TIPS Exam Questions with Verified Correct
Answers
What does TIPS stand for?
transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
What is the primary purpose of a TIPS?
To reduce pressure in the portal venous system by creating a pathway that allows blood to
bypass some of the liver.
What condition is TIPS most commonly used for?
Cirrhosis with complications of portal hypertension.
What are the two major complications for which TIPS may be used?
Variceal gastrointestinal bleeding and refractory/recurrent ascites.
Can TIPS be used in people without cirrhosis?
Yes. It can sometimes be used for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension when portal pressure is
sufficiently elevated.
What is portal hypertension?
Abnormally high pressure in the portal venous system.
Why does cirrhosis cause portal hypertension?
Scar tissue in the liver increases resistance to blood flowing through the liver.
What happens when blood cannot flow easily through a cirrhotic liver?
Blood backs up in the portal system, increasing portal pressure and causing collateral
veins/varices and other complications.
, What is the portal vein's role?
It carries blood from the digestive organs and spleen toward the liver.
What is the hepatic vein's role?
It carries blood away from the liver toward the inferior vena cava and ultimately the heart.
What are varices?
Abnormally enlarged, dilated veins that develop because of increased portal pressure.
Where can varices occur?
Commonly in the esophagus and stomach, but they can occur elsewhere in the
gastrointestinal tract/abdomen.
Why are esophageal and gastric varices dangerous?
They can rupture and cause life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding.
How might variceal bleeding present?
Vomiting blood or passing blood/dark stool.
How does TIPS help varices?
It lowers portal pressure, which decreases pressure and congestion in the varices and reduces
their risk of bleeding.
What is ascites?
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
How can portal hypertension contribute to ascites?
Increased pressure in the portal system contributes to fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Answers
What does TIPS stand for?
transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
What is the primary purpose of a TIPS?
To reduce pressure in the portal venous system by creating a pathway that allows blood to
bypass some of the liver.
What condition is TIPS most commonly used for?
Cirrhosis with complications of portal hypertension.
What are the two major complications for which TIPS may be used?
Variceal gastrointestinal bleeding and refractory/recurrent ascites.
Can TIPS be used in people without cirrhosis?
Yes. It can sometimes be used for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension when portal pressure is
sufficiently elevated.
What is portal hypertension?
Abnormally high pressure in the portal venous system.
Why does cirrhosis cause portal hypertension?
Scar tissue in the liver increases resistance to blood flowing through the liver.
What happens when blood cannot flow easily through a cirrhotic liver?
Blood backs up in the portal system, increasing portal pressure and causing collateral
veins/varices and other complications.
, What is the portal vein's role?
It carries blood from the digestive organs and spleen toward the liver.
What is the hepatic vein's role?
It carries blood away from the liver toward the inferior vena cava and ultimately the heart.
What are varices?
Abnormally enlarged, dilated veins that develop because of increased portal pressure.
Where can varices occur?
Commonly in the esophagus and stomach, but they can occur elsewhere in the
gastrointestinal tract/abdomen.
Why are esophageal and gastric varices dangerous?
They can rupture and cause life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding.
How might variceal bleeding present?
Vomiting blood or passing blood/dark stool.
How does TIPS help varices?
It lowers portal pressure, which decreases pressure and congestion in the varices and reduces
their risk of bleeding.
What is ascites?
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
How can portal hypertension contribute to ascites?
Increased pressure in the portal system contributes to fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
