Gastric Varices

Gastric Varices Are A Type Of Vascular Abnormality That Can Occur In The Stomach. They Are A Result Of Portal Hypertension, Which Is When The Pressure In The Portal Vein (The Vein That Carries Blood From The Intestines To The Liver) Is Higher Than Normal. This Increased Pressure Can Cause The Walls Of The Veins In The Stomach To Weaken And Become Enlarged, Forming Varices. Gastric Varices Can Be A Serious Medical Condition As They Have The Potential To Rupture And Cause Life-Threatening Bleeding. Symptoms Of Gastric Varices May Include Abdominal Pain, Nausea, And Vomiting. Risk Factors For Developing Gastric Varices Include Alcoholism, Cirrhosis, Portal Vein Thrombosis, And Certain Medications. Diagnosis Is Usually Done Through An Upper Endoscopy, In Which A Doctor Inserts A Thin, Flexible Tube With A Camera At The End Into The Patient’s Stomach To Look For Signs Of Varices. Treatment Options For Gastric Varices Include Endoscopic Band Ligation, Sclerotherapy, And Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Procedure. Endoscopic Band Ligation Is The Most Commonly Used Treatment And Involves Using A Band To Tie Off The Varices, Which Stops The Bleeding. In Some Cases, Gastric Varices Can Be Prevented Through Lifestyle Changes Such As Reducing Alcohol Consumption, Maintaining A Healthy Weight, And Quitting Smoking. It Is Also Important To Monitor Any Medications You May Be Taking And Talk To Your Doctor If You Experience Any Symptoms Of Gastric Varices.