Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Endoscopic Treatment for Variceal Bleeding
Endoscopic Treatment for Variceal Bleeding
Treatment Overview
Endoscopic therapy is the method most commonly used to treat active variceal bleeding in the esophagus. Variceal bleeding occurs when pressure increases in the portal vein system and the veins in the esophagus enlarge to help blood flow through the liver. It also may be used to prevent recurrent episodes of variceal bleeding, which are common.
The two forms of endoscopic therapy are:
- Endoscopic variceal banding (also called ligation).
- Endoscopic sclerotherapy.
Endoscopic therapy is usually used along with medicines taken regularly, such as beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors.
Endoscopic variceal banding (or ligation)
During variceal banding, a doctor uses an endoscope to place an elastic ring that looks like a rubber band around an enlarged vein (varice). Banding the vein in this manner will cut off blood flow through the vein. It may be hard to use this procedure while someone is actively bleeding, because the device used to place the bands blocks the doctor's vision.
Variceal banding is often done several times to control the varices and prevent bleeding. For example, banding might be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks for 3 to 4 sessions. Your doctor will check the varices regularly.
Endoscopic sclerotherapy
During endoscopic sclerotherapy, a chemical called a sclerosant is injected directly into an enlarged vein or into the wall of the esophagus next to the enlarged veins. The substance causes inflammation of the inside lining of the vein. Over time this causes the vein to close off and scar. When the vein is closed off, blood cannot flow through it.
Risks
Risks
Problems caused by endoscopic treatment are not common. If problems do occur, they may include:
- Infection.
- Puncture of the wall of the esophagus (esophageal perforation).
- Sores in the esophagus (esophageal ulcers).
- Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture).
- Aspiration pneumonia.
Current as of: October 19, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Related Links
Cirrhosis
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>