The Effect of Transjugular Intraheptic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) on Gastrointestinal Motility and the Gut Microbiota

The effect of portal hypertension on gastrointestinal motility, and how reversal or improvement in portal hypertension may alter gastrointestinal motility, remains unclear and further research is needed. Additionally, patients with cirrhosis have altered gut microflora, particularly rich in lactobacilli, including enterococci and bifidobacteria. Transjugular Intraheptic Portosystemic Shunting (TIPS) is a procedure performed by interventional radiologists, in which a connection is made between the portal and venous circulations, allowing high pressure portal blood to more easily enter the systemic circulation and bypass the liver; thus effectively decreased portal pressure.