The long-term efficacy of the intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for the treatment of bleeding anorectal varices in cirrhosis. A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: In patients with portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage, the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is indicated when drug therapy or endoscopic treatment fails to control bleeding. Ruptured esophageal or gastric varices are the most frequent causes of portal hypertension-related hemorrhage, but anorectal varices may also bleed. Although several case reports have proposed TIPS in this situation, the long-term results of this procedure have not been described.
METHODS: We report here the case of a 68-year-old patient with decompensated cirrhosis who presented with recurrent hematochezia due to anorectal varices.
RESULTS: A successful control of bleeding could be obtained after placement of TIPS. After 3 years of follow-up, rectal bleeding did not recur, the shunt remained primarily patent, and the patient did not present overt hepatic encephalopathy.
CONCLUSION: TIPS procedure should be considered as an effective treatment of recurrent bleeding from anorectal varices in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel