[Complications of liver cirrhosis: portal hypertension, gastroesophageal varices and ascites].

Patients with cirrhosis of the liver are at high risk of a large variety of complications. Especially the development of portal hypertension, followed by gastroesophageal varicosis and ascites are potentially life threatening problems. In the treatment of gastroesophageal varicosis primary prophylaxis to prevent a first bleeding episode, acute therapy for bleeding varices, and secondary prophylaxis to prevent patients from rebleeding have to be considered. While treating patients with ascites the high frequency of side effects induced by diuretics has to be taken into account. In addition, the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis must not be missed. Hepatorenal syndrome, a typical complication of advanced cirrhosis is especially difficult to treat and is considered an indication for liver transplantation.