Esophageal varices

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

It's not always possible to prevent esophageal varices in people with liver disease or portal hypertension. But treating the underlying problem — alcohol abuse, iron overload, or exposure to toxic chemicals, for instance — is of primary importance. Equally important is the use of beta blockers or other medications to prevent increased blood pressure in the portal vein.

References
  1. Dite P, et al. World Gastroenterology Organisation Practice Guidelines: Esophageal Varices. World Gastroenterology Organisation. http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/assets/downloads/en/pdf/guidelines/18_treatment_e_varices_en.pdf. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  2. Sanyal, AJ. General principles of the management of variceal hemorrhage. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  3. Runyon, BA. Patient information: Screening for esophageal varices. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  4. Goff JS. Endoscopic variceal ligation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  5. Portal hypertension. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec10/ch135/ch135d.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  6. Sanyal, AJ. Prediction of variceal hemorrhage. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  7. Sanyal, AJ. Treatment of active variceal hemorrhage. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  8. Sanyal, AJ. Primary prophylaxis against variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
  9. Sanyal, AJ. Prevention of recurrent variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
  10. Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Aug. 24, 2008.

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Oct. 31, 2008

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