Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt or TIPS is a minimally invasive medical procedure that utilizes interventional X-ray technology to treat serious liver disorders such as esophageal varices, gastric varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, and portal hypertensive colopathy. The interventional radiologist performs the procedure by inserting a flexible tube called a catheter into the jugular vein in the neck through a small incision. A tiny balloon and a tube (which is a metal mesh stent) attached to one end of the catheter is introduced through the jugular vein into the liver with the help of an X-ray machine. To ensure clarity of imaging, a contrast material (dye) is infused into the vein. The balloon is inflated to help fix the stent in position, so that it connects the portal vein and any hepatic vein.
After positioning and securing the stent, blood flow is allowed to bypass the portal circulation through the stent and the pressure in the portal vein is measured. This helps to ensure that portal pressure has been lowered by the procedure. The catheter is carefully removed after the procedure. After the process, the patient is kept under constant observation and monitored for bleeding. Generally, there is no pain after this procedure.
A TIPS is used to treat the complications of portal hypertension, including:
- variceal bleeding, bleeding from any of the veins that normally drain the stomach, esophagus, or intestines into the liver.
- portal gastropathy, an engorgement of the veins in the wall of the stomach, which can cause severe bleeding.
- severe ascites (the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) and/or hydrothorax (in the chest).
Budd-Chiari syndrome, a blockage in one or more veins that carry blood from the liver back to the heart.
Every examination and operation related to the disease should be performed by a properly equipped hospital with the latest medical technology and professional academic medical staff. The Turkish Health Group will definitely direct you to the hospitals with the most modern medical equipment and professional medical staff related to your disease. Contact us for more information and a free second medical reference from a professional Turkish doctors.