Endoscopic Treatment for Portal Hypertension: What’s New in the Last 12 Months?

Abstract

For some 20 years now, endoscopy has been revolutionizing the management of variceal hemorrhage as the most life-threatening sequela of portal hypertension. Portal shunt procedures and decompressive surgery have largely been replaced by endoscopic treatment modalities. However, endoscopic treatment is still a palliative measure, as it does not alter the underlying portal hypertension. Pharmacotherapy and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) are therefore still indispensable adjuncts for controlling and preventing variceal hemorrhage. Papers published in this field between June 2003 and August 2004 focusing on endoscopic topics are reviewed here.