[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of refractory ascites in 21 patients].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites.


METHODS
Descriptive follow-up study.


METHODS
University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.


METHODS
In a period of three years, 21 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites were treated with TIPS. Refractory ascites was defined as ascites resistant to maximum diuretic therapy and repeated paracentesis. The mean follow-up was 9 months (range 3-26).


RESULTS
Creation of the stent shunt was technically successful in 20 patients and resulted in a decrease of the pressure gradient between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava by approximately 47%. The procedure was immediately lethal in two patients. Complications occurred later on in four patients: thrombosis of the stent in 3 patients and disabling encephalopathy in one. Five other patients died from liver failure, four of them possibly related to the increase of the portosystemic shunting. The stent shunt had no ill effects on kidney function. Thirteen patients were still alive at the end of follow-up. Five patients (24%) had a total and sustained remission of the ascites. Seven patients (33%) still had ascites but needed no paracentesis. One patient did not respond to the treatment. The best results were observed in 14 alcoholics: 9 (64%) responded favourably (43% in non-alcoholics), in 4 of these the ascites had disappeared.


CONCLUSIONS
TIPS placement needs substantial experience to avoid technical complications. In case of refractory ascites, only patients for whom later liver transplantation is considered should be submitted to the procedure, because TIPS placement can lead to deterioration of liver function.
Vandistel
G
G
Universitair Zickenhuis Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Afd. Lever- en Pancreasziekten.
Nevens
F
F
Stockx
L
L
Raat
H
H
Wilms
G
G
Fevery
J
J
D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000628:therapy; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality; D016896:Treatment Outcome