Outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using 12 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 12 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents for the creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt ( TIPS) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension complicated by variceal bleeding and volume-overload. METHODS This retrospective study included 360 patients who had TIPS created between January 2004 and December 2017 using 12 mm diameter PTFE-covered stents. Demographic data, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, etiology of cirrhosis, and Charlson comorbidity index were recorded. Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), variceal re-bleeding, improvement in volume-overload, TIPS revisions and the need for intervention, and overall survival were assessed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 56.8 +/- 9.9 years, and the technical success rate was 99.4%. The rates of improvement of volume- overload post-TIPS were 59.5%, 69.8%, and 81.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. About 93.3% of patients were free from paracentesis or thoracentesis at 12 months. The rates of re-bleeding post-TIPS were 4%, 12%, and 12.9% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The rate of TIPS revision at 12 months was 6.5%. Percentage of patients with any symptoms of HE were 34.4%, 42.9%, and 49.5% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. All HE were appropriately medically managed and no patients required a TIPS reduction. CONCLUSION TIPS placement using 12 mm PTFE-covered stents is efficacious in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension complicated by variceal bleeding or refractory volume-overload, with an acceptable safety profile.