A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and health history, including any ongoing or long-term health conditions. Initially, they may conduct a physical examination to check for signs of bleeding, blood loss, or liver disease. Following this, they will perform blood tests and imaging studies to search for indications of portal hypertension and varices.
If there are no signs of active bleeding, your provider may start with noninvasive imaging tests. If these tests reveal evidence of varices, they may recommend an endoscopy. There are several imaging options, including:
An upper endoscopy, also known as an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) test, is a procedure that examines your upper digestive tract, including your esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). This procedure is carried out by a gastroenterologist, a specialist in digestive system diseases and endoscopic procedures.
During the endoscopy, a slender tube with a tiny camera on its tip, called an endoscope, is gently inserted through your esophagus into your stomach and duodenum. The camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing the endoscopist to observe the interior of your digestive tract. If any issues are identified, they can be addressed using specialized instruments passed through the endoscope.
Preventing bleeding: The main goal when dealing with esophageal varices is to prevent them from bleeding, as this can be life-threatening. Several methods can help achieve this:
Treatment for Bleeding: If bleeding does occur, immediate treatment is crucial. Here are the methods used to stop bleeding and reverse blood loss:
Preventing Re-bleeding: Esophageal varices are prone to re-bleeding. To prevent this, beta blockers and endoscopic band ligation are recommended. Regular follow-up endoscopies may be needed, and additional banding may be performed until the varices are either gone or small enough to reduce the risk of future bleeding.