Loading...
Some previous data suggest that use of smaller-diameter transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stents lowers rates of hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS placement. To determine if their use improves survival, investigators retrospectively analyzed data from a prospective, open-label registry of patients undergoing TIPS implantation in Germany between 2006 and 2010. Clinical and biochemical data were collected at time of TIPS implantation and every several months thereafter at follow-up visits.
The study cohort comprised 185 patients (median age, 55 years; 70% men). TIPS indications were refractory ascites in 107 patients and variceal bleeding in 78. Fifty-three patients received an 8-mm–diameter covered stent, and 132 received a…