The study of portal hypertension, its diagnosis and management, has been hindered in the past by lack of international consensus. Differences in methodology, definitions and interpretation of results between clinical trials makes this the assessment of new data difficult in the context of previous work. The first International Consensus Workshop, Definitions, Methodology and Therapeutic Strategies, took place in Baveno, Italy, in 1990. It made some steps towards standardising terminology and producing guidelines for future studies. The past five years have brought a growth in our understanding of the pathophysiology of portal hypertension, as well as exciting developments in diagnostic and treatment strategies. This title records the proceedings of the Second International Consensus Workshop (27-28 April 1995, Baveno, Italy). At this meeting, an international cast of experts consolidated opinion on topics covered at Baveno I, explored a wide range of issues surrounding portal hypertension, and reached a consensus of opinion on many of these. The sessions were also interspersed by lectures from opinion leaders on different aspects of portal hypertension.