Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

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TIPS

At the time of the procedure, the risks include:

• A reaction to the anesthesia
• Bleeding into the abdomen
• Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat)

Because people with severe liver disease are also at risk for encephalopathy (deterioration of brain function), this is another common complication after the TIPS has been inserted and it may require treatment. A patient who has had significant encephalopathy may not be a good candidate for TIPS.

Blockage of the TIPS occurs in most patients within the first year of placement of the TIPS. This may lead to recurrent bleeding or reaccumulation of fluid. If this occurs, the TIPS can be expanded, or a new TIPS may be created.

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.