How long can someone live with a portosystemic shunt?
Patient: My 58 year old  husband has Hep C 1a, cirrhosis, portal shunt and diabetes.  His shunt was put in last month.  He has had o bout of HE last week.  He gets his blood drawn weekly for the HE and anemia.  His doctor does not really say too much other than we will do this next or try that.  My question is how long can someone live with this portal shunt?  It seems like such an unnatural treatment to me.  Is this something where someone can live 20-30 years or should we be keeping an upbeat yet cautious approach?  I do not want anything to happen to him but I need some realistic answers.  Thanks. Doctor: HelloThanks for asking query on HCM. As I understand your husband has HCV related chronic liver disease and diabetes, and has undergone TIPSS- portal shunt. But what you have not mentioned is that -1. What was the indication for TIPSS? 2. What is his present MELD score?. I can answer your question if I know answers to these questions. Best would be to get his MELD score, which would written in his discharge card or can ask your doctor. I would say you need to adopt cautious approach as shunt is usually done for advanced liver disease patient except in a patient with some rare causes. Take care.