Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis before and after TIPS

Aim. To analyze the dynamics of hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS). Material and Methods. It was analyzed the results of complex survey of 52 patients who underwent TIPS. Self-expanding stents 8–10 cm, diameter of 8–10 mm and stent-graft were applied for portosystemic shunt creation. Results. The two main complications of TIPS are hepatic encephalopathy progression and shunt’s malfunction. The increased degree of portosystemic encephalopathy in 18 months postoperatively was revealed in 3 (10%) patients. Symptoms of encephalopathy were eliminated and did not effect on the patients’ life quality after discharge. Conclusion. Assessment of encephalopathy’s degree and individual therapy in each patient significantly decrease the severity of encephalopathy postoperatively followed by improved life quality