Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Stent Shunt for Acute Variceal Bleeding: An Option?

Abstract

Hemorrhage from esophageal and/or gastral varices is a major and often fatal complication of portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis [1]. Each bleeding episode is associated with a mortality rate in the range of 30–50%, which is much higher than after acute myocardial infarction. Thus, cirrhotics with acute variceal bleeding are high-risk patients and should be treated in experienced intensive care units to provide immediate hemostasis and adequate prevention of early rebleeding and multiorgan complications.