Using Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts for Complications of Cirrhosis

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) decompresses the portal venous system. TIPS has been used to manage the complications of portal hypertension in cirrhosis, including variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites. The uncoated TIPS stents are limited by stent stenosis; however, the introduction of coated stents has decreased this. With the introduction of coated stents, we must reevaluate the utility of TIPS in the management of complications of portal hypertension.