Successful direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (DIPS) creation following transmesenteric porta hepatis access in a young patient with recurrent variceal bleeding

Abstract

Transmesenteric access for portal vein reconstruction and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt allows for intervention in patients with unfavorable anatomy and can be performed via multiple methods but may be difficult to obtain in patients with complex anatomy. We present a case report describing a method of obtaining transmesenteric access in the porta hepatis to facilitate direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation in a young patient with recurrent variceal bleeding. This patient anatomy was unfavorable, and initially he was thought to be a poor candidate for any intervention, but this technique allowed for successful decompression of the varices safely and effectively. This is a technique to consider in similar complex cases and expands treatment for those who previously would not have been considered for intrahepatic shunt formation.