Bleeding esophageal varices Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Bleeding often comes back without treatment. Bleeding esophageal varices are a serious complication of liver disease and have a poor outcome.

Complications

• Esophageal stricture after surgery or endoscopic therapy
• Hypovolemic shock
• Infection (pneumonia, bloodstream infection, peritonitis)
• Return of bleeding after treatment
• Worsening encephalopathy (confusion)

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you vomit blood or have black tarry stools.

Prevention

Treating the causes of liver disease may prevent bleeding. Preventive treatment of varices with medications such as beta blockers or with endoscopic banding may help prevent bleeding. Liver transplantation should be considered for some patients.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello DA. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.