TIPS shunt and liver toxins?

I had the TIPS procedure done 11 years ago due to heavy drinking that caused ascities. I was having my abdomen drained every few days. I have maintained sobriety (yeah for me!) and my question is about my shunt. With the shunt in place, is my liver filtering toxins? And, I can't locate any literature on shunts being removed. Are they ever removed? I understand most people that have the TIPS procedure done are on their way to a transplant. I was on the transplant list but with awesome medical care (beginning with my alcoholic coma, dialysis, wheelchair, walker, etc), and an awesome support system, I got better and continue to not drink. I had sonograms done on the shunt the first couple of years and all was well. I have my liver and kidney numbers checked every couple of years and everything looks reasonable. Any info you can provide on liver function after the TIPS procedure and removal of the shunt would be great!