Is color-Doppler US a reliable method in the follow-up of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has become a widely accepted treatment for complications of portal hypertension. Shunt or hepatic vein stenoses or occlusions are common short- and mid-term complications of the procedure, with a one-year primary patency ranging from 25% to 66%. When promptly identified, shunt stenosis or occlusion may be treated before the recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites. The revision is usually successful and the primary-assisted patency of TIPS is approximately 85% at one year.