TIPS Procedure for alocohol liver disease

[djrocco]

I am going through the process of having tests to have a Transjugular intrahepaqtic portosysyemic shunt (TIPS) in 2025.

Anyone here had this done? Seems ok to reduce my ascities and reduce pressure in the portal vein. I have read the NHS booklet.

Just need to chat with someone about the pros and cons.

Thanks

[Mango5cm]

my son had a TIPS procedure just over a year ago . Before the procedure he was being drained between 10-12 litres every week .

He was in hospital over night and he said the procedure was painless . He expected the asceties to stop building up immediately but it didn’t . The reduction was very slow . After about 7 months he was being drained about 6 litres every week . His consultant prescribed water tablets which have worked and now he is drained upto 5 litres a fortnight . On Monday drain was only 1 litre .

The cons were : He thought it would work immediately .

The pros are it has worked but it’s taken over a year !

Hope you’re able to have it done - it has improved the quality of my son’s life . Best wishes Carol

[Porcupine_Tree]

Beware of Hepatic Encepolopathy. You don't want to go there .Your motor skills are impaired as well as many other things.Also you are legally required to submit your driving licence to DVLA and car insurance.

You do not want to be driving a car in that state. You would be prone to causing an accident.

Hope you make the right decision by speaking with the relevant consultants.

ATB

[Benwillfred]

I had my TIPS procedure done in July 2024 it has been life changing !!! I was told the risks very clearly however drainage was being done every 10 days !!! I was spending most of my time in bed !!! I honestly said either they tried the TIPS or my life as it was wasn't worth living. Dramatic I know but the truth. I had the procedure done the day after drainage of the tummy and chest where they took 6.5 litres. The operation was extremely successful and although I've had a couple of plural drains done no stomach ascites which was the real problem.

It also.meant that I could now have a hernia repair done

Something they wouldn't contemplate before.

Talk it through with your consultant and the anesthetist and go from there

Good luck

[Livmar]

Hi, I had TIPS done September 2023. My sole problem was severe portal hypertension. It can add years to your life. Getting drained once a week is no life. Everyone is different and will react differently to TIPS. I never had HE or edema. After TIPS a got a bit of edema on ankles. I wear compression socks plus I take small doze of water pill.

It took me 2-3 months to recover as I felt weak, tired and sleepy.

Make sure you get your heart checked to make sure it can handle the added flow. I would also highly recommend you get all your blood work done including ammonia before your TIPS procedure so you can have a baseline for future blood work.

You will probably be put on Xifaxin (not cheap) hope your insurance covers it , also lactulose. They both work together to prevent HE.

I wish you the best of luck and blessings🙏.