The esophagus is a tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal varices are abnormally swollen veins. They are found in the lining of the esophagus. If they're not found or are left untreated, rupture and cause life threatening bleeding.
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When pressure builds in the veins that bring blood to the liver, it's called portal hypertension. The pressure causes blood to backup into other smaller blood vessels. This includes those found in the esophagus. This leads to varices.
The main causes of these conditions are:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Blood clots of the splenic, portal, or hepatic veins
- Abnormal connections between the arteries and veins in the liver or spleen
- Certain infections
- Severe heart failure
- Hodgkin lymphoma
You may not notice problems until bleeding starts. Bleeding may not be serious and stop on its own. Signs of bleeding:
- Vomiting or coughing up blood—may look like coffee grounds
- Red, tarry, or very dark stools
- Lightheadedness from low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
If you notice bleeding, seek care right away. Even bleeding the first time can result in death for some people.
The goal is to prevent varices from bleeding. This can be done with:
Medicines will lower blood pressure or cholesterol. These will help lower the risk of bleeding or slow any bleeding that is happening.
Endoscopic Band Ligation
Varices can be tied off during an endoscopic band ligation . A rubber band is used to prevent ruptures or stop bleeding.
A balloon is passed through the nose to the varices. It's used to compress the ones that are bleeding.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunting (TIPS)
TIPS involves threading a small tube from the neck to the liver. The tube helps to place a stent. A stent will help blood flow through the portal vein better by holding it open. This will ease pressure in the esophageal veins. It can control bleeding in most cases.
Distal Splenorenal Shunt (DSRS)
DSRS connects the main vein in the spleen to the vein in the left kidney. It lowers blood pressure in the swollen vessels and limits bleeding.
A liver transplant is the only way to completely cure esophageal varices.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy https://www.asge.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org
Canadian Liver Foundation https://www.liver.ca
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