Esophageal varices are large or swollen blood vessels in the esophagus. Here, learn all about this health issue, including its symptoms and causes.

Patients with esophageal varices > 5 mm in diameter should receive noncardioselective beta-blocker prophylaxis with propranolol, nadolol, or carvedilol.

Nonselective beta-adrenergic blockers decrease portal pressure and prevent variceal hemorrhage. Their effectiveness in preventing varices is unknown.We randomly assigned 213 patients with cirrhosis ...

Gluud, LL, Klingenberg, S, Nikolova, D, Gluud, C. Banding ligation versus beta-blockers as primary prophylaxis in esophageal varices: systematic review of randomized trials.

The esophagus connects the pharynx and the stomach via a long tube. The inflammation in the veins of the esophagus is termed as esophageal varices. As the enlarged veins are very close to the ...

The World Gastroenterology Organization practice guideline for esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis and medium or large varices, but no hemorrhage, recommends nonselective beta blockers ...

Nonselective beta blockers or endoscopic band ligation (EVL) are recommended for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with esophageal varices. However, it has been found that ...

Esophageal varices, resulting from portal hypertension, are a significant complication of liver cirrhosis. As varices become larger, there is increased risk of rupture with upper gastrointestinal ...

Endoscopy Offers Reliable Detection of Varices Q: Which Asymptomatic Patients With Cirrhosis Should Undergo an Upper Endoscopy to Determine Whether They Have Esophageal Varices?

Variceal rupture is a life-threatening condition. Approximately one third of cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices bleed, and the mortality rate associated with first bleed may be as high as 50%.

Of the 26 who continued the treatment, three eventually bled from esophageal varices and two died of such bleeding.