Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS): a decade later

Since the introduction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) 10 years ago, it has been used increasingly in the management of portal hypertension and its complications. TIPS is now considered the procedure of choice for management of refractory variceal bleeding. Its role in the management of refractory ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatopulmonary syndrome still awaits further prospective studies. The two main complications of TIPS are hepatic encephalopathy and shunt malfunction. Generally, TIPS stenosis or occlusion is a major drawback requiring routine surveillance of TIPS with doppler ultrasound. Venography with balloon dilation of the stent or placement of serial or parallel stents may be required in some cases. Promising modalities of preventing TIPS malfunction (e.g., brachy-therapy, covered stents, or anti-platelet derived growth factor) are currently being investigated.