A transjugular protosystemic shunt was performed at Mater Dei Hospital for the first time in Malta last week. The intervention led to saving the life of a 48-year-old man.
It involves the insertion of a stent in the liver of people with liver problems.
The intervention, which cost around €10,000, was carried out by hepatobiliary radiologist Kelvin Cortis, who was trained in Palermo and London on the procedure.
It is estimated that around six such interventions would be needed in Malta each year.