Endoscopic ultrasound in the management of complications related to cirrhosis- recent evidence.

Abstract

Advanced endoscopic methods like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have recently been applied for the management of complications related to cirrhosis. This includes novel techniques to measure portal pressure gradients, esophageal, gastric, and ectopic varices management, and EUS-assisted treatment of liver tumors. Management of liver tumors has seen significant changes in recent years, and many minimally invasive procedures have been approved, especially in the management of liver cell carcinoma. These are specialized procedures and are performed only in patients with cirrhosis in specialized centers. There are concerns for complications in patients with cirrhosis due to their increased risk of bleeding and the altered hemostatic milieu. This minireview summarizes the recent evidence on using EUS in the management of cirrhosis-related complications.