Z Gastroenterol 2004; 42 - 26
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-827130

Sonography in TIPS implanted patients – Case report

B Erőss 1, I Lázár 2, G Bíró 1, G Székely 1
  • 11. Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, St. John's Hospital, Budapest
  • 2Department of Radiology, B.A.Z. County Hospital, Miskolc

In recent years the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has established itself as an alternative method for the prophylaxis of relapsing variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. Implantation of the portosystemic shunt is a very effective way of decreasing the portal tension.

One of our alcohol dependent patients had liver cirrhosis, suffered many times from life threatening variceal bleedings from the esophagus and needed transfusions and intensive care. After the second variceal bleeding we applied sclerotherapy. During control gastroscopy we saw remaining varices, which could have caused bleedings again. After the proper examinations, we decided to implant a TIPS. On the 26.10.2003. the implantation was carried out successfully.

After introducing TIPS it is very important to control the hepatic parenchymal functions and examine regularly the portal circulation and TIPS function. Color Doppler and 3 dimension-ultrasound method is a noninvasive way of monitoring shunt patency and function after TIPS implantation.

Showing this case the authors explain the methods and its results.