge.
Stent angioplasty helps in the widening of narrowed veins. The procedure starts by sedating the patient with general anaesthesia followed by a tiny incision into the skin to access the vein. A guidewire is inserted through a hollow tube to reach the site of obstruction. The guidewire is followed by a stent mounted on a catheter, which fully expands after it is positioned within the obstructed vein. The catheter, guidewire, and hollow tube are removed, and the incision site is sealed with sutures.
After the surgery, the patient is advised to avoid standing for long periods or doing any strenuous activities and can return to her normal routine within a few days to a week. Mrs. A.P. Gowramma from Hyderabad underwent surgical treatment for Budd Chiari Syndrome under the supervision of Dr. B. Ravi Shankar, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.