Untreated portal vein thrombosis (PVT) leads to the onset or worsening of portal hypertension
Anticoagulation is the mainstay of PVT treatment
but its efficacy is not ideal
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) can be used for portal vein recanalization after thrombosis
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated published data on the efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy in PVT
The results from 399 patients showed that TIPSS placement was feasible in 95%
Major complications occurred in 10%, and additional catheter‐directed thrombolysis was associated with more complications
The portal vein recanalization rate was 79% at 12 months
The results were limited by a small sample size, largely heterogeneous data and the use of non-controlled, retrospective cohorts
This study concluded that TIPSS for PVT recanalization was highly feasible, effective, and safe
Randomized trials comparing TIPSS to anticoagulation are therefore needed
These future studies will guide clinical decision‐making for PVT treatment
Rodrigues et al. "Systematic review with meta‐analysis: portal vein recanalisation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal vein thrombosis." Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics