Liver
TIPS post transplant
April 21, 2026
in Liver
Can anyone advise me on TIPS post liver transplant? I'm 3 years post and developed portal hypertension and I have ascities. No other symptoms other than ascities. All of my liver labs are great. But I need hernia surgery and they need to resolve ascities before that. I've had a transjugular biopsy and CT angiogram to get to this point. I'm just terrified. Any advice from someone who experienced something like this would be greatly appreciated.
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Transplant Patient
I've never had TIPS but I have had multiple stents, plus abdominal wall reconstruction surgery post transplant.
How you feel makes sense. And it sounds like your team is doing what they think is the very best for you. Doesn't mean you don't need to be scared, but this is also their everyday.
My biggest piece of advice, with every complication, is slow it down. We tend to hyper focus and panic in times of stress, so anytime we can slow down and zoom out, we automatically give our brains the ability to notice more options. You still have options - this is a bump in the road, not the end of the road. Your feelings make sense, and you're not alone. We're here for you
I agree with @AliEm14. This is a great community of people who have had complications. We understand the fear and the ups and downs. Slow down and take a breath. We are here.
I had TIPS prior to my transplant but it was removed during transplant. You will be under for the procedure and in my case, it reduced the portal hypertension.
I too am curious about TIPS post transplant. I am 6+ months out, and have raging Ascites, edema, fatigue, and other irritations. Due to portal hypertension. Hepatologist now recommends TIPS, scheduled for 9/16/26.
Liver numbers good. No sign of rejection, wedge biopsy all good.
Am told this is enormously unusual. Only one surgeon willing to do it, all others refuse.
Very confused, and seriously unhappy about the situation. My quality of life was better before the transplant, though with cirrhosis, 2” tumor, hep c since 1981…
So, TIPS post transplant? Anyone?