[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) as a bridge for liver transplantation]

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) represents a new surgical technique minimally invasive utilized in the treatment of portal hypertension. Such technique avoid the risks of general anesthesia, and major surgery like portocava anastomosis, reducing the hepatic-portal gradient, and help bleeding esophagogastric varices, hemorrhagic congestive gastropathy and refractary ascites. Certainly diminishes the intensity of intraperitoneal colorectal circulation and the necessity of blood transfusion during surgery for liver transplantation. In this report we reported the first case in Brazil of the implant of TIPS like preparation for liver transplantation in cirrhotic alcoholic patient. We made consideration about techniques aspects and surgery evolution. This new interesting technique applied for this type of patients is indicated as a bridge for candidates for liver transplantation.