Why have TIPS done in China specifically?

China offers TIPS at a significantly lower cost—approximately $11,500—compared to $30,000–$50,000 in the U.S. or Western Europe. Major hospitals in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have advanced interventional radiology suites and high-volume hepatology centers where surgeons perform dozens of TIPS procedures annually. This high volume translates to excellent technical expertise and lower complication rates. Additionally, wait times are typically shorter, and hospitals often provide coordinated care with English-speaking coordinators for international patients.