Multicentre randomised controlled study comparing carvedilol with variceal band ligation in the prevention of variceal rebleeding.

Background & Aims: Rebleeding after an initial oesophageal variceal haemorrhage remains a significant problem despite therapy with band ligation, non-selective β-blockers or a combination of these. Carvedilol is a vasodilating non-selective β-blocker with alpha-1 receptor and calcium channel antagonism. A recent study has suggested it is effective in the prevention of a first variceal bleed.

Improved clinical outcome with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents.

Background And Aims: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) with standard uncovered stents has a 50% one-year primary patency rate, and is complicated by hepatic encephalopathy in 35% of patients. Newer covered stents appear to have improved patency. This large study aimed to assess the shunt function and clinical efficacy of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents in a single centre.

Ten years' follow-up of 472 patients following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt insertion at a single centre.

Background: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) is increasingly used for the management of portal hypertension. We report on 10 years' experience at a single centre.

Methods: Data held in a dedicated database was retrieved on 497 patients referred for TIPSS.