Treat Esophageal Varices
The development of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension results in esophageal varices. Bleeding from varices occurs when the portal pressure is more than or equal to 12 mm Hg, which is considered life-threatening in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, by eliminating the cause of cirrhosis, patients can successfully prevent the development of portal hypertension.
However, for patients with established varices, the primary course of action is to use non-selective beta-blockers to slow down the variceal progression and reduce the risk of variceal bleeding. Non-selective beta-blockers work by blunting inflammatory stimuli, which can slow down variceal progression.
Another treatment regimen for cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices is variceal band ligation. This is an excellent alternative for primary bleeding prophylaxis with superior outcomes. Any acute variceal bleeding should be treated with band ligation after successful resuscitation. In addition, a pre-emptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with decompensated cirrhosis is proven highly effective in stopping the bleeding and increasing their chances of survival. A doctor can formulate the right treatment strategies after evaluating the stage of cirrhosis and the natural history of esophageal varices.
