Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis: Indications and post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt complications in 2020

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a percutaneous radiologic-guided procedure that aims to reduce portal hypertension by creating a shunt between the portal venous system and the hepatic venous system. The most common cause of portal hypertension is liver cirrhosis in Western countries. Two main indications of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are validated by randomised controlled studies in patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding (salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, early-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or rebleeding despite an optimal secondary prophylaxis) or refractory ascites. Careful selection of the patients is crucial in order to prevent post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt complications, including liver failure, post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt encephalopathy occurrence and cardiac decompensation, for a better long-term outcome. In this review, we will discuss transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt indications in 2020 in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, with a special focus on variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. Then, we will describe transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt-related complications, the contraindications and the current knowledge on patient's selection.