[Surgical implications of chronic liver diseases]

Abstract

Complications of chronic liver diseases requiring surgical interventions are the following: esophageal varices and bleeding, ascites hypersplenism, some forms of liver insufficiency. The most widely accepted method for treatment of esophageal varices is endoscopic sclerotherapy. Portal systemic shunts are indicated in some cases. Intractable ascites is to be treated by peritoneovenous shunt insertion. "Ressissance" of paracentesis is not confirmed by late results. Splenectomy is proposed if clinical signs are prominent. If portal hypertension exists, shunt should be performed simultaneously. Liver transplantation is indicated in cases of irreversible liver damage. Optimal selection of patients and timing of transplantation remains of critical importance. As a consequence of numerous technical modifications liver transplantation becomes more popular. Statistical data on liver diseases in Hungary call for urgent development of hepatology. Cooperation of physicians is of outmost importance to realize it.