TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT

TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT

Overview and Facts

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt is a type of medical procedure. This procedure used an imaging guide to connect the portal vein properly into the hepatic vein of the patient’s liver. In this procedure, a stent (small metal device) is placed to help keep the connection open. This allows the blood to drain from the bowel back to the heart without passing through the liver. Typically, this procedure reroutes the blood flow and helps in the reduction of high blood pressure in the stomach veins, bowel and liver, and the esophagus and efficiently reduces the risk of bleeding.

This medical procedure is usually conducted to reduce the complications of portal hypertension, specifically variceal bleeding. A radiologist can perform it. This method may take two to three hours. However, it may last longer, depending on the complexity of the process. In many cases, this procedure is conducted successfully, with over 90% of patients claiming a better condition right after the system.

Despite the promising result, this procedure, in some cases, resulted in some adverse effects. Its possible risks may include infection, bleeding, reactions to medicine, dye reactions, hepatic encephalopathy, and fever.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Is this procedure safe?

Since this procedure is minimally invasive, it carries lesser risks. However, it does not guarantee to correct the existing liver damage. Patients may still be required to undergo additional treatments.

Common Uses of TIPS

Commonly, this procedure is done to relieve blood pressure in the portal vein. This is done by rerouting the blood flow from other digestive organs without passing the liver. Doctors may advise patients to undergo this procedure if they have the following conditions:

  • Variceal Bleeding

This condition leads to the death of 15-30% of people experiencing cirrhosis. Bleeding occurs when varices burst and bleed due to the blocked blood flow, which I brought about by blood clot or scar tissue.

  • Portal Gastropathy

This occurs when the veins in the mucus membrane of the stomach swell due to reduced blood flow.

 

  • Ascites

A build-up of fluid causes this medical condition in the abdominal lining space and the internal organs. If left untreated, this will lead to hernias, abdominal pain, and bacterial infections.

  • Hepatorenal Syndrome

This occurs in people having severe liver damage. This is a type of kidney failure. In an advanced stage, it usually kills 10% of people within ten weeks of their diagnosis.

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Life Expectancy of Patients who have Undergone Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt 

As a minimally invasive procedure, patients who have undergone this procedure must not stay long in the hospital. They can go home right after the intensive monitoring in a hospital room following the procedure. This procedure is proven to add more years to the life of patients.  Medical studies show that 88% of patients survived for two years, while 61% survived five years after the procedure. The risk factors for dying after the process include high blood pressure and old age.

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