Budd-Chiari syndrome: intractable ascites managed by a trans-hepatic portacaval shunt.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) have recently been used to manage the portal hypertensive complications of the Budd-Chiari syndrome. We report this application of TIPS (to our knowledge the first such application in Australia) in a young man with an excellent result and no major complications. This treatment offers an alternative to portacaval shunt surgery and has the advantage of bypassing a stenosed or compressed inferior vena cava. Additionally, the procedure does not complicate liver transplantation surgery if this is indicated at a later date.
Nicoll
A
A
University of Melbourne, Department of Gastroenterology, Victoria, Australia.
Fitt
G
G
Angus
P
P
Sewell
R
R
Hennessy
O
O
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006502:Budd-Chiari Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic