What are the grades of esophageal varices?

When esophageal varices are discovered, they are graded according to their size, as follows: Grade 1 – Small, straight esophageal varices. Grade 2 – Enlarged, tortuous esophageal varices occupying less than one third of the lumen. Grade 3 – Large, coil-shaped esophageal varices occupying more than one third of the …

What is the treatment of esophageal varices?

Bleeding esophageal varices are life-threatening, and immediate treatment is essential. Treatments used to stop bleeding and reverse the effects of blood loss include: Using elastic bands to tie off bleeding veins. Your doctor may wrap elastic bands around the esophageal varices during an endoscopy.

What is the endoscopic therapy of choice to eradicate esophageal varices?

Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) For many years, EIS has been used to treat esophageal varices. Flexible endoscopic sclerotherapy was introduced in the 1980s, and has been widely used since then, resulting in an improved survival rate for these patients.

Why is propranolol used for esophageal varices?

By slowing the heart rate and widening the blood vessels, beta-blocker medicines such as propranolol and nadolol appear to lower the blood pressure in varices that bypass the liver. In people who have esophageal varices, beta-blockers have been shown to reduce the risk of having a first episode of bleeding.

How serious is Grade 1 esophageal varices?

It is a life-threatening emergency. At least 50% of patients identified with bleeding esophageal varices at initial stages are at risk of an increase in bleeding later on. This condition can be avoided by proper medication and endoscopy.

Will esophageal varices go away?

Once varices develop, they can remain stable, increase in size (if the liver disease worsens), or decrease in size (if the liver disease improves). Esophageal varices are a potentially serious complication of cirrhosis.

Can esophageal varices go away?

Can you survive esophageal varices?

Outlook / Prognosis Bleeding esophageal varices is life-threatening condition and can be fatal in up to 50% of patients. People who have had an episode of bleeding esophageal varices are at risk for bleeding again.

Is esophageal varices a painful death?

Esophageal varices may leak blood and eventually rupture. This can lead to severe bleeding and life-threatening complications, including death. When this happens, it’s a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you’re showing symptoms of bleeding esophageal varices.