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Esophageal Varices

Description

Description

Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) causes a back-up of the stomach and esophageal veins (varices). The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. These varices can bleed and cause a life threatening condition. Varices are seen most commonly in alcoholics.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Vomiting blood, vomiting coffee ground material, chest pain, breathing problems, fainting, black stools (melena), anemia, fatigue.

Tests

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), or esophagram, blood tests to measure the red blood cell count and the ability to clot blood.

Standard Workup
  • CBC
  • Chem 12
Treatment

Treatment

Ligation or injection of the vairces through the endoscope is the initial treatment. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be done to reduce the back-up pressure in the esophageal veins. In severe cases liver transplant is the only option.

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