Five RCTs (n=330) were included.
Control of ascites was significantly more common with TIPS than with LVP at 4 months (66% versus 23.8%, RD 41.4%, 95% CI: 29.5, 53.2, P<0.001; NNT 3) and at 12 months (54.8% versus 18.9%, mean difference 35%, 95% CI: 24.9, 45.1, P<0.001).
Encephalopathy was significantly more common with TIPS than with LVP (54.9% versus 38.1%, RD 17%, 95% CI: 7.3, 26.6, P<0.001).
There was no statistically significant difference between TIPS and LVP groups for survival at 1 year (61.7% versus 56.5%, RD 3.2%, 95% CI: -14.7, 21.9) and 2 years (50% versus 42.8%, RD 6.8%, 95% CI: -10, 23.6).
No statistically significant heterogeneity was found for any of the outcomes.
The results were similar for the fixed-effect meta-analyses.