Varices Flashcards
1
Q
What are varcies?
A
Dilated veins
Can rupture easily resulting in a massive upper GI bleed
2
Q
Oesophageal varices
A
Dilated veins at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach as this is a site of an anastomoses between the systemic and portal venous systems
3
Q
Causes
A
Cirrhosis
Portal hypertension
Liver failure
4
Q
Management
A
Resuscitation
Urgent endoscopy
Vasoconstrictor drugs - terlipressin
Band ligation - to stop bleeding
Sclerotherapy - injection to produce vessel thrombosis
Sengstaken Blakemore balloon - if banding doesn’t work
TIPS - stent
5
Q
Secondary prevention
A
Propranolol (B-blocker)
