Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by injury and repair over time. Portal hypertension occurs when blood pressure increases in the portal vein system that drains the gastrointestinal tract into the liver. Complications of portal hypertension include variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment involves controlling the underlying cause, lowering portal pressure through medications or procedures like TIPS, and managing complications such as bleeding varices through endoscopic therapy.

1. Cirrhosis & Portal Hypertension Sanjay Munireddy Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Feb 13, 2007