The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective randomized trial to compare TIPS with 8mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE)-covered stents and endoscopic variceal ligation plus propranolol for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding.

For the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding, previous clinical studies and meta-analysis show that patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) have lower rebleeding rates compared with endoscopic therapy. However, TIPS is associated with higher rates of portosystemic encephalopathy and does not show survival benefit. TIPS with a small-diameter may achieve sufficient portal decompression and reduce the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy. The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective randomized trial to compare TIPS with 8mm ePTFE-covered stents and endoscopic variceal ligation plus propranolol for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Cirrhosis
2. Patients who had bled from esophageal varices (≥5days and ≤28days)
3. Child-Pugh B or Child-Pugh C≤13

Exclusion Criteria:

1. THE presence of gastric varices
2. Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension
3. Portal vein thrombosis
4. The history of hepatic encephalopathy
5. Total bilirubin ≥51.3 umol/L
6. Previous treatment of TIPS or surgery
7. Proven malignancy including hepatocellular carcinoma
8. Contraindications to TIPS、EVL or propranolol
9. End-stage renal disease under renal replacement therapy;
10. Cardiorespiratory failure
11. Pregnancy or patients not giving informed consent for endoscopic procedures