Variceal hemorrhage: efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts created with Strecker stents.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in treatment of variceal hemorrhage.

Methods: Forty-five patients with cirrhosis underwent TIPS placement for treatment of acute (n = 12) or recurrent (n = 33) variceal hemorrhage. Shunts were created with Strecker stents.

Results: Shunts were established by deployment of stents in 42 patients. The portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from an average of 20.4 mm Hg +/- 5.4 to 9.2 mm Hg +/- 4.1. Complications included hepatic failure (n = 1), acute shunt thrombosis (n = 2), right jugular vein thrombosis (n = 1), bacteremia (n = 1), and stent misplacement (n = 1). Acute bleeding was controlled in 12 patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 2%; four other patients have since died. During follow-up (mean, 8.9 months), variceal bleeding recurred in six patients. Hepatic encephalopathy developed in six patients. Shunt stenosis or occlusion requiring further intervention occurred in 20 patients.

Conclusions: TIPS are safe and effective in treatment of variceal hemorrhage; however, secondary interventions are often required to preserve shunt function.