Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for the prevention of variceal re-bleeding - A two decades experience.
PLoS One. 2018;13(1):e0189414
Authors: Bucsics T, Schoder M, Diermayr M, Feldner-Busztin M, Goeschl N, Bauer D, Schwabl P, Mandorfer M, Angermayr B, Cejna M, Ferlitsch A, Sieghart W, Trauner M, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Karner J, Karnel F, Reiberger T
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are used in patients with cirrhosis for the prevention of variceal rebleeding.
METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated re-bleeding rate, patency, mortality, and transplant-free survival (TFS) in cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS implantation for variceal bleeding between 1994-2014.
RESULTS: 286 patients received TIPS (n = 119 bare metal stents, n = 167 polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)-covered stents) for prevention of variceal re-bleeding. Mean age was 55.1 years, median MELD was 11.8, and the main etiology of cirrhosis was alcoholic liver disease (70%). Median follow-up was 821 days. 67 patients (23%) experienced at least one re-bleeding event. Patients with PTFE-TIPS were at significantly lower risk for variceal re-bleeding than patients with bare metal stents (14% vs. 37%, OR:0.259; p<0.001) and had less need for stent revision (21% vs. 37%; p = 0.024). Patients with PTFE stent grafts showed lower mortality than patients with bare stents after 1 year (19% vs. 31%, p = 0.020) and 2 years (29% vs. 40%; p = 0.041) after TIPS implantation. Occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS was similar between groups (20% vs. 24%, p = 0.449).
CONCLUSIONS: PTFE-TIPS were more effective at preventing variceal re-bleeding than bare metal stents due to better patency. Since this tended to translate in improved survival, only covered stents should be implemented for bleeding prophylaxis when TIPS is indicated.
PMID: 29315304 [PubMed - in process]