| Esophageal varices can be understood as enlarged veins located in the walls of the esophagus. Understand better how this condition occurs, how it interferes with the patient’s health, which exam diagnoses it, and learn about the treatment options. Read also: Difficulty swallowing: understand about dysphagia What are esophageal varices? Basically, esophageal varices are swollen veins that are in the walls of the esophagus. In these varices, the pressure is higher than normal, and it is possible to reach the point where the veins rupture, causing sudden and potentially serious bleeding. Due to the risk of severe bleeding, esophageal varices are considered a health problem that requires medical follow-up. Treatment and care of esophageal varices In the case of a patient with advanced liver disease, the doctor responsible for the case may suspect the presence of esophageal varices and then request a digestive endoscopy for diagnosis. If the presence of esophageal varices is confirmed, treatment can be done by applying elastic bands around the protruding veins. The best method will depend on the severity of the bleedings. To prevent esophageal varices from bursting and causing bleeding, it is essential to follow the health professional’s instructions. If the patient has alcoholic cirrhosis, they must stop drinking. The main cause of esophageal varices is portal hypertension, which, in turn, usually arises from the scarring of the liver due to some continuous inflammation, such as chronic hepatitis. The continued scarring of the organ leads to the formation of fibrous tissue, a condition also known as cirrhosis. The only symptom of esophageal varices is bleeding, that is, without the presence of blood the patient probably will not even suspect that they have varices. In the case of mild bleeding, symptoms involve darkened stools and strong odor (melena). When the bleeding is severe, there may be vomiting with blood and bloody stools. Diagnosis of esophageal varices: the role of endoscopy The diagnosis of esophageal varices is made through the examination of high digestive endoscopy, which allows the direct visualization of the varices. Prevention To prevent the development of esophageal varices, it is necessary to combat the causes of cirrhosis, such as alcoholism and hepatitis virus infections. Furthermore, it is essential to perform a recurring check-up to diagnose possible liver diseases and thus treat them before they evolve into cirrhosis. Esophageal varices: learn everything about digestive system health through EndoBlog The treatment of esophageal varices is fundamental to prevent the appearance of new varices, as well as the presence of bleedings. To know the best treatment, the patient should seek medical help and follow all the guidelines given by the professional. In addition, patients and people interested in learning more about the health of the digestive system, exams that help diagnose abnormalities, and esophageal varices can follow EndoBlog, a portal belonging to Endoscopia Terapêutica and designed to provide the population with correct and relevant information, aiming at the quality of life and well-being of the population. Navigate through EndoBlog to follow all the materials that are posted on the site, elastic ligation esophageal varices and much more |
Residência em Endoscopia Digestiva no Hospital das Clínicas da USP (HCFMUSP)
Residência em Gastroenterologia no Hospital Universitário da UFSC
Presidente da SOBED / SC na gestão 2018-2020
Médico da clínica Endogastro em Florianópolis e ProGastro em Joinville