TIPS--transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Experiences from a recently started center
Astrup, L.B.; Grønbaek, H.; Redsted, S.ør.; Nielsen, D.T.øn.; Vilstrup, H.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 165(5): 443-446
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 12599839 Document Number: 559517
The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a percutaneous, minimally invasive, method of creating a portosystemic shunt for the treatment of portal hypertension. The results of the first 54 TIPS procedures are reported. There were no severe procedure-related complications. TIPS implantation was successful in 52 patients. Rebleeding was seen in 13% of the patients. Hepatic encephalopathy developed in 19%, but only in 11% as a chronic complication. Seven out of 9 patients with refractory ascites no longer required paracentesis after six months. The cumulative survival for the whole group was 81% after one year and 62% after three years.