[TIPS 1994: indications, results, complications].

TIPS is a new decompressive treatment for portal hypertension. Since the first treatment in 1988 of a patient with variceal bleeding its technique has been improved considerably, and increasing clinical experience now justifies the wider use in patients with recurrent variceal hemorrhage and treatment-refractory ascites. The results demonstrate that TIPS is a safe procedure and is as effective as other current treatments. In Budd-Chiari syndrome and in patients awaiting liver transplantation TIPS may also be indicated. Randomized studies are now needed to determine the place of TIPS among the spectrum of therapies of portal hypertension.