Current views on the treatment of portal hypertension

Abstract

There is no established treatment protocol for bleeding esophageal varices on which there is universal agreement between surgeons and physicians with special interest in the subject of portal hypertension. In general, the outlook for these patients is poor irrespective of treatment and the single most important factor in determining the prognosis in the individual case, is the nature and progress of the underlying liver disease with the attendant overall hepatocyte function. This article attempts to review current views on the subject of therapy for portal hypertension and proposes a rational programme of management for these patients which is influenced by the author's personal experience.