Esophageal Varices Overview

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Learn About Esophageal Varices

What is the definition of Esophageal Varices?
Esophageal varices is a condition in which enlarged (varicose) veins develop in the lower esophagus (swallowing tube that connects mouth to stomach). Esophageal varices frequently occur in individuals with serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis (liver scaring and fibrosis), who have developed portal hypertension (high blood pressure in portal vein). Esophageal varices can also be caused by parasitic liver diseases, such as schistosomiasis (flatworms). Esophageal varices can rupture and cause dangerous bleeding (hemorrhage).
What are the symptoms of Esophageal Varices?
Esophageal varices often do not have any symptoms until they bleed. Symptoms of bleeding esophageal varices include vomiting large quantities of blood, black, tarry or bloody stools, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Since individuals with esophageal varices also usually have liver disease, such as cirrhosis, additional symptoms may include yellowing of the mucous membranes, skin, and whites of the eyes (jaundice), bruising easily, and fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
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What are the current treatments for Esophageal Varices?
Treatment for bleeding esophageal varices include endoscopic band ligations (use of rubber bands to restrict blood flow to varices); medications to slow bleeding, such as octreotide (Sandostatin) and vasopressin (Vasostrict); sclerotherapy (drugs injected into the varices to constrict blood flow); balloon tamponade, or self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), which are used to apply pressure to the varices; transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), in which a shunt is created between the portal and hepatic veins to stop the bleeding; transfusions; and antibiotics. Patients with bleeding esophageal varices and severe liver disease may be considered for liver transplantation. Medications such as beta blockers may be administered to prevent re-bleeding.
Who are the top Esophageal Varices Local Doctors?
Dr. Howard A. Weaver
Gastroenterology
Dr. Howard A. Weaver
Gastroenterology
254 Stratton Rd, Suite 2, 
Rutland, VT 
 (1.2 mi)
802-775-5531
Languages Spoken:
English
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Howard Weaver is a Gastroenterologist in Rutland, Vermont. Dr. Weaver and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. His top areas of expertise are Enlarged Liver, Visceromegaly, Cirrhosis, and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

Dr. Joseph A. Williams
Gastroenterology
Dr. Joseph A. Williams
Gastroenterology

Rutland Hospital, Inc.

1 Albert Cree Dr, 
Rutland, VT 
 (1.2 mi)
802-775-7111
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Joseph Williams is a Gastroenterologist in Rutland, Vermont. Dr. Williams and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. His top areas of expertise are Visceromegaly, Cirrhosis, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Williams is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Dr. Michael W. Gleeson
Gastroenterology
Dr. Michael W. Gleeson
Gastroenterology

Rutland Hospital, Inc.

160 Allen St, 
Rutland, VT 
 (1.2 mi)
802-775-7111
Experience:
15+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Michael Gleeson is a Gastroenterologist in Rutland, Vermont. Dr. Gleeson has been practicing medicine for over 15 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. His top areas of expertise are Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Colitis, Viral Gastroenteritis, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Gleeson is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Esophageal Varices Clinical Trials?
Secondary Prevention of Variceal Rebleeding by Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Therapy Versus Conventional Endoscopic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Secondary Prevention of Variceal Rebleeding by Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Therapy Versus Conventional Endoscopic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 24, 2025
Intervention Type: Procedure
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: Rebleeding rate is high in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with variceal bleeding despite conventional endoscopic therapies for esophageal and gastric varices (EV, GV). Secondary prevention of variceal rebleeding was reported to improve outcomes of HCC patients, but the optimal endoscopic approach is not well defined. In this difficult-to-manage population, variceal rebleeding rates remain...

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A Randomized Controlled Trial of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation Versus Carvedilol for the Prevention of First Esophageal Variceal Bleeding in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation Versus Carvedilol for the Prevention of First Esophageal Variceal Bleeding in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 13, 2025
Intervention Type: Procedure, Drug
Study Phase: Phase 4

Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or carvedilol is more effective at preventing the first esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It will also learn about the safety of EVL and carvedilol in patients with HCC. The main questions it aims to answer are: Whether EVL or carvedilol is more effective at p...

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