The relative role of sclerotherapy vs. surgical procedures in portal hypertension.

This review is a discussion of the evolution of different modes of therapy to treat variceal bleeding. At the present time, endoscopic sclerosis represents the mainstay of therapy for most patients with chronic cirrhosis. In patients who fail sclerotherapy, selective shunt surgery is indicated in patients with good hepatic reserve, and liver transplantation for those who have chronic liver failure.