TIPS Shunt Procedure in Bangalore

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (abbreviated as TIPS) is a specialised medical procedure for treating liver problems. It is a minimally invasive surgery to reduce any complications caused by portal hypertension. Here, we will give you complete guidance on the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, its procedure, risks, and benefits.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a minimally invasive procedure done to form new connections between blood vessels in the liver. It is recommended for people suffering from severe liver problems such as cirrhosis. If you are searching for a TIPS Shunt Procedure in Bangalore, you must visit the Gleneagles Hospital. It is the best hospital offering treatment for liver problems.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) is a specific surgical procedure that helps prevent complications that might occur due to portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure in the portal vein becomes abnormally high. It occurs due to cirrhosis or other liver problems. The doctor creates a shunt (artificial channel) in the liver to divert the flow of blood from the portal vein to the hepatic vein to reduce pressure.

TIPS is recommended when complications occur due to portal hypertension. The portal vein carries blood from our digestive organs to the liver for detoxification. Chronic liver problems such as cirrhosis of the liver cause scarring and resistance to blood flow, causing portal hypertension. Portal hypertension can lead to the following complications that require TIPS:

• Variceal Bleeding: High blood pressure in the portal veins dilates the veins in the esophagus or stomach which causes gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Refractory Ascites: Portal hypertension can cause accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. When diuretics do not help to drain fluid, then the TIPS procedure is done to redirect blood flow and reduce fluid formation.
• Hepatic Hydrothorax: In some people, fluid collects in the pleural cavity and causes infection of the lungs. If thoracentesis does not help, then TIPS can help to reduce fluid formation.
• Budd-Chiari Syndrome: It occurs rarely in which blood clots cause blockage of hepatic veins causing liver congestion, swelling, and portal hypertension. TIPS can help to restore blood flow thereby preventing liver damage.
• Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT): The formation of blood clots in the portal vein can worsen the condition. TIPS help to bypass the blockage and restore blood flow to the liver.

Before the procedure, your doctor will recommend certain tests, including blood, kidney, and liver tests.

• Some imaging tests such as X-ray or ECG may be recommended.
• You must tell the doctor if you are taking any medicines or herbs because you have to stop taking some medicines such as warfarin before the procedure.
• You must follow the doctor’s instructions when to stop eating & drinking before the procedure.
• Reach the hospital on time.

During the Procedure

• You will be given general or local anaesthesia so that you may sleep and feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• The doctor will insert a catheter through the skin into a vein in your neck. The other end of the catheter has a tiny balloon & a metal mesh stent (tube).
• The doctor will guide the catheter into a vein in the liver using an X-ray machine.
• Dye or contrast medium is injected into the vein to see the vein.
• The balloon is inflated to place the stent. If local anaesthesia is given, you may feel a little pain at this time.
• The doctor connects your portal vein to the hepatic vein with the stent.
• At the end, the doctor will measure the pressure of your portal vein to ensure it stabilises.
• The catheter and balloon are removed. A small bandage is placed over the neck, and no stitches are used.
• The procedure may take one hour to one and a half hours.
• This improves blood flow and reduces pressure on the veins of your oesophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver.

After the Procedure

• After the procedure, you will be shifted to the recovery room. You will be kept under observation for bleeding.
• You can return home the same day or may have to stay overnight in the hospital to recover from the effect of anaesthesia.
• You may have to visit for a follow-up, as the doctor will recommend an ultrasound to ensure that the stent is working properly.

TIPS helps reduce the risk of variceal bleeding, improves ascites, and hepatic hydrothorax, and may delay the need for a liver transplant. It is a minimally invasive procedure; therefore, hospital stay is for s short period, and recovery is fast.

Some risks are associated with the TIPS procedure, which include:

• Infection at the site.
• Bruising or bleeding
• Damage to the blood vessels.
• Fever
• Reaction to the dye or anaesthesia
• Stiffness, bruising, and soreness in the neck
• Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that affects mental function, concentration, and memory and may lead to coma.
• Rare risks include heart problems or abnormal heart rhythms, infection of the stent, blockage in the stent, and bleeding in the abdomen.

Gleneagles Hospital is known for the best treatment of liver problems. If you are looking for a TIPS shunt procedure in Bangalore, you must choose Gleneagles Hospital. The reasons for choosing this hospital are:

• Expertise in the treatment of liver problems and interventional radiology: TIPS is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. Gleneagles Hospital has a team of highly skilled interventional radiologists, herpetologists, and gastroenterologists. They use the best methods to treat all kinds of liver problems with ease and perfection.
• Cutting Edge medical technology and facilities: Gleneagles Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and facilities to enhance the success rate. The hospital has advanced imaging techniques for ultrasound, CT-scan, and MRI. The labs are equipped with high-resolution tools to ensure safety and high success.
• Comprehensive patient care: Gleneagles Hospital offers comprehensive care to patients for long-term success and quick recovery. The doctors do a full assessment before the procedure to evaluate risks and make a tailored treatment plan to minimise complications. The doctor monitors the patients after the procedure to prevent complications and provide immediate management.
• High success rates: The hospital has a proven track record of success in TIPS procedures. Patients see significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life after the treatment.
• Personalised care and treatment: The doctors make personalised treatment plans for patients specific to their liver condition. The hospital also has dedicated dieticians and physiotherapists to ease recovery. The hospital also has helpful and compassionate nursing staff to ensure patient’s comfort and well-being.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a bypass used to connect two veins within the liver using an X-ray. It is a lifesaving procedure for people suffering from complications due to portal hypertension. It improves quality of life and prevents complications. You must consult with a radiologist in the best hospital for TIPS Shunt procedure in Bangalore to get the best results.