Successful Reversal of Chronic Incapacitating Post-TIPS Encephalopathy by Balloon Occlusion of the Stent

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is a new technique allowing decompression of the portal system without the need for abdominal surgery or general anesthetic. This promising procedure appears safe, and is being evaluated in the context of life threatening uncontrollable...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Daphna Fenyves, Michel P Dufresne, Jean Raymond, Michel Lafortune, Bernard Willems, Gilles Pomier-Layrargues
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 1994-01-01
Series:Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/1994/670464
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is a new technique allowing decompression of the portal system without the need for abdominal surgery or general anesthetic. This promising procedure appears safe, and is being evaluated in the context of life threatening uncontrollable variceal hemorrhage as well as ascites refractory to medical treatment. Following TIPS, portal flow diversion is associated with hepatic encephalopathy in up to 25% of patients. This is most often mild and treatable but may become uncontrollable, incapacitating and even life threatening in up to 3 to 5% of cases. The authors present two patients in whom such life threatening encephalopathy and stupor was reversed by transjugular balloon occlusion of the TIPS.
ISSN:0835-7900