Final answer:
The TIPS procedure creates a new pathway to reduce portal hypertension, thereby lowering the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices. It requires careful post-procedure management to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, which is a significant risk due to bypassing the liver's detoxification process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure is a minimally invasive method used to create a pathway within the liver that allows blood to flow more easily through the portal vein, thus reducing high blood pressure within the portal venous system, a condition known as portal hypertension. This pressure reduction helps to lower the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices, which are swollen veins in the esophagus that can rupture due to elevated pressure. The TIPS works by connecting the hepatic vein to the portal vein, allowing blood to bypass the liver, hence reducing pressure. A key consideration in the management of patients post-TIPS procedure is the prevention and management of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur when the liver is unable to filter toxins from the blood due to the new shunting process. Treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy may include medication, dietary changes, and, in severe cases, additional medical intervention.