[Repositioning the status of surgical treatment for portal hypertension in China]

The emergence, development, and clinical application of pharmacotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt have significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with portal hypertension, leading to a marked reduction in surgical intervention needs. Consequently, the role of surgery in the management of portal hypertension has been questioned or even negated. China's cirrhosis-related portal hypertension differs markedly from Western countries in etiology, disease progression patterns, available therapeutic options, and patients' financial capacity. Therefore, it is impractical to blindly adopt foreign clinical guidelines and consensus statements. Instead, standardized protocols must be developed based on national conditions and local practices. Redefining surgical indications for portal hypertension management will highlight the unique and irreplaceable role of surgery, and facilitate a complementary synergy between surgical procedures and other therapies, ultimately maximizing clinical benefits for affected patients.