Managing liver-related conditions can be challenging and complex. At Nuffield Vascular and Interventional Radiology, we provide comprehensive care and effective solutions for TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedures. With Dr Suresh Babu, we aim to relieve symptoms of portal hypertension and enhance your overall liver health.
TIPS, short for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunting, is a procedure designed to address blood flow issues in the liver.
The TIPS procedure is intended to manage symptoms associated with advanced liver disease. These symptoms may include fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest (ascites or pleural effusion) that does not respond to medication. It is also recommended for patients at risk of, or who have experienced, severe bleeding from the oesophagus due to liver disease, particularly when other treatments such as medication or endoscopy have been ineffective. Additionally, TIPS is utilised in certain severe liver conditions, such as Budd-Chiari syndrome.
The procedure is performed under deep sedation and does not require any incisions, as it is accessed through a blood vessel in the neck. A new channel is created between the blood vessels supplying the diseased liver and the main veins that return blood to the heart. A specialised stent is then placed within the liver to redirect and bypass the blood flow effectively.
The majority of blood flowing through the liver originates from the portal vein. Portal hypertension occurs when blood flow through the liver is reduced, leading to a significant pressure difference between the blood entering the liver and the blood exiting it to return to the heart. A common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis, where normal liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. This scarring creates resistance to blood flow, forcing the body to reroute blood through surrounding vessels near the stomach and oesophagus.
This diversion increases pressure in these vessels, causing them to swell into varices, which can rupture and result in life-threatening bleeding. Additionally, reduced liver circulation can cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites.
The TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure helps alleviate these complications by creating a bypass for blood flow through the liver, reducing the risk of bleeding from varices and relieving symptoms associated with portal hypertension.
Portal hypertension is a condition characterised by increased pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the stomach and intestines to the liver. The liver, the largest organ in the body weighing approximately 3 pounds, performs over 500 critical functions. When blood flow through the liver is obstructed or diminished, portal hypertension develops, leading to serious complications such as varices, ascites, and systemic effects on the body.
The TIPS procedure has a success rate of approximately 95% and typically takes between 90 minutes to 3 hours to complete.
Potential risks include:
Most complications are manageable and can be treated effectively. The risks vary between individuals and are carefully discussed during the pre-procedure evaluation.
Patients generally stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Up to one-third of individuals may experience encephalopathy (mental confusion), which can be managed through dietary adjustments, medication, or shunt revision.
Follow-up ultrasounds are essential to monitor the stent’s patency, as there is a small risk of the stent narrowing or becoming blocked. If this occurs, it can be corrected.
Our practice also offers a range of vascular and interventional procedures, including Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE).
GAE is an innovative endovascular procedure designed to manage osteoarthritis-related knee pain. This minimally invasive technique provides both immediate and long-term pain relief by reducing blood flow to the synovium, the lining of the knee. It is a highly effective adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis, offering significant improvements in quality of life.
I’m here to help you regain control of your health. Together, we’ll manage your symptoms and prevent future complications using personalised care and innovative technology. – Dr Suresh Babu