Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting is not superior to endoscopic variceal band ligation for prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients: a randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with variceal band ligation (VBL) in the prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Methods: Fifty-four cirrhotic patients (21 Child-Pugh class A, 27 class B, 6 class C) were randomized to TIPS (n = 28) or VBL (n = 26) within 2 months after control of esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Statistical analysis was performed on the intention-to-treat principle.

Results: Mean follow-up was 2 years. Mortality risk at 1 and 2 years of follow-up was 7.8% +/- 5.3% and 19.9% +/- 8.8% in the TIPS group and 16.5% +/- 7.6% and 16.5% +/- 7.6% in the VBL group, respectively (n.s.); actuarial probability of remaining free from rebleeding was 83.7% +/- 77.4% and 71.4% +/- 10.4% in the TIPS group and 83.9% +/- 7.3% and 78.1% +/- 8.8% in the VBL group at 1 and 2 years, respectively (n.s.). Hepatic encephalopathy within 1 month after randomization was observed in 2 patients in the TIPS group and in 1 in the VBL group.

Conclusion: TIPS is not superior to VBL in the prevention of variceal rebleeding. Furthermore, similar mortality rates in patients treated with TIPS or VBL negate TIPS as the preferred strategy for prevention of variceal rebleeding.