Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
A meta-analysis of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt versus paracentesis for refractory ascites
Agustín Albillos1, Rafael Bañares, Mónica González
1Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain. aalbillosm@meditex.es
Background/Aims:
Meta-analysis designed to provide evidence-based guidance on the effect of TIPS and paracentesis on mortality and encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.
Methods:
Five randomized trials published between 1989 and 2005 were identified.
Results:
The five trials involved 330 patients, and none included patients >76 years, with bilirubin >5-10 mg/dl or creatinine >3 mg/dl. Ascites recurrence was lower in the TIPS arm (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.47-0.66). TIPS was associated with a greater risk of encephalopathy (RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.1-1.68) and severe encephalopathy (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.14-2.58). TIPS did not affect mortality, as estimated by the RR (0.93; 95% CI 0.67-1.28, random effect model) and pooled hazard ratio (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.84-1.88). Analysis of this outcome measure was limited by significant heterogeneity among trials. Liver-related mortality was homogenous and similar in both arms. Results were unaffected by excluding trials of lower quality or with a greater number of alcoholics. Meta-analysis of trials including patients with recidivant ascites revealed a lower mortality in the TIPS arm (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.49-0.93).
Conclusions:
In patients with refractory ascites, a better control of ascites by TIPS does not translate into improved survival and worsens encephalopathy.
