Background:
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with portal hypertension may be considered as a rescue therapy in case of recurrent variceal bleeding or failure of endoscopic management.
Case reports:
We present a case of a patient with massive gastroesophageal variceal bleeding refractory to numerous endoscopic treatments in which TIPS was considered in an attempt to decrease the risk of potentially fatal rebleeding. Standard TIPS procedure was not feasible due to altered anatomy of the liver resulting from right hemidiaphragmatic paresis. Computed Tomography (CT) fluoroscopic guidance was utilized for direct percutaneous puncture of the left hepatic and left portal vein with subsequent guidewire snaring to perform portosystemic shunting via femoral access. Since the procedure, no recurrent variceal bleeding was reported and the shunt remained patent at a 3-year follow-up. Although stent fracture with fragment migration was observed.
Conclusions:
Significant variation in liver anatomy does not preclude the creation of nonsurgical portosystemic shunt. In these cases, combined percutaneous and endovascular technique may be utilized.