Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for the prevention of variceal re-bleeding - A two decades experience.

Background And Aims: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are used in patients with cirrhosis for the prevention of variceal rebleeding.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated re-bleeding rate, patency, mortality, and transplant-free survival (TFS) in cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS implantation for variceal bleeding between 1994-2014.

Results: 286 patients received TIPS (n = 119 bare metal stents, n = 167 polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)-covered stents) for prevention of variceal re-bleeding.

Re-bleeding rates and survival after early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in clinical practice.

Background: Early implantation (<72h) of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) after acute variceal bleeding (AVB) improves survival in highly selected patients.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed bleeding control and survival of unselected cirrhotic patients undergoing early TIPS implantation within 72h. We compared the outcomes to patients meeting early TIPS criteria but receiving late TIPS within 3-28days after AVB and endoscopic/medical treatment.