Skip to main content

Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Varices and Variceal Hemorrhage

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures in Gastroenterology

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

  • 1871 Accesses

Abstract

A varix (pl. varices) is an abnormally dilated vessel with a tortuous course.Esophageal varices are portosystemic collaterals. They form as a consequence of portal hypertension (a progressive complication of cirrhosis), preferentially in the submucosa of the lower esophagus. Acute variceal hemorrhage is a medical emergency. Approximately 40% of patients with cirrhosis are found to have esophageal varices on endoscopic evaluation, and approximately one-third of patients will experience variceal hemorrhage. Historically, mortality after index hemorrhage in patient with cirrhosis has been reported up to 50%, with a 30% mortality rate associated with subsequent bleeding episodes. More recent data suggest improvement in mortality with improvement in management, however still associated with 20% mortality risk at 6 weeks. The risk of variceal hemorrhage is increased in large varices and in those that demonstrate stigmata of bleeding, as well as in patients with high Child–Pugh scores, high variceal pressure, and previous episodes of variceal hemorrhage and in patients who continue to ingest alcohol. The size of the varix is the single most important predictor of bleeding risk. Primary prophylaxis of varices should be considered in varices larger than 5 mm. Esophageal varices are graded according to size and appearance. Grade 1 (F1) varices are small, are straight, and flatten with distention of the esophagus. Grade 2 (F2) varices are tortuous, comprise less than one-third of the lumen, and do not disappear with distention. Grade 3 (F3) varices are tortuous and comprise greater than one-third of the lumen.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Akahoshi T, Hashizume M, Tomikawa M, Kawanaka H, Yamaguchi S, Konishi K, Kinjo N, Maehara Y. Long-term results of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric variceal bleeding and risky gastric varices: a 10-year experience. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008;23:1702–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Bernard B, Grange JD, Khac EN, Amiot X, Opolon P, Poynard T. Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis. Hepatology. 1999;29:1655–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Bernard B, Lebrec D, Mathurin P, Opolon P, Poynard T. Beta-adrenergic antagonists in the prevention of gastrointestinal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis: a meta-analysis. Hepatology. 1997;25:63–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Bhat YM, Weilert F, Fredrick RT, Kane SD, Shah JN, Hamerski CM, Binmoeller KF. EUS-guided treatment of gastric fundal varices with combined injection of coils and cyanoacrylate glue: a large U.S. experience over 6 years (with video). Gastrointest Endosc. 2016;83(6):1164–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Bhargava DK, Pokharna R. Endoscopic variceal ligation versus endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic sclerotherapy: a prospective randomized study. Am J Gastroenterol. 1997;92:950–3.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Blaise M, Pateron D, Trinchet JC, Levacher S, Beaugrand M, Pourriat JL. Systemic antibiotic therapy prevents bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Hepatology. 1994;20:34–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Bosch J, Abraldes JG, Groszmann R. Current management of portal hypertension. J Hepatol. 2003;38(Suppl 1):S54–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Carbonell N, Pauwels A, Serfaty L, Fourdan O, Levy VG, Poupon R. Improved survival after variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis over the past two decades. Hepatology. 2004;40:652–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Chalasani N, Boyer TD. Primary prophylaxis against variceal bleeding: beta-blockers, endoscopic ligation, or both? Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100:805–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Chalasani N, Clark WS, Martin LG, Kamean J, Khan MA, Patel NH, Boyer TD. Determinants of mortality in patients with advanced cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting. Gastroenterology. 2000;118:138–44.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Chalasani N, Imperiale TF, Ismail A, Sood G, Carey M, Wilcox CM, Madichetty H, Kwo PY, Boyer TD. Predictors of large esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol. 1999;94:3285–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Cho SK, Shin SW, Lee IH, Do YS, Choo SW, Park KB, Yoo BC. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices: outcomes and complications in 49 patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;189:W365–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Committee AT, Liu J, Petersen BT, Tierney WM, Chuttani R, Disario JA, Coffie JM, Mishkin DS, Shah RJ, Somogyi L, Song LM. Endoscopic banding devices. Gastrointest Endosc. 2008;68:217–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. D’amico G. Esophageal varices: from appearance to rupture; natural history and prognostic indicators. Portal hypertension in the 21st century. 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  15. D’amico G, Garcia-Pagan JC, Luca A, Bosch J. Hepatic vein pressure gradient reduction and prevention of variceal bleeding in cirrhosis: a systematic review. Gastroenterology. 2006;131:1611–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. D’amico G, Pagliaro L, Bosch J. Pharmacological treatment of portal hypertension: an evidence-based approach. Semin Liver Dis. 1999;19:475–505.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. D’amico G, Pietrosi G, Tarantino I, Pagliaro L. Emergency sclerotherapy versus vasoactive drugs for variceal bleeding in cirrhosis: a Cochrane meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. 2003;124:1277–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. De Franchis R, Baveno VIF. Expanding consensus in portal hypertension: report of the Baveno VI consensus workshop: stratifying risk and individualizing care for portal hypertension. J Hepatol. 2015;63:743–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. De Franchis R, Primignani M. Natural history of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis. 2001;5:645–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. De La Pena J, Brullet E, Sanchez-Hernandez E, Rivero M, Vergara M, Martin-Lorente JL, Garcia suarez C. Variceal ligation plus nadolol compared with ligation for prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding: a multicenter trial. Hepatology. 2005;41:572–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Djurdjevic D, Janosevic S, Dapcevic B, Vukcevic V, Djordjevic D, Svorcan P, Grgov S. Combined ligation and sclerotherapy versus ligation alone for eradication of bleeding esophageal varices: a randomized and prospective trial. Endoscopy. 1999;31:286–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Escorsell À, Pavel O, Cárdenas A, Morillas R, Llop E, Villanueva C, Garcia-Pagán JC, Bosch J, Variceal BLEEDING STUDY GROUP. Esophageal balloon tamponade versus esophageal stent in controlling acute refractory variceal bleeding: a multicenter randomized, controlled trial. Hepatology. 2016;63(6):1957–67.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Feu F, Garcia-Pagan JC, Bosch J, Luca A, Teres J, Escorsell A, Rodes J. Relation between portal pressure response to pharmacotherapy and risk of recurrent variceal haemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. Lancet. 1995;346:1056–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Furukawa K, Aoyagi Y, Harada T, Enomoto H. The usefulness of prevention consolidation therapy of esophageal varices using an argon plasma coagulation technique. Hepatol Res. 2002;23:220–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Garcia-Tsao G, Sanyal AJ, Grace ND, Carey W, Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis. Hepatology. 2007;46:922–38.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Garg PK, Joshi YK, Tandon RK. Comparison of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy with sequential endoscopic band ligation plus low-dose sclerotherapy for secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage: a prospective randomized study. Gastrointest Endosc. 1999;50:369–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Gluud LL, Klingenberg S, Nikolova D, Gluud C. Banding ligation versus beta-blockers as primary prophylaxis in esophageal varices: systematic review of randomized trials. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102:2842–8. quiz 2841, 2849

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Gonzalez R, Zamora J, Gomez-Camarero J, Molinero LM, Banares R, Albillos A. Meta-analysis: combination endoscopic and drug therapy to prevent variceal rebleeding in cirrhosis. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:109–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Groszmann RJ, Bosch J, Grace ND, Conn HO, Garcia-Tsao G, Navasa M, Alberts J, Rodes J, Fischer R, Bermann M, et al. Hemodynamic events in a prospective randomized trial of propranolol versus placebo in the prevention of a first variceal hemorrhage. Gastroenterology. 1990;99:1401–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Groszmann RJ, Garcia-Tsao G, Bosch J, Grace ND, Burroughs AK, Planas R, Escorsell A, Garcia-Pagan JC, Patch D, Matloff DS, Gao H, Makuch R, PORTAL HYPERTENSION COLLABORATIVE, G. Beta-blockers to prevent gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. N Engl J Med. 2005;353:2254–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. GROUP, T. V. A. C. V. S. Prophylactic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices in men with alcoholic liver disease. A randomized, single-blind, multicenter clinical trial. The veterans affairs cooperative variceal sclerotherapy Group. N Engl J Med. 1991;324:1779–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Hernandez-Gea V, Aracil C, Colomo A, Garupera I, Poca M, Torras X, Minana J, Guarner C, Villanueva C. Development of ascites in compensated cirrhosis with severe portal hypertension treated with beta-blockers. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012;107:418–27.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Hubmann R, Bodlaj G, Czompo M, Benkö L, Pichler P, Al-Kathib S. The use of self-expanding metal stents to treat acute esophageal variceal bleeding. Endoscopy. 2006;38:896–901.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Ioannou G, Doust J, Rockey DC. Terlipressin for acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003: (vol.1) CD002147. 

    Google Scholar 

  35. Jenkins SA, Shields R, Davies M, Elias E, Turnbull AJ, Bassendine MF, James OF, Iredale JP, Vyas SK, Arthur MJ, Kingsnorth AN, Sutton R. A multicentre randomised trial comparing octreotide and injection sclerotherapy in the management and outcome of acute variceal haemorrhage. Gut. 1997;41:526–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Jun CH, Park CH, Lee WS, Joo YE, Kim HS, Choi SK, Rew JS, Kim SJ, Kim YD. Antibiotic prophylaxis using third generation cephalosporins can reduce the risk of early rebleeding in the first acute gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage: a prospective randomized study. J Korean Med Sci. 2006;21:883–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. Kleber G, Sauerbruch T, Ansari H, Paumgartner G. Prediction of variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis: a prospective follow-up study. Gastroenterology. 1991;100:1332–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Laine L, El-Newihi HM, Migikovsky B, Sloane R, Garcia F. Endoscopic ligation compared with sclerotherapy for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices. Ann Intern Med. 1993;119:1–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Laine L, Estrada R, Trujillo M, Fukanaga K, Neil G. Randomized comparison of differing periods of twice-a-day triple therapy for the eradication of helicobacter pylori. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1996a;10:1029–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Laine L, Stein C, Sharma V. Randomized comparison of ligation versus ligation plus sclerotherapy in patients with bleeding esophageal varices. Gastroenterology. 1996b;110:529–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Lo GH, Lai KH, Cheng JS, Lin CK, Huang JS, Hsu PI, Chiang HT. Emergency banding ligation versus sclerotherapy for the control of active bleeding from esophageal varices. Hepatology. 1997;25:1101–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Mccormack TT, Rose JD, Smith PM, Johnson AG. Perforating veins and blood flow in oesophageal varices. Lancet. 1983;2:1442–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Nakamura S, Mitsunaga A, Murata Y, Suzuki S, Hayashi N. Endoscopic induction of mucosal fibrosis by argon plasma coagulation (APC) for esophageal varices: a prospective randomized trial of ligation plus APC vs. ligation alone. Endoscopy. 2001;33:210–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. North Italian Endoscopic Club for the, S. & Treatment of Esophageal, V. Prediction of the first variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and esophageal varices. A prospective multicenter study. N Engl J Med. 1988;319:983–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Pagliaro L, D’amico G, Sorensen TI, Lebrec D, Burroughs AK, Morabito A, Tine F, Politi F, Traina M. Prevention of first bleeding in cirrhosis. A meta-analysis of randomized trials of nonsurgical treatment. Ann Intern Med. 1992;117:59–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Przemioslo RT, Mcnair A, Williams R. Thrombin is effective in arresting bleeding from gastric variceal hemorrhage. Dig Dis Sci. 1999;44:778–81.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Ramesh J, Limdi JK, Sharma V, Makin AJ. The use of thrombin injections in the management of bleeding gastric varices: a single-center experience. Gastrointest Endosc. 2008;68:877–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Ramirez FC, Colon VJ, Landan D, Grade AJ, Evanich E. The effects of the number of rubber bands placed at each endoscopic session upon variceal outcomes: a prospective, randomized study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102:1372–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Rikkers LF, Jin G. Emergency shunt. Role in the present management of variceal bleeding. Arch Surg. 1995;130:472–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Saeed ZA, Stiegmann GV, Ramirez FC, Reveille RM, Goff JS, Hepps KS, Cole RA. Endoscopic variceal ligation is superior to combined ligation and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices: a multicenter prospective randomized trial. Hepatology. 1997;25:71–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Shao XD, Qi XS, Guo XD. Esophageal stent for refractory Variceal bleeding: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int. Vol. 2016: Article ID 4054513.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Sarin SK, Lahoti D, Saxena SP, Murthy NS, Makwana UK. Prevalence, classification and natural history of gastric varices: a long-term follow-up study in 568 portal hypertension patients. Hepatology. 1992;16:1343–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Sarin SK, Lamba GS, Kumar M, Misra A, Murthy NS. Comparison of endoscopic ligation and propranolol for the primary prevention of variceal bleeding. N Engl J Med. 1999;340:988–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Sarin SK, Wadhawan M, Agarwal SR, Tyagi P, Sharma BC. Endoscopic variceal ligation plus propranolol versus endoscopic variceal ligation alone in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005a;100:797–804.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Sarin SK, wadhawan M, Gupta R, Shahi H. Evaluation of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) versus propanolol plus isosorbide mononitrate/nadolol (ISMN) in the prevention of variceal rebleeding: comparison of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. Dig Dis Sci. 2005b;50:1538–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Schepis F, Camma C, Niceforo D, Magnano A, Pallio S, Cinquegrani M, D’amico G, Pasta L, Craxi A, Saitta A, Raimondo G. Which patients with cirrhosis should undergo endoscopic screening for esophageal varices detection? Hepatology. 2001;33:333–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Senzolo M, Cholongitas E, Burra P, Leandro G, Thalheimer U, Patch D, Burroughs AK. Beta-blockers protect against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients: a meta-analysis. Liver Int. 2009;29:1189–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Sung JJ, Chung SC, Lai CW, Chan FK, Leung JW, Yung MY, Kassianides C, Li AK. Octreotide infusion or emergency sclerotherapy for variceal haemorrhage. Lancet. 1993;342:637–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Teres J, Bosch J, Bordas JM, Garcia Pagan JC, Feu F, Cirera I, Rodes J. Propranolol versus sclerotherapy in preventing variceal rebleeding: a randomized controlled trial. Gastroenterology. 1993;105:1508–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Triantos C, Vlachogiannakos J, Manolakopoulos S, Burroughs A, Avgerinos A. Is banding ligation for primary prevention of variceal bleeding as effective as beta-blockers, and is it safe? Hepatology. 2006;43:196–7. discussion 197-8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Vieira DA, Rocha EC, D’amico EA, Caldwell SH, Flores DA, Rocha TR, Soares ESCS, Dos Santos Bomfim V, Felga G, Barbosa WF, Kassab F, Polli DA, Carrilho FJ, Farias AQ. A prospective study of conventional and expanded coagulation indices in predicting ulcer bleeding after variceal band ligation. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009;7:988–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Villanueva C, Minana J, Ortiz J, Gallego A, Soriano G, Torras X, Sainz S, boadas J, Cusso X, Guarner C, Balanzo J. Endoscopic ligation compared with combined treatment with nadolol and isosorbide mononitrate to prevent recurrent variceal bleeding. N Engl J Med. 2001;345:647–55.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Villanueva C, Piqueras M, Aracil C, Gomez C, Lopez-Balaguer JM, Gonzalez B, Gallego A, Torras X, Soriano G, Sainz S, Benito S, Balanzo J. A randomized controlled trial comparing ligation and sclerotherapy as emergency endoscopic treatment added to somatostatin in acute variceal bleeding. J Hepatol. 2006;45:560–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Villeneuve JP, Pomier-Layrargues G, Duguay L, Lapointe R, Tanguay S, Marleau D, Willems B, Huet PM, Infante-Rivard C, Lavoie P. Emergency portacaval shunt for variceal hemorrhage. A prospective study. Ann Surg. 1987;206:48–52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Yang WL, Tripathi D, Therapondos G, Todd A, Hayes PC. Endoscopic use of human thrombin in bleeding gastric varices. Am J Gastroenterol. 2002;97:1381–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Yoshida T, Harada T, Shigemitsu T, Takeo Y, Miyazaki S, Okita K. Endoscopic management of gastric varices using a detachable snare and simultaneous endoscopic sclerotherapy and O-ring ligation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1999;14:730–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Subbaramiah Sridhar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Tulachan, S.S., Bhagatwala, J., Sridhar, S. (2018). Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Varices and Variceal Hemorrhage. In: Sridhar, S., Wu, G. (eds) Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures in Gastroenterology. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62993-3_14

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62993-3_14

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-62991-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62993-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics