Esophageal varices are swollen, large veins which develop on the outer lining of esophagus. More often these veins tend to bleed, where excess bleeding may prove to be fatal. Around 50% people suffering from this disorder may develop complications, leading to death. Esophageal varices is caused due to diseases related to the liver, such as cirrhosis, which leads to increased in blood pressure in the veins. This pressure makes the veins swell up, causing them to rupture and bleed. Most people suffering from the disease may vomit blood or see discharge of blood in the stools.

In severe cases, sclerotherapy is used in many hospitals to stop the bleeding and avoid recurrence. Generally sclerotherapy is followed by other preventive measures taken to prevent further damage and remove or treat swollen veins. Sclerotherapy in this case involves injecting a sclerosant directly into the affected vein(s) or the area around it. The treatment is performed under suitable sedation. The sclerosant injected in the vein causes the blood inside the veins to clot, thus stopping the bleeding, and when injected in the area around the veins, it causes the veins to swell and thicken and get compressed. The more effective method for stopping the bleeding immediately is injecting the solution directly inside the affected vein(s). Once the bleeding stops it becomes easier to manage esophageal varices by destroying other affected veins to prevent further bleeding.

Esophageal varices is a serious condition caused due to liver disease, especially if accompanied with bleeding. About 50% people in US who have recovered from this condition are at a risk of developing it again after a period of one or two years from the last treatment.

The disease is diagnosed through combined study of CT scan of the liver and blood work. Apart from this, MRI scan and ultrasound may also be recommended to confirm the disease and eliminate other causes. To make a correct diagnosis, a radiologist works in conjunction with the surgeon, hepatologist and gastroenterologist. Tests are also conducted to detect bleeding. The sclerotherapy procedure is performed after careful observation of the vital signs of the patient including medical history.

After the procedure is over the patient is kept under constant observation. Signs such as amount of blood lost during bleeding, fever, lung complications, perforated esophagus and other complications are recorded immediately after sclerotherapy, and appropriate action taken to prevent any damage to the system. Apart from this, the patient must strictly follow the diet prescribed by the doctor; if required, medication may be taken to manage pain.

Esophageal varices cannot be completely treated; however it can be successfully managed through sclerotherapy. In most cases the procedure is successful, where there is less chances of recurrent bleeding.

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