What is the definition or description of: transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt?

Abdominal drain: In extreme cases of liver disease, the liver "sweats" and fills the abdomen with water. This shunt is a tube that goes from the fluid-filled abdomen to the heart to return this free water from puddling in the abdomen back into the circulation. It is a major procedure requiring lots of manipulating tubes and structures, but can improve a quality of life that has been affected by a major problem.

See below: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or (tips) is a shunt (tube) placed between the portal vein which carries blood from the intestines and intraabdominal organs to the liver and the hepatic vein which carries blood from the liver back to the vena cava and the heart. It is used primarily (but not exclusively) in patients with cirrhosis.