Portal hypertension (colon)
An increase in the pressure within the portal vein (the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.)
An increase in the pressure within the portal vein (the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.)
Portal hypertension (colon)
Medically reviewed by C.H. Weaver M.D. Medical Editor (08/2018)
This increase in pressure is caused by a blockage of blood flow through the liver. Increased pressure in the portal vein causes large veins to develop across the esophagus and stomach to bypass the blockage. These varices are fragile and bleed easily, causing internal bleeding.
