The Gastroenterology Division at UCSF, in conjunction with our colleagues in Interventional Radiology and Surgery, has been a leader in the development of new treatments for portal hypertension. This relatively non invasive method of portal decompression is available in conjunction with Dr. Ernest Ring and his colleagues in Interventional Radiology. A recent study from the Division showed that TIPS is very effective for the management of diuretic refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis and in addition patients with hepatic hydrothorasis also have been treated with this pioneering technique. In addition, all four hospitals are skilled in the use endoscopic sclerotherapy and variceal banding for the management of bleeding from esophageal varices, and affiliated surgeons are also quite experienced in the performance of various surgical shunts for the management of this condition. Finally, for patients with advanced forms of liver disease, liver transplantation is available and evaluations for transplantations are often coupled with performing TIPS in patients with advanced cirrhosis.
Appointments are by physician referral only.
This clinic offers diagnosis and treatment of all types of gastrointestinal disorders. Common reasons for referral include undiagnosed abdominal pain and second opinions on difficult diagnostic and management issues. Specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are available. This clinic offers diagnosis and treatment of all forms of liver disease and evaluation of patients with severe liver diseases for whom liver transplantation is being considered, as well as consultation on patients with complex hepatic problems. Specialized procedures available include TIPS shunt placement for management of ascites or variceal bleeding and liver transplantation.