Long-term efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the treatment of refractory ascites

Abstract

Eighteen patients with refractory ascites (Child-Pugh score 9.9) defined by our criteria were treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The long-term efficacy of the treatment was studied in these patients. The complete and partial response rate of refractory ascites was 73% at 6 months, 90% at 1 year and 100% at 2 years. The cumulative survival rate was 89% at 6 months, 78% at 1 year and 48% at 2 years. A statistically significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in performance status score following TIPS:Mean performance status score prior to TIPS was 43%, as opposed to 62% at 3 months after TIPS and 85% at 2 years. Child-Pugh score and liver function tests showed no significant change. During follow-up, shunt stenosis was noted in 14 patients, requiring shunt revision. Ascites recurrence was observed in 70% of patients with shunt stenosis and shunt revision resulted in good control of ascites. Post-TIPS encephalopathy was seen in 15 patients during follow-up. In conclusion, TIPS is effective on the treatment of refractory ascites and results in an improvement in quality of life. TIPS also may improve survival of the patients with refractory ascites. However, shunt stenosis and encephalopathy are common and require careful follow-up and adequate treatment.