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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension
Published on: November 15, 2024
A case report on use of TIPS for ectopic variceal bleeding
E Brusselle1, J Van Ongeval2, W Pauwels2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium.
Background:
Ectopic varices may develop anywhere in the abdomen except in the cardioesophageal junction and cause only 5% of all variceal bleeding. Considering the low prevalence of this disease, management is challenging and low-evidence based. By means of a case report, we reviewed literature on the treatment of ectopic varices using TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt).
Case Presentation:
A 65-year old patient presented to the emergency department with massive hematochezia and haemorrhagic shock. A CT angiography reported liver cirrhosis, a portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and colonic varices without active bleeding. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit where colonoscopy confirmed the presence of ascending colonic varices with a red whale sign. He successfully underwent a TIPS placement and was discharged after five days from the hospital.
Conclusion:
In this case, TIPS placement proved to be an effective treatment for ectopic variceal bleeding.
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