A gastric varice, or gastric varix, is a bleed from any of the sub-mucosal veins that are found in the stomach. The bleed can be mild enough that it may not cause any discomfort or pain, or it can be severe enough to cause hematemesis (the vomiting of blood), or even be life-threatening. Gastric varices are usually treated with a combination of clotting medications and bands that are applied directly to the source of the bleed.
Gastric Varice Treatment
Your physician will administer octreotide and vasopressin to reduce any current bleeding, and follow up with beta-blockers and nitrates to prevent any additional bleeding.
The bleed is treated directly by applying a special band at the source of the bleeding. The bands are generally rubber or silicone, and can be positioned and applied using endoscopic techniques. An endoscopic procedure requires that you be sedated and positioned on your left side. Your throat may be sprayed with a topical anesthetic. A tube or catheter is threaded through your mouth, down your throat, into the esophagus and then into the stomach. At the end of the tube or catheter will be precise grasping and positioning tools that will align the band around the bleeding vein or general bleeding site.
You will be monitored for two to four hours after the procedure to make sure that you do not have any reactions to the medication or the procedure itself. Depending upon the severity of the gastric bleed, it and any associated symptoms may be treated with additional medication. A repeat endoscopy and gastric varice banding may be necessary in some cases.
Precautions
Do not eat any solid food eight hours before the scheduled procedure. You may drink clear fluids until two hours before the endoscopy.
Do not take any blood-thinning medications if you have a gastric varice, or if you are scheduled for an endoscopy.
If you are diabetic and take insulin, speak to your physician about any dosage adjustments that must be made prior to the endoscopic procedure.
