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. Don C. Rockey
Hepatology | Gastroenterology
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dr. Don C. Rockey
Hepatology | Gastroenterology

University Medical Associates Of The Medical University Of South Carol

171 Ashley Ave, 
Charleston, SC 
843-792-1414
Languages Spoken:
English
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Don Rockey is a Hepatologist and a Gastroenterologist in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Rockey is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. His top areas of expertise are Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Portal Hypertension, Cirrhosis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Rockey is currently accepting new patients.

Dominique Thabut
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dominique Thabut
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Dominique Thabut

CHU Caen

Caen, FR 

Dominique Thabut practices in Caen, France. Mr. Thabut is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. His top areas of expertise are Esophageal Varices, Liver Failure, Portal Hypertension, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.

 
 
 
 
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Annalisa Berzigotti
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Annalisa Berzigotti
Elite in Esophageal Varices
Annalisa Berzigotti
Bern, BE, CH 

Annalisa Berzigotti practices in Bern, Switzerland. Ms. Berzigotti is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Esophageal Varices. Her top areas of expertise are Portal Hypertension, Esophageal Varices, Cirrhosis, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.

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What are the latest Esophageal Varices Clinical Trials?
TIPS for the Management of Complicated Portal Hypertension Related to Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease
TIPS for the Management of Complicated Portal Hypertension Related to Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 09, 2025

Summary: Porto-sinusoidal Vascular Disease (PSVD) is characterized by a portal hypertension (PH) without cirrhosis. This can induce PH complications, like digestive hemorrhage from esophageal or gastric varices, ascites, or even portal thrombosis. Due to the rarity of MVPS, the treatment of complications of portal hypertension is modeled on the methods used in cirrhotic portal hypertension with non-cardio-...

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Assessing the Safety of Discontinuing Non-selective Beta-blockers in Cirrhotic Patients With Managed Primary Aetiological Factors According to Baveno VII Consensus
Assessing the Safety of Discontinuing Non-selective Beta-blockers in Cirrhotic Patients With Managed Primary Aetiological Factors According to Baveno VII Consensus
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 22, 2025

Summary: This multicentre, prospective cohort study aims to enrol 375 patients with cirrhosis who meet the following criteria: 1. effective management or elimination of the primary aetiological factor (i.e., sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C, complete viral suppression in chronic hepatitis B, or long-term alcohol abstinence in alcohol-related liver disease), 2. liver stiffness measureme...

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