Incidence, Natural History, and Risk Factors of Hepatic Encephalopathy After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt With Polytetrafluoroethylene-Covered Stent Grafts

Abstract

HE after TIPS with PTFE-covered stent grafts is frequent; its incidence is not confined to the first post-TIPS period, but it has the tendency to be frequent over time. Refractory HE occurred in 8% of patients and may be successfully managed by reducing the stent diameter. The selection of patients undergoing TIPS placement should be very accurate, especially for those subjects with abnormal creatinine level.