What does the TIPS procedure involve?

TIPS is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure performed under conscious sedation. A radiologist creates a small channel (shunt) inside the liver using a needle and catheter, typically inserted through the jugular vein in the neck. This shunt connects the portal vein to a hepatic vein, bypassing the liver to reduce dangerously high blood pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension). The entire process takes about 1–2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for 5–7 days for monitoring and recovery.