Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement Research Articles

Effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on esophageal motor function and gastroesophageal reflux.

The effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement on esophageal motor function and gastroesophageal reflux were investigated in patients with esophageal varices. In six men with esophageal varices, esophageal manometry and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed before and 15-20 days after TIPS placement. Intraesophageal pH monitoring was performed in the four patients with severe esophageal varices (defined as the largest sized varices) following TIPS placement. Findings were compared with those in six healthy men (controls) who underwent esophageal manometry and intraesophageal pH monitoring. The esophageal varices resolved or were reduced after TIPS placement. Resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures were similar in the study group before and after TIPS placement and in the control subjects. The incidence and progression of esophageal contractions were similar in the study group before and after TIPS placement and in the control subjects. At 3 cm above the LES, the amplitude of esophageal contraction after TIPS placement was significantly higher than that before TIPS placement. At 3 and 8 cm above the LES, the amplitude of esophageal contraction in the control subjects was significantly higher than that in the study group before and after TIPS placement. Esophageal acid exposure time after TIPS placement was similar to that in the controls. TIPS placement is a useful treatment that improves esophageal motor function without the occurrence of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux.

Transmesenteric-Transfemoral Method of Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement with Minilaparotomy

To determine whether the transmesenteric-transfemoral method of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IPS) placement is safer and more efficient than the transjugular method. Sixty-six consecutive patients with cirrhosis and bleeding varices underwent 67 IPS procedures. Sixty-one of these procedures were performed using a combination of transfemoral access to the hepatic vein with transmesenteric access to the portal system provided by means of minilaparotomy. Follow-up days were collected periodically by means of clinical evaluation and duplex sonography of the shunt. Angiographic evaluation was performed when necessary. No technical failures or periprocedural deaths occurred. The radiologic and surgical portions of the procedure were accomplished within 45 and 55 minutes, respectively. In cases without portal thrombosis, maximum fluoroscopy time was 12 minutes. During follow-up (mean, 16 months), eight shunt revisions including one additional shunt placement were necessary. Transmesenteric-transfemoral IPS placement requires surgical participation but may offer improved efficiency and safety compared with regular transjugular IPS placement.