Objective  To explore the outcome of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of portal hypertension patients with cirrhosis and investigate the changes of liver and renal functions.    Methods  Eighty-six patients with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis in our department from January 2004 to March 2009 were involved in this study. The functions of liver and renal were observed before and after TIPS. The incidence of complications and the clinical outcome were investigated.    Results  Portosystemic gradient was decreased after TIPS significantly

from 29.8±3.2 mmHg to 17.4±0.7 mmHg. Postoperative ALT and Alb were improved. Postoperative AST

TBIL and DBIL were higher than those before operation

but these values were decreased during the follow-up of 3.47±2.11 years. And the renal function was also improved. During the follow-up

the incidence of rebleeding was 9.3%

and that of encephalopathy was 10.4%. Severe hepatitis occurred in 2 patients

and shunt abnormalities in 12 patients.    Conclusion  Liver enzymes are increased in those patients after TIPS

but there is no related complication seen. Patients also have an improvement in renal function. TIPS is a safe and effective treatment for portal-hypertension

particularly in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.