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Gondolesi GE, Rumbo C, Montes L, Novellis L, Ramisch D, Henríquez AR, Ortega M, Viano F, Schiano T, Descalzi V, Tiribelli C, Oltean M, Barros-Schelotto P, Solar H. Pathophysiology of ascites: The importance of the intestine. A surgical contribution to the understanding of a medical problem. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101498. [PMID: 38479458 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms for the development of ascites has evolved over the years, involving the liver, peritoneum, heart, and kidneys as key responsible for its formation. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of ascites formation, introducing the role of the intestine as a major responsible for ascites production through "a game changer" case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E Gondolesi
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina Rumbo
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Montes
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucia Novellis
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Ramisch
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Riquelme Henríquez
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Ortega
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Viano
- Internal Medicine. Metabolic and Nutritional Support Unit. Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Thomas Schiano
- Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, United States of America
| | - Valeria Descalzi
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Mihai Oltean
- The Transplant Institute. Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg 413 45, Sweden
| | - Pablo Barros-Schelotto
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Héctor Solar
- General Surgery, Liver-pancreas and Intestinal transplantation. Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro. IMeTTyB, Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Miller A, Bernshteyn M, Achakzai B, Macfie R. Closure of a distal splenorenal shunt as a therapy for refractory hyperammonaemia in setting of neuropsychiatric symptoms. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e255610. [PMID: 37591624 PMCID: PMC10441096 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Before the widespread use of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, portal hypertension was addressed by the creation of an operative distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS). DSRS was largely regarded as a safe and effective therapy, though it did have a risk of precipitating hyperammonaemia and hepatic encephalopathy.A woman suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. This trauma led to portal vein thrombosis, cavernous transformation of the vein and eventually bleeding oesophageal varices from portal hypertension. A DSRS was created to decrease portal hypertension. Years later, she had profound depression with psychomotor slowing in the setting of hyperammonaemia. To reduce hepatic encephalopathy as a contributor to her neuropsychiatric condition, her shunt was closed. The hyperammonaemia resolved and neuropsychiatric symptoms improved.This case highlights several interesting clinical features, including portal hypertension due to chronic portal vein occlusion, cavernous transformation, a surgical DSRS causing hyperammonaemia and hepatic encephalopathy manifesting as neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Miller
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Bernshteyn
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA, USA
| | - Basit Achakzai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA, USA
| | - Rebekah Macfie
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA, USA
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Orloff MJ, Hye RJ, Wheeler HO, Isenberg JI, Haynes KS, Vaida F, Girard B, Orloff KJ. Randomized trials of endoscopic therapy and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt versus portacaval shunt for emergency and elective treatment of bleeding gastric varices in cirrhosis. Surgery 2015; 157:1028-45. [PMID: 25957003 PMCID: PMC6370460 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Bleeding esophageal varices has been studied extensively, but bleeding gastric varices (BGV) has received much less investigation. However, BGV has been reported in ≤ 30% of patients with acute variceal bleeding. In our studies of 1,836 bleeding cirrhotics, 12.7% were bleeding from gastric varices. BGV mortality rate of 45-55% has been reported. The BGV literature has mainly involved retrospective case reports, often with short-term follow-up. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe the results of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) in unselected, consecutive patients with BGV comparing endoscopic therapy (ET) with portacaval shunt (PCS; n = 518), and later comparing emergency transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with emergency portacaval shunt (EPCS; n = 70). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Initially, our RCT involved 518 patients with BGV comparing ET with direct PCS regarding control of bleeding, mortality rate, and disability. When entry of patients ended, the RCT was expanded to compare emergency TIPS with EPCS (n = 70). This RCT of BGV was separate from our other RCTs of bleeding esophageal varices. INTERVENTIONS Initially, ET was compared with PCS. In the second part of our RCT, emergency TIPS was compared with emergency PCS (EPCS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were survival, control of bleeding, portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), quality of life, and direct costs of care. In the RCT of ET versus PCS, 28 and 30%, respectively, were in Child class C. In the expanded RCT of TIPS versus EPCS, 40 and 41%, respectively, were in Child class C. Permanent control of BGV was achieved in 97-100% of patients treated by emergency or elective PCS, compared with 27-29% by ET. TIPS was even less effective, achieving long-term control of BGV in only 6%. Survival rates after PCS were greater at all time intervals and in all Child classes (P < .001). Repeated episodes of PSE occurred in 50% of TIPS patients, 16-17% treated by ET, and 8-11% treated by PCS. Shunt stenosis or occlusion occurred in 67% of TIPS patients, in contrast with 0-2% of PCS patients. CONCLUSION These results support the conclusion that PCS is uniformly effective, whereas ET and TIPS are not very effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall J Orloff
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA.
| | - Robert J Hye
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Henry O Wheeler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Jon I Isenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Kevin S Haynes
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Florin Vaida
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine/Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Barbara Girard
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Karen J Orloff
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
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Nusrat S, Khan MS, Fazili J, Madhoun MF. Cirrhosis and its complications: Evidence based treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:5442-5460. [PMID: 24833875 PMCID: PMC4017060 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis results from progressive fibrosis and is the final outcome of all chronic liver disease. It is among the ten leading causes of death in United States. Cirrhosis can result in portal hypertension and/or hepatic dysfunction. Both of these either alone or in combination can lead to many complications, including ascites, varices, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and coagulation disorders. Cirrhosis and its complications not only impair quality of life but also decrease survival. Managing patients with cirrhosis can be a challenge and requires an organized and systematic approach. Increasing physicians’ knowledge about prevention and treatment of these potential complications is important to improve patient outcomes. A literature search of the published data was performed to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of cirrhosis and its complications.
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Biecker E. Portal hypertension and gastrointestinal bleeding: Diagnosis, prevention and management. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:5035-5050. [PMID: 23964137 PMCID: PMC3746375 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i31.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bleeding from esophageal varices is a life threatening complication of portal hypertension. Primary prevention of bleeding in patients at risk for a first bleeding episode is therefore a major goal. Medical prophylaxis consists of non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol or carvedilol. Variceal endoscopic band ligation is equally effective but procedure related morbidity is a drawback of the method. Therapy of acute bleeding is based on three strategies: vasopressor drugs like terlipressin, antibiotics and endoscopic therapy. In refractory bleeding, self-expandable stents offer an option for bridging to definite treatments like transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Treatment of bleeding from gastric varices depends on vasopressor drugs and on injection of varices with cyanoacrylate. Strategies for primary or secondary prevention are based on non-selective beta-blockers but data from large clinical trials is lacking. Therapy of refractory bleeding relies on shunt-procedures like TIPS. Bleeding from ectopic varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia-syndrome is less common. Possible medical and endoscopic treatment options are discussed.
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Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients with Portal Hypertension. ISRN HEPATOLOGY 2013; 2013:541836. [PMID: 27335828 PMCID: PMC4890899 DOI: 10.1155/2013/541836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension is a serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Most patients bleed from esophageal or gastric varices, but bleeding from ectopic varices or portal hypertensive gastropathy is also possible. The management of acute bleeding has changed over the last years. Patients are managed with a combination of endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment. The endoscopic treatment of choice for esophageal variceal bleeding is variceal band ligation. Bleeding from gastric varices is treated by injection with cyanoacrylate. Treatment with vasoactive drugs as well as antibiotic treatment is started before or at the time point of endoscopy. The first-line treatment for primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding is nonselective beta blockers. Pharmacologic therapy is recommended for most patients; band ligation is an alternative in patients with contraindications for or intolerability of beta blockers. Treatment options for secondary prophylaxis include variceal band ligation, beta blockers, a combination of nitrates and beta blockers, and combination of band ligation and pharmacologic treatment. A clear superiority of one treatment over the other has not been shown. Bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy or ectopic varices is less common. Treatment options include beta blocker therapy, injection therapy, and interventional radiology.
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Narváez-Rivera RM, Cortez-Hernández CA, González-González JA, Tamayo-de la Cuesta JL, Zamarripa-Dorsey F, Torre-Delgadillo A, Rivera-Ramos JFJ, Vinageras-Barroso JI, Muneta-Kishigami JE, Blancas-Valencia JM, Antonio-Manrique M, Valdovinos-Andraca F, Brito-Lugo P, Hernández-Guerrero A, Bernal-Reyes R, Sobrino-Cossío S, Aceves-Tavares GR, Huerta-Guerrero HM, Moreno-Gómez N, Bosques-Padilla FJ. [Mexican consensus on portal hypertension]. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO 2013; 78:92-113. [PMID: 23664429 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the Mexican Consensus on Portal Hypertension was to develop documented guidelines to facilitate clinical practice when dealing with key events of the patient presenting with portal hypertension and variceal bleeding. The panel of experts was made up of Mexican gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and endoscopists, all distinguished professionals. The document analyzes themes of interest in the following modules: preprimary and primary prophylaxis, acute variceal hemorrhage, and secondary prophylaxis. The management of variceal bleeding has improved considerably in recent years. Current information indicates that the general management of the cirrhotic patient presenting with variceal bleeding should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team, with such an approach playing a major role in the final outcome. The combination of drug and endoscopic therapies is recommended for initial management; vasoactive drugs should be started as soon as variceal bleeding is suspected and maintained for 5 days. After the patient is stabilized, urgent diagnostic endoscopy should be carried out by a qualified endoscopist, who then performs the corresponding endoscopic variceal treatment. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be regarded as an integral part of treatment, started upon hospital admittance and continued for 5 days. If there is treatment failure, rescue therapies should be carried out immediately, taking into account that interventional radiology therapies are very effective in controlling refractory variceal bleeding. These guidelines have been developed for the purpose of achieving greater clinical efficacy and are based on the best evidence of portal hypertension that is presently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Narváez-Rivera
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario «Dr. José Eleuterio González», Monterrey, N.L., México
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The surgical treatment for portal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ISRN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2013; 2013:464053. [PMID: 23509634 PMCID: PMC3594950 DOI: 10.1155/2013/464053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Aim. To compare the effectiveness of surgical procedures (selective or nonselective shunt, devascularization, and combined shunt and devascularization) in preventing recurrent variceal bleeding and other complications in patients with portal hypertension.
Methods. A systematic literature search of the Medline and Cochrane Library databases was carried out, and a meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Quality of Reporting Meta-Analyses (QUOROM) statement.
Results. There were a significantly higher reduction in rebleeding, yet a significantly more common encephalopathy (P = 0.05) in patients who underwent the shunt procedure compared with patients who had only a devascularization procedure. Further, there were no significant differences in rebleeding, late mortality, and encephalopathy between selective versus non-selective shunt. Next, the decrease of portal vein pressure, portal vein diameter, and free portal pressure in patients who underwent combined treatment with shunt and devascularization was more pronounced compared with patients who were treated with devascularization alone (P < 0.05).
Conclusions. This meta-analysis shows clinical advantages of combined shunt and devascularization over devascularization in the prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding and other complications in patients with portal hypertension.
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de Ville de Goyet J, D'Ambrosio G, Grimaldi C. Surgical management of portal hypertension in children. Semin Pediatr Surg 2012; 21:219-32. [PMID: 22800975 DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The management of children with portal hypertension has dramatically changed during the past decade, with an improvement in outcome. This has been achieved by improved efficiency of endoscopic variceal control and the success of liver transplantation. Emergency surgical shunt procedures are rarely required, with acute bleeding episodes generally controlled endoscopically or, occasionally in adults, by interventional radiological procedures. Portosystemic shunts may be considered as a bridge to transplant in adults but are rarely used in this context in children. Nontransplant surgery or radiological interventions may still be indicated for noncirrhotic portal hypertension when the primary cause can be cured and to allow normalization of portal pressure before liver parenchyma is damaged by chronic secondary changes in some specific diseases. The meso-Rex bypass shunt is used widely but is limited to those with a favorable anatomy and can even be performed preemptively. Elective portosystemic shunt surgery is reserved for failure to respond to conservative management in the absence of alternative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean de Ville de Goyet
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Portal-systemic encephalopathy in a randomized controlled trial of endoscopic sclerotherapy versus emergency portacaval shunt treatment of acutely bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis. Ann Surg 2011; 250:598-610. [PMID: 19730244 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e3181b73126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with cirrhosis and bleeding esophageal varices, there is a widespread belief that control of bleeding by portal-systemic shunts is compromised by a high incidence of shunt-related portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). This important issue was examined by a randomized controlled trial that compared emergency and long-term endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) to emergency direct portacaval shunt (EPCS) in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal hemorrhage. METHODS The study was a community-wide undertaking known as the San Diego Bleeding Esophageal Varices Study. A total of 211 unselected, consecutive patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis and endoscopically proven, acutely bleeding esophageal varices that required at least 2 units of blood transfusion were randomized to EST (n = 106) or EPCS (n = 105). The diagnostic workup was completed in less than 6 hours and EST or EPCS was initiated within 8 hours of initial contact. Long-term EST was performed according to a deliberate schedule over months. Criteria for failure of EST or EPCS were clearly defined and crossover rescue treatment was applied, whenever possible, when failure of primary therapy was declared. PSE was quantitated by a "blinded" senior faculty gastroenterologist. Four variously weighted components of PSE were graded on a scale of 0 to 4: (1) mental state, (2) asterixis, (3) number connection test, and (4) arterial blood ammonia. PSE was classified as recurrent if 2 or more episodes were documented. All patients (100%) had follow-up for more than 9.4 years or until death. RESULTS Child's risk classes in the EST and EPCS groups, respectively, were 25% and 30% in class A, 43% and 47% in class B, and 26% and 29% in class C. Mean time from onset of bleeding to EST or EPCS was less than 24 hours, and from study entry to EST or EPCS was 3.1 to 4.4 hours, respectively. EST achieved permanent control of bleeding in only 20% of patients, while EPCS permanently controlled bleeding in every patient (P ≤ 0.001). Survival following EPCS was 3.5 to 5 times greater than that of EST at 5, 10, and 15 years (P ≤ 0.001). The incidence of recurrent PSE following EST (35%) was more than twice the incidence following EPCS (15%) (P ≤ 0.001). EST patients had a total of 179 episodes of PSE and 146 PSE-related hospital admissions, compared with EPCS patients who had 94 episodes of PSE and 87 hospital admissions (P ≤ 0.001). Recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which was rare in the EPCS group, was a major causative factor of PSE in the EST patients. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to EST, EPCS permanently controlled variceal bleeding, resulted in significantly greater long-term survival, and was followed by a relatively low (15%) incidence of PSE. These results were facilitated by rigorous, frequent, and lifelong follow-up that included regular counseling on dietary protein restriction and abstinence from alcohol, and by long-term patency of the portacaval shunt in 98% of patients. Furthermore, these results call into question the practice of avoiding portacaval shunt because of fear of PSE, and thereby foregoing the lifesaving advantage achieved by surgical control of bleeding. (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00690027).
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Abstract
Management of children with portal hypertension has evolved considerably over the past decades. Development of physiologic shunts (meso-Rex bypass) and successful liver transplant has changed the paradigm of portal hypertension surgery. Children with pre-hepatic portal hypertension are investigated and, if suitable, candidates are offered the mesenteric-to-left portal vein bypass (meso-Rex) preemptively, before development of symptoms of portal hypertension. Aggressive medical management, endoscopic ligation of bleeding varices, and radiologically placed intrahepatic stents have greatly reduced the need for emergent surgical procedures. A larger number of surgical options offer a permanent solution for children with portal hypertension in the setting of well-compensated liver function. Portal hypertension in the setting of decompensated liver disease is managed medically (via endoscopy) or radiologically (via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) with the aim to offer liver transplant as a permanent solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Scholz
- Paediatric HPB Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
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Orloff MJ, Isenberg JI, Wheeler HO, Haynes KS, Jinich-Brook H, Rapier R, Vaida F, Hye RJ, Orloff SL. Liver transplantation in a randomized controlled trial of emergency treatment of acutely bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis. Transplant Proc 2010; 42:4101-8. [PMID: 21168637 PMCID: PMC3032417 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bleeding esophageal varices (BEV) in cirrhosis has been considered an indication for liver transplantation (LT). This issue was examined in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of unselected, consecutive patients with advanced cirrhosis and BEV that compared endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST; n = 106) to emergency direct portacaval shunt (EPCS; n = 105). METHODS Diagnostic work-up and treatment were initiated within 8 hours. Patients were evaluated for LT on admission and repeatedly thereafter; 96% underwent over 10 years of regular follow-up. The analysis was supplemented by 1300 unrandomized cirrhotic patients who previously underwent portacaval shunt (PCS) with 100% follow-up. RESULTS In the RCT long-term bleeding control was 100% following EPCS, only 20% following EST. Also, 3-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 75%, 73%, 46%, and 46%, respectively, following EPCS compared with 44%, 21%, 9%, and 9% following EST, respectively (P < .001). Only 13 RCT patients (6%) were ultimately referred for LT mainly because of progressive liver failure; only 7 (3%) were approved for LT and only 4 (2%) underwent LT. The 1- and 5-year LT survival rates were 0.68% and 0, respectively, compared with 81% and 73%, respectively, after EPCS. In the 1300 unrandomized PCS patients, 50 (3.8%) were referred and 19 (1.5%) underwent LT. The 5-year survival rate was 53% compared with 72% for all 1300 patients. CONCLUSIONS If bleeding is permanently controlled, as occurred invariably following EPCS, cirrhotic patients with BEV seldom require LT. PCS is effective first-line and long-term treatment. Should LT be required in patients with PCS, although technically more demanding, numerous studies have shown that PCS does not increase mortality or complications. EST is not effective emergency or long-term therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Orloff
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California 92103-8999, USA.
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Orloff MJ, Isenberg JI, Wheeler HO, Haynes KS, Jinich-Brook H, Rapier R, Vaida F, Hye RJ. Randomized trial of emergency endoscopic sclerotherapy versus emergency portacaval shunt for acutely bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis. J Am Coll Surg 2009; 209:25-40. [PMID: 19651060 PMCID: PMC6420230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mortality rate of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis is highest during the period of acute bleeding. This is a report of a randomized trial that compared endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) with emergency portacaval shunt (EPCS) in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN A total of 211 unselected consecutive patients with cirrhosis and acutely bleeding esophageal varices who required at least 2 U of blood transfusion were randomized to EST (n=106) or EPCS (n=105). Diagnostic workup was completed within 6 hours and EST or EPCS was initiated within 8 hours of initial contact. Longterm EST was performed according to a deliberate schedule. Ninety-six percent of patients underwent more than 10 years of followup, or until death. RESULTS The percent of patients in Child's risk classes were A, 27.5; B, 45.0; and C, 27.5. EST achieved permanent control of bleeding in only 20% of patients; EPCS permanently controlled bleeding in every patient (p< or =0.001). Requirement for blood transfusions was greater in the EST group than in the EPCS patients. Compared with EST, survival after EPCS was significantly higher at all time intervals and in all Child's classes (p< or =0.001). Recurrent episodes of portal-systemic encephalopathy developed in 35% of EST patients and 15% of EPCS patients (p< or =0.01). CONCLUSIONS EPCS permanently stopped variceal bleeding, rarely became occluded, was accomplished with a low incidence of portal-systemic encephalopathy, and compared with EST, produced greater longterm survival. The widespread practice of using surgical procedures mainly as salvage for failure of endoscopic therapy is not supported by the results of this trial (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00690027).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall J Orloff
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92103-8999, USA
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Garcia-Tsao G, Sanyal AJ, Grace ND, Carey W. Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis. Hepatology 2007; 46:922-38. [PMID: 17879356 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1204] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine and VACT Healthcare System, New Haven, CT, USA
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Garcia-Tsao G, Sanyal AJ, Grace ND, Carey WD. Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2007; 102:2086-102. [PMID: 17727436 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01481.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine and VA-CT Healthcare System, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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Abstract
The rate of rebleeding of esophageal varices remains high after cessation of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Many measures have been developed to prevent the occurrence of rebleeding. When considering their effectiveness in reduction of rebleeding, the associated complications cannot be neglected. Due to unavoidable high incidence of complications, shunt surgery and endoscopic injection sclerotherapy are now rarely used. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt was developed to replace shunt operation but is now reserved for rescue therapy. Nonselective beta-blockers alone or in combination with isosorbide mononitrate and endoscopic variceal ligation are currently the first choices in the prevention of variceal rebleeding. The combination of nonselective beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation appear to enhance the efficacy. With the advent of newly developed measures, esophageal variceal rebleeding could be greatly reduced and the survival of cirrhotics with bleeding esophageal varices could thereby be prolonged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin-Ho Lo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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ter Borg PCJ, Hollemans M, Van Buuren HR, Vleggaar FP, Groeneweg M, Hop WCJ, Laméris JS. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts: Long-term Patency and Clinical Results in a Patient Cohort Observed for 3–9 Years. Radiology 2004; 231:537-45. [PMID: 15044746 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2312021797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To retrospectively assess the outcome of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in a nonselected group of consecutive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS TIPS placement was attempted in 82 patients. Patients were followed up for at least 3 years according to a standard protocol that included repeated shunt evaluations. Fifty-four patients underwent TIPS placement for variceal bleeding, 24 for refractory ascites, and four for other indications. Recurrent bleeding, effect on ascites, long-term patency, development of encephalopathy, and survival and complication rates were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS TIPS placement was successful in 75 patients (91%). Mean follow-up lasted 29.4 months. Primary patency was 22% and 12%, primary-assisted patency was 67% and 46%, and secondary patency was 91% and 91% at 1- and 5-year follow-up, respectively. Nonalcoholic liver disease (P =.007) and increasing platelet counts (P =.006) independently predicted development of shunt insufficiency. The 1- and 5-year rates of recurrent variceal bleeding were 21% and 27%, respectively. In the majority of patients with refractory ascites, a beneficial effect of TIPS placement was observed. The risk for encephalopathy was 25% at 1-month follow-up and 52% at 3-year follow-up. The risk for chronic or severe intermittent encephalopathy was 15% at 1-year follow-up and 20% at 3-year follow-up. Serum creatinine levels (P =.001) and age (P =.02) were independent risk factors. Overall survival rate was 61%, 49%, and 42% at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up, respectively. Age (P =.03), serum albumin level (P =.02), and serum creatinine level (P <.001) were independently related to mortality. CONCLUSION The risk for definitive loss of shunt function was 17% at 5-year follow-up, indicating that surveillance with shunt revision-when indicated-results in excellent long-term TIPS patency. TIPS placement effectively protects against recurrent bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter C J ter Borg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Room Ca 326, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Lévy S. [Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. What can be done if drug and endoscopic treatments fail?]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2004; 28 Spec No 2:B104-17. [PMID: 15150502 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Lévy
- Soins de suite spécialisés en Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Goüin, 92110 Clichy
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20
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Sorbi D, Gostout CJ, Peura D, Johnson D, Lanza F, Foutch PG, Schleck CD, Zinsmeister AR. An assessment of the management of acute bleeding varices: a multicenter prospective member-based study. Am J Gastroenterol 2003; 98:2424-34. [PMID: 14638344 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.t01-1-07705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bleeding from esophagogastric varices is a major complication of portal hypertension. Despite recent practice guidelines for the management of bleeding esophageal or gastric varices, the widespread application of these measures by gastroenterologists has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to continue the concept of membership-based research within diverse practice settings by expanding the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) GI Bleeding Registry to assess the management and outcome of acute variceal bleeding. METHODS All ACG members (domestic and foreign) were invited to participate during the 1997 Annual Fall meeting and by mail. Data were collected over 12 months. Information obtained included physician training, practice demographics, patient demographics, disease etiology and severity, clinical presentation, medications, transfusion needs, therapy, complications, and rebleeding within 2 wk. RESULTS A total of 93 physicians/centers (79.6% domestic, 26.9% university and affiliated, 3.2% Veterans Affairs) participated. Complete demographic data were available for 725 of the 741 patients enrolled with index bleeding. The median age of these 725 patients was 52 yr and 73.3% were male. The most common single etiology for portal hypertension was cirrhosis (94.3%). The most common causes of cirrhosis were alcohol (56.7%), hepatitis C virus (30.3%), and hepatitis B virus (10.0%). Hemodynamic instability was noted in 60.7% of the patients (22.3% tachycardic, 9.7% orthostatic, 28.7% hypotensive). Index interventions included banding (40.8%; median five bands), sclerotherapy (36.3%), combination banding/sclerotherapy (6.2%), octreotide (52.6%; median 3 days), balloon tamponade (5.5%), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) (6.6%), liver transplantation (1.1%), surgical shunt (0.7%), and embolization (0.1%). Transfusion of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets was given in 83.4%, 44.7%, and 24.6% of the patients with index bleeding, respectively. Median transfusion was four units of packed red blood cells, three units of fresh frozen plasma, and 1.5 units of platelets. Rebleeding occurred in 92 of the 741 patients (12.6%) at a median of 7 days (mean 11 days) and was treated by banding (18.5%; median six bands), sclerotherapy (30.4%), octreotide (63%; median 2 days), balloon tamponade (17.4%), TIPS (15.2%), and surgical shunt (3.3%). Complications from the index bleeding and rebleeding within 2 wk included ulceration (2.6%, 2.2%), aspiration (2.4%, 3.3%), medication side effects (0.8%, 0%), dysphagia (2.3%, 0%), odynophagia (2.2%,0%), encephalopathy (13%,17.4%), and hepatorenal syndrome (2.4%, 2.2%), respectively. After the index bleeding, 46.2% of patients were treated with beta-blockers and 8.2% with nitrates. The majority of patients with index bleeding had Child's B cirrhosis (61.5%). Patients presenting with recurrent bleeding had mostly Child's B (46.7%) or Child's C cirrhosis (44.6%). The overall short-term mortality after index bleeding was 12.9%. CONCLUSIONS Acute variceal hemorrhage occurs more often in patients with Child's B and C cirrhosis. Endoscopic banding is the most common single endoscopic intervention. Adjunctive pharmacotherapy is prevalent acutely and after stabilization. Both morbidity and mortality may be lower than reported in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Sorbi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
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21
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22
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23
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Hemming A, Gallinger S. Liver. Surgery 2001. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-57282-1_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Luketic VA, Sanyal AJ. Esophageal varices. I. Clinical presentation, medical therapy, and endoscopic therapy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2000; 29:337-85. [PMID: 10836186 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8553(05)70119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The last half century has witnessed great advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of portal hypertension in cirrhotics. Several pharmacologic and endoscopic techniques have been developed for the treatment of portal hypertension. The use of these agents in a given patient must be based on an understanding of the stage in the natural history of the disease and the relative efficacy and safety of the available treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Luketic
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
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25
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Luketic VA, Sanyal AJ. Esophageal varices. II. TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) and surgical therapy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2000; 29:387-421, vi. [PMID: 10836187 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8553(05)70120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The role of surgery in the prevention and treatment of variceal hemorrhage is reviewed. Types of available surgery, their physiologic basis, and literature supporting their use are discussed in the context of the natural history of variceal hemorrhage. The evolution of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as a treatment modality for variceal hemorrhage is reviewed. The effects of TIPS on portal and systemic hemodynamics and clinical usefulness in the management of variceal hemorrhage are discussed. A treatment algorithm for the integrated use of the various treatments is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Luketic
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
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Abstract
Since the introduction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) 10 years ago, it has been used increasingly in the management of portal hypertension and its complications. TIPS is now considered the procedure of choice for management of refractory variceal bleeding. Its role in the management of refractory ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatopulmonary syndrome still awaits further prospective studies. The two main complications of TIPS are hepatic encephalopathy and shunt malfunction. Generally, TIPS stenosis or occlusion is a major drawback requiring routine surveillance of TIPS with doppler ultrasound. Venography with balloon dilation of the stent or placement of serial or parallel stents may be required in some cases. Promising modalities of preventing TIPS malfunction (e.g., brachy-therapy, covered stents, or anti-platelet derived growth factor) are currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Ong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA
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27
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Barange K, Péron JM, Imani K, Otal P, Payen JL, Rousseau H, Pascal JP, Joffre F, Vinel JP. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of refractory bleeding from ruptured gastric varices. Hepatology 1999; 30:1139-43. [PMID: 10534333 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510300523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The optimal management of ruptured gastric varices in patients with cirrhosis has not been codified yet. The present study reports the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with refractory gastric variceal bleeding. Thirty-two consecutive patients were included. All had been unresponsive to vasoactive agents infusion, sclerotherapy, and/or tamponade and were considered poor surgical candidates. They were followed-up until death, transplantation, or at least 1 year (median: 509 days; range 4 to 2,230). Hemostasis was achieved in 18 out of 20 patients actively bleeding at the time of the procedure. In the whole sample of 32 patients, rebleeding rates were 14%, 26%, and 31%, respectively at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. De novo encephalopathy was observed in 5 (16%) patients. Seven patients experienced complications and consequently 4 of these patients died. TIPS primary patency rates were 84%, 74%, and 51%, respectively, at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. For the same periods of time, survival rates were 75%, 62%, and 59%. These results suggest that TIPS can be used in cirrhotic patients with refractory gastric variceal bleeding and are effective in achieving hemostasis as well as in preventing rebleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Barange
- Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Fédération Digestive, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
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Papatheodoridis GV, Goulis J, Leandro G, Patch D, Burroughs AK. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt compared with endoscopic treatment for prevention of variceal rebleeding: A meta-analysis. Hepatology 1999; 30:612-22. [PMID: 10462365 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510300316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endoscopic treatment (ET) is frequently used to prevent variceal rebleeding but this still occurs in about 50% of patients. Recently, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been compared with ET in several trials. Using a meta-analysis, we evaluated randomized trials comparing TIPS to ET assessing prevention of rebleeding, survival, and the effects on resource use and the quality of patients' lives. Medical databases were searched between January 1988 and January 1999 as well as published citations and conference proceedings. Sensitivity analyses for type of publication, methodological quality score, mean duration of follow-up, type of ET, etiology, and severity of liver disease were performed. Eleven randomized trials involving 811 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. The median follow-up ranged from 10 to 32 months. Variceal rebleeding was significantly more frequent with ET (47%) compared with TIPS (19%) (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-5.2; P <.001), but there was no difference in mortality (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.71-1.34). Post-treatment encephalopathy occurred significantly less often after ET (19%) than after TIPS (34%) (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30-0.60; P <.001). In the studies showing resource use this was more extensive for TIPS. The sensitivity analyses did not alter the main conclusion, and sole comparison with endoscopic ligation did not alter these results. In conclusion, in patients with variceal bleeding, TIPS compared with ET reduces the rebleeding rate, but does not improve survival, and increases the incidence of encephalopathy in a period of 1 to 2.5 years. Thus, TIPS cannot be recommended as the first choice treatment for prevention of variceal rebleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Papatheodoridis
- Liver Transplantation & Hepatobiliary Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kaur
- Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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30
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Abstract
Although endoscopic sclerotherapy and TIPS remain the primary therapeutic tools in management of acute variceal bleeding, surgical shunts must be considered for low-risk patients with bleeding. OLTx is the only definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and vascular decompensation. Furthermore, the current prospective multicenter randomized study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and Human Services, will help determine the role of DSRS versus TIPS in cirrhotic patients with good hepatic reserve. This is a necessity in a time in which organ shortages are ever-increasing because of a growing disparity between the number of patients listed for transplantation each year versus the number of suitable organ donors. The various surgical techniques should be applied in different situations based on patients' clinical status at the time of the bleed and whether they are considered candidates for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Vargas
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. hvargas+@pitt.edu
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31
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Abstract
Primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVH) is an important issue in the management of patients with portal hypertension. Given the high rates of initial variceal hemorrhage and mortality in patients who have not experienced bleeding from varices, there is an urgent need for some form of primary prophylaxis in all patients with large esophageal varices. The aim of this article is to review the various therapies that have been clinically assessed in randomized controlled trials for their efficacy in prevention of initial EVH. Beta-blockers have been found to be useful in primary prophylaxis of EVH, and the consensus at present is that they should be offered to all patients with portal hypertension who are at high risk for EVH. Nitrates and other newer agents are under evaluation. Surgery is not recommended for primary prophylaxis of EVH. Endoscopic sclerotherapy has not been shown unequivocally to be efficacious, and may even be deleterious, possibly related to an unacceptably high complication rate in this clinical setting. However, it may merit further clinical evaluation in light of recent reports of benefit in certain subgroups of patients with portal hypertension. On the other hand, endoscopic variceal ligation, which has an inherently low complication rate and brings about rapid obliteration of varices, may be a better option for primary prophylaxis of EVH. In the future, preprimary prophylaxis, an attractive concept, may be considered. This would involve intervention with pharmacologic agents even before the development of portal hypertension or esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Shahi
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Nolte W, Wiltfang J, Schindler C, Münke H, Unterberg K, Zumhasch U, Figulla HR, Werner G, Hartmann H, Ramadori G. Portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis: clinical, laboratory, psychometric, and electroencephalographic investigations. Hepatology 1998; 28:1215-25. [PMID: 9794904 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510280508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A prospective study of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) including neuropsychiatric and psychometric evaluation, electroencephalography, and determination of arterial ammonia levels was performed in 55 cirrhotic patients treated consecutively by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The cumulative HE rate increased from 23.6% within the 3-month interval before TIPS to 50. 9% within the first 3-month interval post-TIPS (P = .003). Significant and independent predictors of HE post-TIPS were the presence of HE pre-TIPS and reduced liver function. The cumulative HE rate declined in the second 3-month interval post-TIPS and reached the pre-TIPS level. Chronic forms of HE exceeding grade I were not observed. In a subgroup of 22 nonencephalopathic TIPS patients, the prevalence of subclinical HE did not change after TIPS. Among individual psychometric tests, the block design test gave the highest proportion of pathological results (about 50%), whereas selective reminding gave the lowest (10%-25%). Electroencephalography (EEG) showed a temporary increase of pathological results at 1 month after TIPS, when patients with overt HE (grade I) were included (proportion of 21.1% before vs. 57.1%, P = .005). Arterial ammonia concentration increased from a mean of 94 +/- 26 microgram/dL to 140 +/- 28 microgram/dL at 3 months after TIPS (P < .001). Elevated ammonia levels persisted. TIPS led to a temporary increase of HE incidence within 3 months. The decline of the HE rate beyond 3 months despite a sustained increase of arterial ammonia levels could not entirely be explained by reduction of shunt flow, nor by alteration of liver function. Instead, cerebral adaptation to gut-derived neurotoxins might be anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Nolte
- Department of Medicine, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen,
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Helton
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA
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Waitches G, Leef J, Rosenblum J, Lipton MJ, Metz CE. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts versus surgical shunts: quality assessment and outcome analysis. Acad Radiol 1996; 3 Suppl 1:S62-5. [PMID: 8796517 DOI: 10.1016/s1076-6332(96)80487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Waitches
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Fillmore DJ, Miller FJ, Fox LF, Disario JA, Tietze CC. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: midterm clinical and angiographic follow-up. J Vasc Interv Radiol 1996; 7:255-61. [PMID: 9007807 DOI: 10.1016/s1051-0443(96)70773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the impact of Child class and indication for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement on patient survival and reintervention rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS Metal stents were used to successfully create single shunts in 63 patients during a 3-year period. Angioplasty and repeated stent placement were used to maintain shunt patency, and patients were followed up clinically and angiographically. Statistical analysis of survival and patency was performed with Kaplan-Meier product-limit survival functions. A Karnofsky performance status score was derived for each follow-up encounter. RESULTS Early and late mortalities varied with Child class and procedure indications. Thirty-day mortality was 19% overall (12 of 63 patients) and was 33% for Child class C patients (10 of 30 patients). Thirty-day mortality was 31% (four of 13 patients) for patients with ascites and 16% (eight of 50 patients) for those with bleeding. Reintervention was required in 20 of 33 patients and was not predictable on the basis of Child class. CONCLUSION Child class and indication for procedures are significant predictors of survival but not of the need for reintervention. Ninety-day survivors had uniformly good performance status.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Fillmore
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City 84132, USA
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Jabbour N, Zajko AB, Orons PD, Irish W, Bartoli F, Marsh WJ, Dodd GD, Aldreghitti L, Colangelo J, Rakela J, Fung JJ. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with end-stage liver disease: results in 85 patients. LIVER TRANSPLANTATION AND SURGERY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF LIVER DISEASES AND THE INTERNATIONAL LIVER TRANSPLANTATION SOCIETY 1996; 2:139-47. [PMID: 9346640 DOI: 10.1002/lt.500020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is becoming an accepted procedure as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and bleeding from portal hypertension. It allows the immediate control of acute bleeding and decreases the risk of recurrent acute bleeding while the patient is awaiting OLT. We review in this report, our experience with 85 patients who underwent a TIPS procedure for gastrointestinal variceal bleeding from September 1991 until April 1994. All patients had liver cirrhosis and all had previous sclerotherapy before TIPS. Child-Pugh score was calculated at enrollment, and all patients were evaluated for possible OLT. Thirteen patients were Child A, 49 were Child B, and 23 were Child C. Fifty-three patients were candidates for OLT, and 32 were not. TIPS was performed urgently in 25 patients. At a median follow-up of 582 days (range, 1 to 1,095), 35 patients underwent transplantation, 21 patients died, and 29 patients are still alive and did not undergo transplantation. Technical complications were observed in 7% of patients and new onset of clinical encephalopathy in 37%. The 30-day mortality rate after TIPS was 13%. Actuarial survival was 60% at 1 and 3 years. Child class C and urgent TIPS were shown to be two independent predictor factors for mortality. TIPS was shown to be a valuable procedure, not only as a bridge to OLT but also as palliation for bleeding from portal hypertension in patients who were not candidates for either surgical shunt or OLT. However, its role in bleeding patients with acceptable liver function needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jabbour
- Pittsburgh Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA
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Canizares RB, Rodriguez-Laiz JM, Martin MC, Belda AE, Alonso FC, Roldan FP, Castro LS, Arregui EC, Ricote GC. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with the Strecker stent for control of refractory acute and chronic variceal bleeding. Scand J Gastroenterol 1996; 31:285-93. [PMID: 8833360 DOI: 10.3109/00365529609004880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We wanted to assess prospectively the safety, efficacy, and applicability of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with the Strecker stent, focusing mainly on clinical and hemodynamic medium- and long-term follow-up. METHODS Fifty-two patients reached an indication to perform a TIPS, in an emergency or after refractory variceal bleeding. It was completed in 50 of them. All presented with cirrhosis (Child C = 15, B = 23, A = 12). The prosthesis was a Strecker stent. During the follow-up, clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, ultrasound, and pressure measurement studies were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12 months. Mean follow-up was 13.5 + or - 7.8 months. RESULTS Portal pressure decreased from 32.3 + or - 8.1 (mean + or - standard deviation) to 22.3 + or - 6.7 mm Hg and portocaval gradient from 21 +/- 5.2 to 8.7 +/- 3.9 mm Hg (average, 56 + or - 16%). Shunt dysfunction was diagnosed when the portocaval gradient was >12 mm Hg (20 patients). Eleven patients (22%) presented with variceal rebleeding because of shunt dysfunction. The probability of remaining free of bleeding was 78%, 74%, and 68% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Actuarial survival rate was 91% and 86% after 12 and 18 months, respectively. CONCLUSION TIPS with the Strecker stent is a safe alternative for variceal bleeding. Shunt dysfunction is frequent and increases the rebleeding rate, requiring a close follow-up with pressure measurements. Randomized trials comparing stents and other alternatives are needed to fully address the role of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Canizares
- Hepatogastroenterology Service and Interventional Radiology Section, Gregorio Maranon General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Borgonovo G, Costantini M, Grange D, Vons C, Smadja C, Franco D. Comparison of a modified Sugiura procedure with portal systemic shunt for prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhosis. Surgery 1996; 119:214-21. [PMID: 8571209 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-6060(96)80172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no agreement on the management of patients with cirrhosis and recurrent variceal bleeding after failure of medical or endoscopic treatments or both. Portal systemic shunts are highly effective in preventing rebleeding but are associated with a high incidence of chronic encephalopathy. This study compared the results of a slightly modified Sugiura procedure (esophageal transection plus esophagogastric devascularization plus splenectomy) with those of nonselective portal systemic shunts in patients with previous variceal bleeding. METHODS Fifty-four patients were included in this randomized controlled study between January 1984 and April 1989. The major end point was chronic encephalopathy. Secondary end points were recurrent variceal bleeding, survival, ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients were assigned to each group. The rate of chronic encephalopathy was significantly (p = 0.002) lower after modified Sugiura procedure than after portal systemic shunt. Recurrent variceal bleeding was more frequent after modified Sugiura procedure than after portal systemic shunt, but the difference is not significant. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates were 93%, 81%, and 67%, respectively, in the modified Sugiura group and 78%, 66%, and 39%, respectively, in the portal systemic shunt group (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the modified Sugiura procedure is better overall than the nonselective portal systemic shunt in the management of patients with cirrhosis and recurrent variceal bleeding. Although the rebleeding rate is higher after the modified Sugiura procedure, this does not seem to affect mortality in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Borgonovo
- Department of Surgery, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Université Paris-Sud, Clamart, France
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Jentschura D, Storz LW, Rumstadt B, Winkler M. [Hepatic encephalopathy after portosystemic shunt]. LANGENBECKS ARCHIV FUR CHIRURGIE 1996; 381:283-8. [PMID: 9064468 DOI: 10.1007/bf00184050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A total of 28 cirrhotic patients with porto-systemic anastomosis were compared with 38 cirrhotic patients without porto-systemic shunts concerning their mental state and biochemical parameters of importance for hepatic encephalopathy. A group of 37 metabolically healthy individuals provided the reference values for the psychometric test results and the EEG power spectra. Laboratory values for both groups showed marginal elevation of bilirubin, while the ammonia levels were significantly increased in the operated group. A significant difference was found concerning both the tyrosine level and that of the branched-chain amino acids. None of the patients who had surgical treatment showed clinical evidence of hepatic encephalopathy. Regarding the results in the flicker photometry, the non-shunted cirrhotic patients differed significantly from the healthy control subjects. For both the shunted and non-shunted cirrhotic patients, the results of the Viennese determination test and the number connection test indicated subclinical encephalopathy. We conclude that the elevated ammonia level in patients with porto-systemic anastomosis does not cause a significant mental disturbance. In well-selected patients, the porto-systemic end-side shunt is an appropriate procedure in the treatment of esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D'Amico
- Divisione di Medicina-Instituto di Clinica Medica R, Università di Palermo, Ospedale V Cervello, Spain
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Maddern G, Meunier B, Launois B. Surgical management of portal hypertension. THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF SURGERY 1994; 64:818-22. [PMID: 7980253 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1994.tb04555.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The surgical management of portal hypertension depends on the location of the obstruction. Suprahepatic obstruction is usually optimally treated by a surgical portacaval shunt. In extrahepatic obstruction the treatment should be sclerotherapy. For intrahepatic obstruction in emergency situations, sclerotherapy is the first choice, with portacaval systemic shunts or transjugular intrahepatic portal systemic stent shunt the second option. Liver transplantation in other situations should, if possible, be considered ahead of a portal diversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maddern
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Transplantation, Pontchaillou University Hospital, Rennes, France
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Stipa S, Balducci G, Ziparo V, Stipa F, Lucandri G. Total shunting and elective management of variceal bleeding. World J Surg 1994; 18:200-4. [PMID: 8042323 DOI: 10.1007/bf00294401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A 20-year experience with treatment of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis is reported. Considering that total shunts are well tolerated immediately after operation (hospital mortality rate for all elective procedures being 6.4%), that they offer a good protection against rebleeding (rebleeding variceal rate of 7.6%), and that they offer the same long-term survival as given by other shunts (5- and 10-year survival rates of 57% and 31%, respectively), the authors affirm that these kinds of shunts are still useful in well selected cases. Late follow-up results of a prospective randomized trial of elective mesocaval shunts compared to portacaval shunt have shown no significant differences in operative mortality, rebleeding rates, encephalopathy rates, or survival. Based on this information, the authors currently use portacaval shunt as their operation of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stipa
- 1st Department of Surgery, University La Sapienza, V. le del Policlinico, Rome, Italy
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Rössle M, Haag K, Ochs A, Sellinger M, Nöldge G, Perarnau JM, Berger E, Blum U, Gabelmann A, Hauenstein K. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt procedure for variceal bleeding. N Engl J Med 1994; 330:165-71. [PMID: 8264738 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199401203300303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 474] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transjugular placement of an intrahepatic stent is a new technique to establish a portosystemic shunt for treatment of portal hypertension. A puncture needle is advanced in a catheter through the inferior vena cava into a hepatic vein; then an intrahepatic branch of the portal vein is punctured and an expandable stent of metallic mesh is implanted to establish the shunt. METHODS We attempted the stent-shunt procedure in 100 of 112 consecutive patients with variceal bleeding due to cirrhosis, who were then followed for a mean (+/- SD) of 12 +/- 6 months. Of the 100 patients, 22 had Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis, 10 were treated on an emergency basis, and 68 had alcoholic cirrhosis. The shunt was established with use of Palmaz stents expanded to 8 to 12 mm in diameter. RESULTS Technical success was achieved in 93 percent of the patients. The mean (+/- SD) time for the procedure was 1.2 +/- 0.3 hours. The shunt reduced the portal venous pressure gradient by 57 percent. Major complications were hemorrhage (intraabdominal bleeding in six patients, biliary bleeding in four, and bleeding in the liver capsule in three) and migration of the stent into the pulmonary artery (in two patients). At follow-up, stenosis of the shunt was evident in 21 patients and occlusion in 10 patients; 10 of these 31 patients had variceal rebleeding. Stenoses and occlusions of the shunt were all treated successfully by redilation, thrombolysis, or implantation of an additional stent. Hepatic encephalopathy (stages I to III) developed in 25 percent of the patients. The proportion of patients with shunts who remained free of variceal rebleeding was 92 percent at six months and 82 percent at one year. The 30-day mortality was 3 percent. The cumulative one-year survival was 85 percent. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the transjugular placement of an intrahepatic portosystemic stent is an effective and safe treatment for variceal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rössle
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Freiburg, Germany
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Gusberg RJ. Selective shunts in selected older cirrhotic patients with variceal hemorrhage. Am J Surg 1993; 166:274-8. [PMID: 8368437 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9610(05)80973-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Whereas portal systemic shunts pose significant problems in many patients, they have long been thought to have particular risks when undertaken in older cirrhotic patients, with devastating encephalopathy reportedly common in older patients undergoing nonselective shunt surgery. With advances in anesthesia management and perioperative monitoring and the advent of selective shunting, we postulated that both the operative and long-term outcomes might be improved. In this context, we reviewed our recent experience with selective shunts [distal splenorenal (DSRS) and small-diameter interposition portacaval grafts (IPCG)] in patients over the age of 60 years with variceal bleeding. Nineteen consecutive cirrhotic patients over 60 years of age undergoing elective or urgent selective shunt surgery for variceal hemorrhage since 1986 were identified. Sixteen patients underwent DSRS, and 3 underwent IPCG. The etiologies of the cirrhosis were multiple, with 12 of 19 classified as Child's B or C disease. There were no operative deaths, and all but one patient returned home following the surgery. No patient has had recurrent bleeding or required further surgery for portal hypertension-related problems. Three of 19 developed encephalopathy, and 4 of 19 died of liver failure within 1 year of surgery. Of the 14 patients still alive and well (mean postoperative survival: 44 months, range: 4 to 74 months), all remain free of encephalopathy and live independently. Based on this experience, it would appear that one can anticipate satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes after selective shunt surgery in selected patients with variceal bleeding over the age of 60 years. These patients with portal hypertension should not, therefore, be rejected for shunt surgery based on age alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Gusberg
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
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Vauthey JN. Surgical treatment of complications of portal hypertension. Eur Surg 1993. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02602087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
Bleeding from esophageal varices exacts a high mortality and extraordinary societal costs. Prophylaxis--medication, sclerotherapy, or shunt surgery to prevent an initial bleeding episode--is ineffective. In patients who have bled from varices, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy can control acute bleeding in more than 90% of patients. Because recurrent bleeding frequently occurs and survival without definitive therapy is dismal, selection of a permanently effective treatment is mandatory once variceal bleeding has been controlled. Long-term injection sclerotherapy can be performed in compliant patients; it is relatively safe but is associated with a 30-50% rebleeding rate. Beta-blockers significantly reduce portal pressure and recurrent bleeding but have not been shown to diminish mortality from BEV. Portal decompressive surgery permanently halts bleeding in more than 90% of patients; the risk of operative mortality is high in decompensated cirrhotics, and long-term complications of encephalopathy and accelerated liver failure may limit indications for shunt surgery to good-risk cirrhotics who are not liver transplant candidates. Devascularization procedures have a low operative mortality and encephalopathy rate but unacceptably high rates of recurrent bleeding. Liver transplantation is curative therapy for bleeding esophageal varices and the associated underlying hepatic dysfunction; cost and availability of donor organs generally limit its use in this setting to variceal bleeders with end-stage liver disease not associated with active alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Johansen
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195
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Spina G, Santambrogio R. The role of portosystemic shunting in the management of portal hypertension. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY 1992; 6:497-515. [PMID: 1421597 DOI: 10.1016/0950-3528(92)90035-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we have tried to indicate the role of the portosystemic shunt in the treatment of portal hypertension. The conclusions are evident: in the last 10 years it has lost its role as leader in the treatment of portal hypertension. However, some firm statements can be made. The selective shunt is an operation that provides both good variceal decompression and satisfactory maintenance of liver function. Its results in great part depend on the skill of the surgeon. Only a patient with good liver function (Child's classes A and B) is a candidate for shunt surgery, with, very occasionally, a patient with severe disease (class C). In an emergency, the operation is used only after failure of sclerotherapy, but it must be used at the right time before the patient's condition has deteriorated. In the prevention of variceal rebleeding, the selective shunt or sclerotherapy can be routine measures. The choice between the two treatments depends on the patient's willingness and the ability of the institution to perform both procedures successfully. If sclerotherapy is chosen, the institution must be able to rapidly rescue a sclerotherapy failure by shunt surgery. Liver transplantation is probably the treatment of the future, but it is at present impossible to suggest that the procedure is feasible for all patients with variceal bleeding and severe liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Spina
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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