FAQ on Extra Hepatic Portal Venous Obstruction (EHPVO)

1.     What is EHPVO?

EHPVO is a condition in which there is a block of the major vessel that supplies blood to the liver i.e. the portal vein.  This vein carries all absorbed nutrients from intestines to liver for storage and further metabolism. It accounts for major (80%) of blood supply to liver. Any block in this vein especially in the portion of the vein located outside the liver causes a condition called as EHPVO.

2.     What causes EHPVO?

EHPVO or the block in the portal vein may be caused by: