Vangeli M, Patch D, Terreni N, Tibballs J, Watkinson A, Davies N, Burroughs AK. Bleeding ectopic varices--treatment with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) and embolisation.
J Hepatol 2004;
41:560-6. [PMID:
15464235 DOI:
10.1016/j.jhep.2004.06.024]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2004] [Revised: 05/30/2004] [Accepted: 06/25/2004] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Bleeding ectopic varices due to cirrhosis can be difficult to manage. We report our experience of uncontrolled bleeding from ectopic varices treated with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS).
METHODS
We selected the 21 cirrhotics who underwent TIPS for bleeding ectopic varices from our database: Child-Pugh grade A (2), B (11) and C (8). Site of bleeding was rectal (11), colonic (2), ileal 1, jejunal 1, duodenal 1, and stomal (5).
RESULTS
TIPS was performed successfully in 19/21 (90%) patients. All except 1 had either a reduction in portosystemic pressure gradient < or = 12 mmHg (n=12) or reduction by 25-50% of baseline (n=6). TIPS alone was used in 12/19: 7 of these 12 had no further bleeding; 5 (42%) rebled within 48 h, and had embolisation, 4 without further bleeding. In 7 of 19, TIPS and embolisation were performed together: 2 patients (28%) rebled; further embolisation stopped the bleeding.
CONCLUSIONS
Ectopic varices do rebleed despite a reduction of porto-systemic pressure gradient < or = 12 mmHg or by 25-50% of baseline, following TIPS. Embolisation stopped bleeding in all but 1 patient. We recommend performing embolisation at the time of the initial TIPS to control bleeding from ectopic varices.
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