J. Rosch et Fs. Keller, Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: Present status, comparison with endoscopic therapy and shunt surgery, and future prospectives, WORLD J SUR, 25(3), 2001, pp. 337-346
During the 13 years since its introduction into clinical practice, transjug
ular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has become widely accepted wor
ldwide as a percutaneous, interventional procedure for treating complicatio
ns of portal hypertension, An experienced, skillful team, however, is neces
sary to ensure the high technical success of TIPS and to avoid its potentia
l procedural complications. Presently, TIPS is used mainly for treatment of
acute or recurrent hemorrhage from gastroesophageal varices refractory to
endoscopic therapy. Randomized studies have shown that it is more effective
than endoscopic treatment for preventing rebleeding; however, it is associ
ated with a higher incidence of encephalopathy, Both treatments produce com
parable survival rates. TIPS is also effective in the treatment of hepatoge
nic ascites and hydrothorax and hepatorenal syndrome. In comparison with su
rgical shunts, TIPS is a significantly less invasive procedure that can be
done in poor surgical candidates with advanced cirrhosis. The high rate of
shunt obstructions seen with TIPS mandates close surveillance and maintenan
ce, rendering TIPS a multistage procedure. This is a major disadvantage of
TIPS compared to surgery. Presently, both TIPS and surgical shunts have the
ir place in the treatment of gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage unrespons
ive to endoscopic therapy. TIPS is most suited for class B and C patients,
particularly those who are candidates for liver transplantation. Surgical s
hunts should be considered for patients with well preserved liver function.
Large, randomized controlled studies should be done to compare these treat
ment methods. Animal experimental and early clinical studies using covered
stents (stent-grafts) are promising for the prevention of shunt obstruction
s and thus converting TIPS from a multistage to a one-stage procedure.