TIPS and Interventional Radiology Management of Portal Hypertensive Complications in Pediatric Population

Abstract

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is a well-established procedure for treating the sequelae of portal hypertension in adults. In pediatric patients also, TIPS is a good alternative to surgical shunt procedures because it is less invasive. However, similar or even more than in adults, TIPS creation is one of the technically more challenging procedures in children requiring special considerations regarding portal venous access and stent placement. Although data are limited to retrospective single-center experiences and meta-analysis, current findings suggest that TIPS is safe and effective in pediatric patients. If monitored and revised carefully, TIPS stents can last for a long time and may be able to serve for more than a short-term bridge to liver transplantation. This review shall provide information about the authors' procedural technique and give a short overview about the recent literature.