Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration Treatment in Turkey
About Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no large surgical incisions.Highly effective in controlling and preventing bleeding from gastric varices.Preserves liver function by avoiding diversion of blood flow away from the liver.Can be a life-saving alternative for patients unsuitable for TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt).Typically involves a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.Performed under image guidance for precision and safety./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Active or recent bleeding from isolated gastric varices (IGV1).
- Prevention of re-bleeding in patients with a history of gastric variceal hemorrhage.
- Gastric varices with a high risk of bleeding, identified on endoscopic ultrasound.
- Patients with portal hypertension and gastric varices who are not candidates for TIPS or endoscopic therapy.
- Symptomatic gastric varices causing issues like anemia or discomfort.
- Patients with liver cirrhosis and associated splenorenal or gastrorenal shunts.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT or MRI), and endoscopy to map the varices.
- Review and adjustment of current medications, especially blood thinners, as directed by the doctor.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, benefits, and risks.
- Intravenous (IV) line placement for fluids and sedation.
- Discussion of anesthesia; the procedure is usually done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter insertion site.
- Infection.
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye or sclerosing agent.
- Damage to blood vessels.
- Pulmonary embolism or systemic migration of the clotting agent.
- Worsening of esophageal varices or portal hypertension in some cases.
- Kidney injury from contrast dye (contrast-induced nephropathy).
- Recurrence of varices requiring further treatment.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in a recovery area for several hours to check vital signs and the puncture site.
- Bed rest for a few hours to prevent bleeding from the access site.
- Pain at the access site is common and managed with medication.
- Clear liquids initially, advancing to a regular diet as tolerated.
- Avoidance of strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up imaging and endoscopy appointments to monitor the success of the obliteration.
- Continued management of underlying liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) as per gastroenterologist's plan.
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Typical hospital stay:
2-4 days
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Expected recovery time:
1-2 weeks for routine activities; 4-6 weeks for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration compare across other countries where we have data.
Aarav Chopra, a 62-year-old retired school...
Aarav Chopra, a 62-year-old retired school principal from Mumbai, had a history of cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis B. For months, he battled debilitating fatigue, abdominal swelling, and two terrifying episodes of vomiting blood. Scans revealed large, dangerous gastric varices fed by a splenorenal shunt. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) was the best option to block that shunt and eliminate the varices, preventing a potentially fatal bleed. The procedure itself was a long, anxious wait for his family, but it was minimally invasive. Aarav spent two days in the hospital for monitoring. Within weeks, his energy improved and the abdominal swelling subsided. Emotionally, he transformed from a man living in constant fear of a sudden hemorrhage, afraid to travel or eat normally, to someone regaining his confidence and joy in spending time with his grandchildren. The BRTO gave him a crucial sense of security and a new lease on life.