Portal hypertension: from Eck's fistula to TIPS.
The treatment options for portal hypertension have expanded greatly in the past 2 decades. More selective use of surgical shunts, improvement in pharmacologic therapy, development of endoscopic variceal ligation, and the maturing of liver transplantation using both cadaveric and living donors has allowed better results to be achieved. A multidisciplinary, integrated approach to this clinical problem is needed to assure optimal outcomes.
Knechtle
Stuart J
SJ
Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI, USA. stuart@tx.surgery.wisc.edu
D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D011170:Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic / Q000379:methods*