Enhancing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure efficiency with digital subtraction angiography image overlay technology in esophagogastric variceal bleeding.

Background: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a pivotal intervention for managing esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatic schistosomiasis.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of digital subtraction angiography image overlay technology (DIT) in guiding the TIPS procedure.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TIPS at our hospital, comparing outcomes between an ultrasound-guided group and a DIT-guided group. Our analysis focused on the duration of the portosystemic shunt puncture, the number of punctures needed, the total surgical time, and various clinical indicators related to the surgery.

Results: The study included 52 patients with esophagogastric varices due to chronic hepatic schistosomiasis. Results demonstrated that the DIT-guided group experienced significantly shorter puncture times (P < 0.001) and surgical durations (P = 0.022) compared to the ultrasound-guided group. Additionally, postoperative assessments showed significant reductions in aspartate aminotransferase, B-type natriuretic peptide, and portal vein pressure in both groups. Notably, the DIT-guided group also showed significant reductions in total bilirubin (P = 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.023).

Conclusion: The use of DIT for guiding TIPS procedures highlights its potential to enhance procedural efficiency and reduce surgical times in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatic schistosomiasis.