TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)

Conditions Treated by TIPS

The TIPS procedure is primarily used to manage complications arising from severe liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. The conditions treated by TIPS include:

• Portal Hypertension: Increased pressure in the portal vein due to liver scarring, leading to enlarged veins around the stomach, esophagus, and intestines.
• Variceal Bleeding: Life-threatening bleeding from dilated veins (varices) in the esophagus or stomach, a common complication of portal hypertension.
• Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen due to increased pressure in the veins and reduced liver function.
• Hepatic Hydrothorax: Fluid buildup in the chest cavity when ascites fluid leaks into the chest through the diaphragm.

By reducing pressure in the portal vein, TIPS helps prevent and manage these serious complications, improving the patient’s quality of life and overall health.

Benefits and Effectiveness of TIPS

The TIPS procedure offers several significant benefits for patients with complications from cirrhosis and portal hypertension:

• Reduces Portal Hypertension: By creating a new pathway for blood flow, TIPS effectively reduces pressure in the portal vein, preventing complications.
• Prevents Variceal Bleeding: TIPS helps prevent life-threatening bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus and stomach.
• Alleviates Ascites and Hepatic Hydrothorax: The procedure reduces fluid buildup in the abdomen and chest, improving comfort and quality of life.
• Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small incision in the neck, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities within 7-10 days after the procedure.

These benefits make TIPS a valuable treatment option for managing complications of severe liver disease, offering significant improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life.

Risks

While the TIPS procedure is generally safe and effective, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with the procedure:

• Infection: Small risk of infection at the catheter insertion site.
• Bleeding: Risk of bleeding due to catheter insertion and creating a new blood flow pathway.
• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Condition affecting mental function due to increased toxins in the blood when blood bypasses the liver.
• Vessel Damage: Rare risk of blood vessel damage during catheter insertion.
• Reactions to Anesthesia or Contrast Dye: Possible allergic reactions to anesthesia or contrast dye used during the procedure.

Contact Us About TIPS

For more information about the TIPS procedure and other advanced interventional radiology treatments, contact Florida Radiology Consultants today. As experts in interventional radiology, we provide cutting-edge treatments to patients in Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to offering precise, effective care for managing complications of severe liver disease and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.