Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS): A Minimally Invasive Procedure for Liver Disease

Regarding liver disease, Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) is a minimally invasive procedure recently gaining popularity. This procedure treats liver diseases like portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy. At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), our Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR) team is committed to providing safe and effective care to patients needing TIPS.

Here, we will discuss TIPS, how it works, the conditions it can treat, the benefits and potential side effects, and how to know if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) is a minimally invasive procedure involving creating a shunt between the portal and hepatic veins. The shunt is created using a stent placed in the liver through a small incision made in the jugular vein in the neck. Once the shunt is in place, it helps to reduce the pressure in the portal vein and improve blood flow to the liver.

TIPS works by creating a shunt between the portal vein and the hepatic vein, which helps to reduce the pressure in the portal vein. When the pressure in the portal vein is too high, it can cause various liver diseases, such as portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy. By reducing the pressure in the portal vein, TIPS can help to alleviate these conditions and improve liver function.

TIPS is primarily used to treat portal hypertension, which is a condition that occurs when the blood pressure in the portal vein is too high. This can cause various complications, such as variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. TIPS can also be used to treat cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, both conditions affecting the liver.

The benefits of TIPS include improved blood flow to the liver, reduced pressure in the portal vein, and relief from symptoms such as variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy.

However, like all medical procedures, TIPS does carry some potential side effects. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and liver failure. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of TIPS with your doctor before deciding if this procedure is right for you.

If you have been diagnosed with portal hypertension, cirrhosis, or hepatic encephalopathy, you may be a candidate for TIPS. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and overall health to determine whether this procedure is appropriate. It is essential to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your health and ask any questions about TIPS and other treatment options.