Gastric Varices
Gastric varices are enlarged veins in the stomach, often caused by increased pressure in the portal venous system due to liver disease or other blood-flow problems. They can rupture and cause severe bleeding.
Symptoms
They may cause no symptoms until bleeding occurs. Vomiting blood, passing black stools, dizziness or fainting are emergency warning signs.
How interventional radiology treats it
Depending on the anatomy and cause, treatment may involve specialised endovascular techniques to close the abnormal veins or redirect blood flow. Options may include balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) or a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in selected patients. Specialist assessment is essential.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.