Adults and children who suffer from a condition called portal hypertension (a complication of liver disease) may experience bleeding in the esophagus due to esophageal varices – abnormal, enlarged veins that have thin walls and are subject to a great deal of interior pressure. Such bleeding can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Treatment for this condition is usually provided via variceal banding (ligation) or endoscopic sclerotherapy as part of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. In a banding procedure, a flexible ring is placed around an inflamed blood vessel to eliminate blood flow to that area. The procedure may need to be repeated over a period of weeks, and patients will need to have their varices evaluated on a regular basis (typically 1-3 times per year) for the rest of their lives.
Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. Browsing our website means you accept these terms.