Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
Definition
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure to create new connections between two blood vessels in your liver. You may need this procedure if you have very bad liver problems.
Alternative Names
TIPS
Description
This is not surgery. It is done by a radiologist using x-ray. A radiologist is a doctor who uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.
You will probably receive local anesthesia and medicine to relax you. This will make you pain free and sleepy. Or you may have general anesthesia (asleep and pain free).
Your radiologist will insert a catheter (a flexible tube) through your skin into a vein in your neck.
- On the end of the catheter is a balloon and a metal mesh stent (tube).
- Using x-ray equipment, the surgeon will guide the catheter into a vein in your liver.
- The balloon will be blown up to place the stent. You may feel a little pain when this happens.
- Your radiologist will use the stent to connect your portal vein to one of your hepatic veins.
This new pathway will allow blood to flow better. It will ease pressure on the veins of your stomach, esophagus, intestines, and liver.
Risks
Potential risks for this procedure are:
- Infection, bruising, or bleeding
- Reactions to medicines
- Damage to blood vessels
- Fever
- Stiffness, bruising, or soreness in the neck
Rare risks are:
- Blockage in the stent
- Infection of the stent
- Bleeding in the belly
- Cutting of the blood vessels of the liver
- Heart problems
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
