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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
12:27
Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt
Published on: May 7, 2015
[Our experience with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)]
Orvosi Hetilap
|September 18, 1999
Summary
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) effectively treats portal hypertension, reducing bleeding varices and ascites. This interventional radiology procedure offers a safe alternative to surgery.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Hepatology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Portal hypertension is a serious condition often leading to gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites.
- Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an emerging interventional procedure for managing portal hypertension.
Observation:
- 32 patients with portal hypertension, predominantly Childs' B and C cirrhosis (24 with alcoholic cirrhosis), underwent TIPS placement between May 1995 and October 1998.
- The procedure was technically successful in 84% of patients, with a significant reduction in portocaval pressure gradient from 22 mmHg to 10.3 mmHg.
Findings:
- No treatment-related mortality was observed.
- Shunt patency was maintained in 27 patients, with long-term patency up to 36 months in two cases.
- Complications included two cases of shunt stenosis and nine occlusions within three years. Hepatic encephalopathy occurred in two patients.
Implications:
- TIPS is a safe and effective interventional radiological therapy for portal hypertension, offering an alternative to open surgical procedures.
- The procedure successfully reduces portosystemic pressure gradients, mitigating complications like variceal hemorrhage and ascites.
- Further research into long-term shunt patency and management of complications like stenosis and occlusion is warranted.
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