Suggest Treatment For Non-alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis With Portal Hypertension

Posted on Tue, 21 Feb 2017

Question: Hi,

I have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension and I also have an enlarged spleen. I wish to fly long haul to California (10 hours non-stop each way). Is it safe to fly. I had an endoscopic examination this week which showed the varices and oesophagus were fine. I contacted my travel insurance company who were not concerned about these issues. I am concerned that they may not have understood the problem and I may be uninsured.

Please advise

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is a chronic disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension is not an acute disease which requires emergency intervention.
It is a chronic disease which requires prolonged treatment.
You can travel to and from California Non Stop.
As endoscopy doesn't show any varices,nothing to worry.
High altitude journey for prolonged hours doesn't alter the course of the disease.
Once you come back,you can consult a Surgical gastroenterologist and discuss about SHUNT operations for portal hypertension. The results are good.
Hope I answered your query.
Wish you good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy