Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension
Published on: November 15, 2024
[Hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: new aspects and practical recommendations]
Saskia Ditisheim1, Laurent Spahr
1Service de gastro-entérologie et d'hépatologie, Département de médecine interne HUG, 1211 Genève 14. Saskia.I.Ditisheim@hcuge.ch
Abstract:
Hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis may present under various clinical aspects, although minimal and episodic forms are the most frequent in clinical practice. Except for the typical alteration of the level of consciousness, other clinical presentations may exist that require additional diagnostic tests and exclusion of other causes. Management of hepatic encephalopathy includes the eviction of the precipitating factor and prevention of recurrence. Medical therapy is mostly directed at the gut as the main source of neurotoxins, but drugs that aimed at correcting liver and brain alterations demonstrate some efficacy. Liver transplantation should be discussed in the presence of persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow