Introduction
Infection, inflammation, and cirrhosis of the liver are severe conditions that can have devastating effects on patients. The liver is an essential organ responsible for filtering and processing toxins in the body, and any damage to it can have a ripple effect on other organs and systems. Fortunately, developments in medicine and technology are making it possible to treat these disorders more successfully and with fewer errors. One such innovation is the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in the treatment of cirrhosis.
TIPS as Cirrhosis Treatment
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by scarring and damage to liver tissue (Cirrhosis, 2023). It is often caused by long-term alcohol abuse or viral hepatitis, and it can lead to several complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment options for cirrhosis typically involve managing symptoms and preventing further damage to the liver.
TIPS is a medical procedure to treat infections and diseases such as cirrhosis. A shunt is made between the liver’s hepatic vein and portal vein during the minimally invasive TIPS operation (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt, 2021). This helps to reduce portal hypertension and alleviate the symptoms of cirrhosis, such as ascites and variceal bleeding (Vizzutti et al., 2020). During the procedure, a radiologist inserts a catheter into the jugular vein in the neck and guides it down to the liver. The shunt is created by placing a small metal stent between the hepatic and portal veins, allowing blood to flow freely through the liver and reducing pressure in the portal vein.
TIPS is effective in improving survival rates and quality of life in patients with cirrhosis. Studies have found that TIPS can reduce the risk of variceal bleeding and improve liver function in patients with cirrhosis. It can also help to alleviate the symptoms of ascites, such as abdominal pain and discomfort.
While TIPS is a promising treatment for cirrhosis, there are also potential risks and negative aspects. Complications such as shunt stenosis or occlusion, hepatic encephalopathy, and infection can occur. Patients must also be carefully selected for the procedure, as those with severe liver failure or other medical conditions may not be suitable candidates. TIPS must be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the patient’s medical history, current state, and overall health.
As RNs, our role in protecting the safety and well-being of patients receiving TIPS includes monitoring for potential complications and assessing the patient’s response to the procedure. We need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of shunt dysfunction or infection, such as fever, abdominal pain, or altered mental status. We should also closely monitor the patient’s liver function tests and electrolyte levels to ensure that they are stable.
Effective communication with fellow nurses and providers is also essential in ensuring patient safety during and after the TIPS procedure. We need to communicate any changes in the patient’s condition or lab values, as well as any concerns or questions that arise during the procedure. We should also educate the patient and their family about the procedure and what to expect during the recovery period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TIPS procedure holds great promise for treating cirrhosis by improving patient outcomes and lowering the risk of medical errors. However, as Registered Nurses, we must diligently monitor patients for potential complications and carefully assess their response to the TIPS. Ensuring patient safety and well-being absolutely requires effective communication among nurses and with providers. By staying knowledgeable and serving as patient advocates, we can significantly enhance the quality of care provided to individuals with cirrhosis and other liver diseases.
References
Cirrhosis. (2023). Mayo Clinic. Web.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). (2021). American Liver Foundation. Web.
Vizzutti, F., Schepis, F., Arena, U., Fanelli, F., Gitto, S., Aspite, S.,… & Marra, F. (2020). Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): current indications and strategies to improve the outcomes. Internal and emergency medicine, 15, 37-48. Web.