What are esophageal varices?

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins in the esophagus. They are caused by increased pressure in the portal vein, which is the main vein that carries blood from the intestines, spleen, and pancreas to the liver. When the portal vein is blocked or narrowed, blood backs up into the smaller veins in the esophagus, causing them to swell and become varices.

Esophageal varices can be dangerous because they can rupture and bleed. This can lead to severe blood loss and even death. Variceal bleeding is most common in people with cirrhosis, which is a chronic liver disease.

There are a number of treatments for esophageal varices, including medication, endoscopic therapy, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to prevent bleeding and its complications.