[Transjugular portosystemic shunt. The current concepts].

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an alternative therapeutic approach in the treatment of hemorrhagic portal hypertension. The use of this procedure was established in 1988 and since then, its use has extended impressively. Currently, the accepted indication for TIPS is the variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension refractory to medical management or sclerotherapy. In this paper the basic concepts of the TIPS procedure are reviewed, including historical perspective, technical aspects, indications, contraindications and complications.