Esophageal Varices
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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?
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dr. Marvin K. Ryou
Gastroenterology | Hepatology
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dr. Marvin K. Ryou
Gastroenterology | Hepatology
Referral may be required

Brigham And Women's Faulkner Hospital, Gastroenterology Associates

1153 Centre Street, Suite 4G, 
Jamaica Plain, MA 
617-732-6389
Languages Spoken:
English
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Marvin Ryou is a Gastroenterologist and a Hepatologist practicing medicine in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Dr. Ryou is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. He is also highly rated in 31 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Esophageal Varices, Portal Hypertension, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Ryou is board certified in Gastroenterology. Dr. Ryou is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Esophageal Varices
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Referral may be required

CHU Caen

Caen, FR 

Dominique Thabut practices practicing medicine in Caen, France. Mr. Thabut is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Liver Failure, Esophageal Varices, Portal Hypertension, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dr. Christopher C. Thompson
Gastroenterology | Hepatology
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dr. Christopher C. Thompson
Gastroenterology | Hepatology
Referral may be required

Brigham And Women's Crohn's And Colitis Center

850 Boylston Street, Suite 201 Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center, 
Chestnut Hill, MA 
617-732-6389
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Christopher Thompson is a Gastroenterologist and a Hepatologist practicing medicine in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Dr. Thompson is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. He is also highly rated in 38 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Obesity, Esophageal Varices, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Thompson is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Esophageal Varices Clinical Trials?
A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Impact of Fasting Duration on Postoperative Rebleeding Following Esophageal Variceal Ligation.
A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Impact of Fasting Duration on Postoperative Rebleeding Following Esophageal Variceal Ligation.
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 19, 2026
Intervention Type: Other
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early postoperative oral intake (with a fasting period of 6 hours) versus delayed postoperative oral intake (with fasting periods of 24 hours or 48 hours) in patients with cirrhosis undergoing esophageal variceal ligation therapy.

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Bumetanide vs. Furosemide for Adults Hospitalized With Cirrhosis: the BUFF Trial
Bumetanide vs. Furosemide for Adults Hospitalized With Cirrhosis: the BUFF Trial
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: June 16, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: Patients with cirrhosis are frequently hospitalized due to an acute decompensation of their liver disease including bleeding, jaundice, encephalopathy, and volume overload. Volume overload is associated with increased mortality from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, hemorrhage from esophageal varices, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Clinical practice guidelines describe sodium restriction ...

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