Methods to Control Bleeding in Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are abnormally enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus. The condition is caused by a serious disease such as cirrhosis of the liver, in which normal blood flow is blocked. In cases where these varices rupture, the bleeding must be stopped or controlled by one of the following methods.

Sclerotherapy

• A procedure in which a solution is injected into the varices that clots the blood, blocking the vein from bleeding out.

Banding

• Banding the varices involves putting a small rubber band over the bleeding veins, which causes the bleeding to stop.

TIPS

• TIPS stands for Triangular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt. This shunt is placed in the middle of the liver via a catheter from a vein in the neck. The shunt relieves the high amount of blood pressure that has built up in the liver.

DSRS

• DSRS stands for Distal Splenorenal Shunt. This procedure connects the vein in the spleen to the left kidney vein to reduce the pressure in the bleeding varices.

Devascularization

• This procedure removes the veins that are bleeding. This is typically done if shunts are either not able to be used or unsuccessful in controlling the bleeding.

Liver Transplant

• A transplant is done in situations where liver disease has developed to a critical stage.