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日本語Interventional radiology · Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe
TIPS in Karlsruhe
Reducing pressure in the portal venous system.
For certain complications of portal hypertension, an artificial vascular connection within the liver may help. The TIPS centre at Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe assesses whether the procedure is appropriate for your liver disease and overall health.
- Procedures
- Catheter treatment within Liver
- Objective
- Reduce the increased pressure in the portal vein system
- Decision
- Individually with the disciplines involved
When is a TIPS eligible?
With cirrhosis of the liver, blood can accumulate before the liver. Possible consequences are abdominal fluid, also called ascites, or dilated veins in the esophagus and stomach, which can bleed. One TIPS may be part of the treatment in selected patients.
The decision depends on factors including liver function, cardiac reserve, previous treatments and vascular anatomy. Previous episodes of confusion are also considered. TIPS is therefore not a universal solution for liver cirrhosis.
How is a TIPS placed?
TIPS stands for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. A vein on the neck is passed through Catheter to Liver. Under image control, a connection is formed between Portal vein and the liver vein, which is kept open with a vascular support.
This allows some blood to pass through the liver by a shorter route. Anaesthesia, monitoring and inpatient care are planned according to the findings. Previous imaging and laboratory results help with preparation.
Benefits, risks and other treatment pathways
A TIPS can reduce portal pressure. At the same time, some blood bypasses the liver’s detoxifying function. This may cause or worsen hepatic encephalopathy, with impaired concentration or confusion. Increased strain on the heart, bleeding and deterioration of liver function are also possible.
The treatment team considers the role of medication, endoscopic procedures, drainage of ascites or assessment for transplantation in the context of the underlying disease. The aim is to choose appropriately among these options.
Aftercare is part of the treatment
After placement, your condition, laboratory results and TIPS function are checked. Ultrasound can show blood flow through the shunt. If there is a malfunction, another catheter procedure may be necessary.
Before discharge, have it explained which controls are planned and to whom you should contact in case of complaints. New confusion or a significant deterioration requires rapid medical examination; an acute severe Bleeding is an emergency.
Medical references: [2]
Frequently asked questions to TIPS
Does a TIPS cure liver cirrhosis?
No. The procedure deals with selected consequences of the increased portal vein pressure. The underlying liver disease needs further care.
Can an existing TIPS be checked?
If a malfunction is suspected, the team may arrange imaging and, where appropriate, catheter assessment or revision. Please bring the procedure report and existing follow-up imaging.
Your next step
Personal advice in Karlsruhe
In particular, hepatological doctor’s letters, current laboratory findings, existing CT/MRI or ultrasound images and reports of previous Bleeding or TIPS interventions are helpful for TIPS counselling.
Please also bring your current medication list and tell us about any known allergies. The reception team will explain which additional documents are needed and how imaging can be transferred securely. Only change your medication after consulting a doctor.
Privately insured and self-paying patients
Head physician’s office
0721 974-1901Consultations and costs ↗Treatment location: Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Moltkestraße 90, 76133 Karlsruhe. Two beds are available for short inpatient monitoring and interventional care. The type and duration of your stay depend on the procedure and your health.
An enquiry does not guarantee that an intervention will be offered. A personal consultation considers benefits, risks and alternatives. In an acute medical emergency, call 112.
Medical references & additional information
Scientific work involving PD Dr. Nadjiri
- Effects of Postinterventional Antithrombotic Use on Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts: Evaluation of DeGIR Registry Data (Germany, 2021-2024). (2026)
- Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation (TIPS) in the angio-CT-a hybrid intervention with image fusion. (2023)
The works illuminate individual questions and do not prove a blanket effectiveness for each treatment case.
Editorially responsible: PD Dr. med. Jonathan Nadjiri · Editorial update: 26 September 2026. These texts were prepared with AI assistance using the linked medical references. They do not replace individual medical counselling.