Variceal embolisation plus TIPS for variceal bleeding

We read with great interest the randomised controlled trial by Yong Lv and colleagues. 1 Lv Y Chen H Luo B et al. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with or without gastro-oesophageal variceal embolisation for the prevention of variceal rebleeding: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022; 7: 736-746 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (5) Google Scholar Neither variceal rebleeding, shunt dysfunction, or hepatic encephalopathy were influenced by the addition of variceal embolisation during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). We congratulate the authors for providing new evidence for this controversial topic. Nevertheless, several issues need clarification. Variceal embolisation plus TIPS for variceal bleeding – Authors' replyWe appreciate the interest by Xuefeng Luo and colleagues, and Yongjun Zhu and colleagues in our study.1 Full-Text PDF Variceal embolisation plus TIPS for variceal bleedingVariceal embolisation has been routinely practiced during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for more than 20 years. We read with great interest the randomised trial reported by Yong Lv and colleagues.1 This study identified that concurrent variceal embolisation during TIPS did not reduce the incidence of variceal rebleeding in cirrhosis. We appreciate their effort; however, the conclusion of this study should be applied with caution in clinical practice. Full-Text PDF Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with or without gastro-oesophageal variceal embolisation for the prevention of variceal rebleeding: a randomised controlled trialAdding variceal embolisation to TIPS did not significantly reduce the incidence of variceal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Our findings do not support concomitant variceal embolisation during TIPS for the prevention of variceal rebleeding. Full-Text PDF