Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for recompensating decompensated cirrhosis?

Abstract

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a medical procedure that has been used to manage variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with cirrhosis. It can prevent further decompensation and improve the survival of high-risk decompensated patients. Recent research indicates that TIPS could increase the possibility of recompensation of decompensated cirrhosis when it is combined with adequate suppression of the causative factor of liver disease. However, the results of the studies have been based on retrospective analysis, and further validation is required by conducting randomized controlled studies. In this context, we highlight the limitations of the current studies and emphasize the issues that must be addressed before TIPS can be recommended as a potential recompensating tool.

Keywords: Decompensated cirrhosis; Liver recompensation; Baveno VII; Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Core Tip: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure used to manage severe complications of liver cirrhosis, such as variceal bleeding and ascites, that characterize the decompensated state of the disease. Research has shown that TIPS can prevent further decompensation and improve the survival of high-risk cirrhotic patients. Recent studies have also suggested that TIPS may have a positive effect on recompensating decompensated cirrhosis. However, these results are based on retrospective analysis, and several issues remain unclear.