What are gastro-oesophageal varices?
Gastro-oesophageal varices are swollen veins found in the stomach and oesophagus. They usually occur because of pressure behind the liver, either due to liver disease or abnormalities with the main vein into the liver (portal vein).
How are they treated?
As these swollen veins can bleed, they are usually treated by injection of material to thrombose (clot) the veins or by applying a rubber band to the varix (banding).
In this procedure a cap is applied to the end of the endoscope, the varix is sucked into the cap and a rubber band release to capture the vein. The band and clotted vein will drop off after a few days.