At Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Medicine Hospital, a patient suffering from recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding due to chronic liver disease has successfully undergone a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure.

"The Goal is to Reduce Elevated Pressure in the Vascular System"

Providing insights into the first-ever TIPS procedure at OMU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Uzunkaya, a faculty member in the Department of Radiology, explained:

"The TIPS procedure is a complex interventional technique used to manage complications of portal hypertension, which occurs due to liver cirrhosis and other conditions. These complications include esophageal variceal bleeding, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), and pleural effusion. The procedure aims to reduce the elevated pressure in the vascular system that transports blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

The fundamental principle of this procedure is to create a shunt between two major venous systems within the liver using a closed angiographic technique. This intervention can significantly improve conditions that are resistant to conventional treatments."

"TIPS Procedure Had Never Been Performed in Samsun Before"

Highlighting the pioneering nature of the procedure, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uzunkaya stated:

"Although the TIPS procedure has been performed in major medical centers across Türkiye for some time, to our knowledge, it had never been conducted in Samsun before.

A patient from Tokat, suffering from chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, came to us seeking treatment. We informed him about this innovative procedure and its potential benefits. To ensure a successful intervention, we specially invited Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdemir from Ankara Bilkent City Hospital to collaborate with us. With the participation of our Interventional Radiology faculty members, we successfully performed the procedure at our hospital."

"A New Milestone for Our Hospital"

Expressing pride in this achievement, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uzunkaya concluded:

"Patients in our region no longer need to travel to major metropolitan cities for such procedures. This marks a significant milestone for our hospital.

Thanks to our strong infrastructure, experienced team, and the support of our colleagues and administrators, we are progressively introducing highly complex procedures such as TIPS to our hospital."