Road to recompensation: Baveno VII criteria and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis has long been considered a point of no return, with limited hope for recovery. However, recent advancements, particularly the Baveno VII criteria and the utilization of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), have illuminated the concept of hepatic recompensation. In this editorial we comment on the article by Gao et al published in the recent issue. This editorial provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of understanding cirrhosis, the criteria for recompensation, and the efficacy of TIPS in achieving recompensation. We discuss key findings from recent studies, including the promising outcomes observed in patients who achieved recompensation post-TIPS insertion. While further research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the mech-anisms underlying recompensation, the insights presented here offer renewed hope for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and highlight the potential of TIPS as a therapeutic option in their management.

Keywords: Decompensated hepatic cirrhosis; Hepatic recompensation; Refractory ascites; Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt; Variceal bleeding.