Enlargement of Esophageal Varices (Oesophageal Varices)

Enlargement of Esophageal Varices: causes, symptoms and treatment

Esophageal varices are a serious disease that occurs due to portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is high pressure in the veins of the liver, which can be caused by various causes, such as cirrhosis of the liver or portal vein thrombosis. When blood cannot flow freely through the liver, it begins to look for another path, and this can lead to dilation of the veins in the lower third of the esophagus.

One of the main symptoms of esophageal varices is bleeding, which can manifest as bloody vomiting or black stools. Heavy bleeding can be life-threatening, so it is important to see a doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

To diagnose esophageal varices, endoscopy is usually used, which allows the doctor to view the esophagus and determine the presence of dilated veins. If dilated veins are found, additional tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be ordered to determine the cause of portal hypertension.

Treatment of esophageal varicose veins may include several methods. Bleeding can be controlled by using a compression balloon, which is inflated inside the esophagus and stops the bleeding. Sclerotherapy can also be performed - the introduction of a special drug that glues the dilated veins together. Another method is elastic compression through an endoscope, in which an elastic ring is placed on the dilated veins to stop bleeding. In some cases, vasopressin or somatostatin may be prescribed to reduce portal vein pressure.

In general, esophageal varices are a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. If you suspect you have this disease, consult your doctor to get professional help and prevent possible complications.



Dilatation of the veins of the esophagus is one of the most serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to bleeding and even death of the patient. This dilation occurs in the lower part of the esophagus and is caused by increased pressure inside it, causing the veins to enlarge. The result may be bleeding, which is life-threatening.

First of all, dilation of the esophageal veins affects people with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases. Over 80% of patients at the moment are people after organ transplantation. In the presence of certain factors, this disease is quite complex and often causes death.



Esophageal varices, also known as osophageal varices, are a serious medical condition that occurs as a result of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension means increased pressure in the portal vein, the large vein that supplies blood to the digestive system. When the portal vein is subjected to increased pressure, blood begins to find a way to bypass, causing the veins in the lower third of the esophagus to dilate and enlarge. These dilated veins are called osophageal varicosities.

Osophageal varices can be dangerous, as a strong increase in pressure in these veins can lead to their rupture and bleeding. Osophageal bleeding may manifest as hematemesis and may be life-threatening for the patient. Therefore, it is important to promptly diagnose and treat osophageal varicose veins in order to prevent the development of bleeding and associated complications.

There are various methods to treat osophageal varices and prevent bleeding. One of them is the use of a compression cartridge. This method involves inserting a special balloon into the esophagus, which is inflated to apply pressure to the dilated veins and stop bleeding.

Another treatment method is sclerotherapy. During this procedure, the doctor injects a special substance called a sclerosant into the dilated veins of the esophagus, which causes stenosis (narrowing) of these veins. This narrowing helps prevent bleeding and reduce the size of varicose veins.

It is also possible to treat osophageal varicose veins using endoscopic pressure. The doctor uses an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera on the end, to press and compress the dilated veins in the esophagus, reducing their size and the risk of bleeding.

Additionally, in some cases, doctors may prescribe vasopressin or somatostatin. These drugs help reduce portal vein pressure and reduce the risk of bleeding.

However, it should be noted that treatment of osophageal varicose veins is only a temporary solution. The main cause of portal hypertension, which leads to the development of varicose veins, is usually cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to the treatment of the underlying disease in order to prevent the re-development of osophageal varicose veins.

In conclusion, esophageal varices (esophageal varices) are a serious and potentially dangerous condition associated with portal hypertension. Treatment of osophageal varices includes the use of a compression balloon, sclerotherapy, endoscopic compression, and the administration of vasopressin or somatostatin. However, these treatments are temporary and it is important to pay attention to the treatment of the underlying disease to prevent the recurrence of osophageal varicose veins. If you suspect osophageal varices or associated bleeding, consult your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.