Which vascular interventional procedure is used to treat variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension?

• A. Endovenous Laser Therapy
• B. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
• C. Angioplasty
• D. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy

Answer: (B)

The Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) is a specialized vascular interventional procedure specifically designed to treat complications arising from portal hypertension, including variceal bleeding. This procedure involves creating a channel within the liver to connect the portal and systemic venous circulation, thereby reducing pressure in the portal system.

In cases of portal hypertension, increased pressure leads to the formation and enlargement of varices, particularly in the esophagus and stomach. These varices pose a significant risk of rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding. TIPS effectively decreases this pressure, promoting the closure of varices and significantly reducing the risk of bleeding.

By providing a direct route for blood to bypass the congested portal system, TIPS not only helps manage acute bleeding episodes but also serves as a long-term treatment by addressing the underlying cause of portal hypertension. This is why TIPS is the preferred interventional procedure for treating variceal bleeding.

Other interventions, such as Endovenous Laser Therapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, focus on different types of venous conditions, and angioplasty usually pertains to arterial stenoses rather than portal hypertension complications. This specificity of TIPS in addressing portal hypertension-related varice