Delayed liver laceration following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal hypertension

World J Gastroenterol. 2012 Dec 28;18(48):7405-8. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i48.7405.

Abstract

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an acceptable procedure that has proven benefits in the treatment of patients who have complications from portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. Delayed liver laceration is a rare complication of the TIPS procedure. We describe a patient with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis, who suddenly presented with abdominal hemorrhage and liver laceration 8 d after TIPS. Few reports have described complications after TIPS placement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing delayed liver laceration. This potential and serious complication appears to be specific and fatal for TIPS in portal hypertension. We advocate careful attention to the technique to avoid this complication, and timely treatment is extremely important.

Keywords: Hemorrhage; Liver cirrhosis; Portal hypertension; Postoperative complications; Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / complications
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / etiology
  • Female
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology
  • Hypertension, Portal / surgery*
  • Lacerations / etiology*
  • Liver / injuries*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Phlebography
  • Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome