They develop in approximately 50% of people withportal hypertension, a severe complication ofcirrhosis(liver scarring).
Rupture, or bursting open of esophageal varices, leads to massive bleeding, which can be deadly.
It also explores the strategies used to prevent subsequent bleeding episodes.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
The stent connects the portal vein to thehepatic vein, which drains blood away from the liver.
Shunting blood away from the portal vein relieves pressure in the esophageal varices, helping prevent them from rupturing.
Prognosis After Ruptured Esophageal Varices
Even after successful treatment of bleeding esophageal varices, rebleeding can occur.
After TIPS, performing an EVL or taking a beta-blocker is unnecessary.
That said, repeat upper endoscopies every year or two are necessary for monitoring purposes.
Moreover, managing the underlying cirrhosis is vital in helping slow or reverse the disease.
Who Qualifies for Preventive Esophageal Variceal Banding?
Aproton pump inhibitor (PPI)is prescribed to promote healing after an EVL.
They are also scheduled for multiple endoscopic variceal ligations over several weeks until the varices are destroyed.
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