Treatment methods for gastric varices

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

Gastric varices primarily refer to varices at the stomach base, often occurring in diseases characterized by portal hypertension associated with liver cirrhosis and as a complication of these gastric varices. For treating varices at the stomach base, if continuous hematemesis or vomiting blood occurs, there are several treatment options: The first is the injection of a sclerosing agent, which can achieve the purpose of hemostasis. Additionally, endoscopic ligation treatment can be considered. This method is very effective in preventing the rupture and bleeding of gastric varices. However, it is crucial to assess the overall status of the patient and determine whether liver cirrhosis can be prevented or treated.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
40sec home-news-image

Does Grade II varicose veins require surgery?

In our clinical staging, Grade 2 varicose veins are the most common type of varicose veins. Often, these do not have complications and are relatively early-stage. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the patient's personal treatment preference. Some individuals might be motivated by cosmetic reasons, such as wanting to wear skirts or shorts in the summer to show off their legs. In such cases, their desire for treatment might be stronger. For some older individuals, they might not care as much, so the choice of undergoing surgery or opting for conservative treatment for Grade 2 varicose veins really depends on the patient's own wishes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
1min 2sec home-news-image

Does varicose veins hurt when pressed?

In most cases, varicose veins are not painful on touch. However, if they are painful when pressed, there are several possibilities. One is that there is an obstruction at the proximal end of the varicose vein, which is closer to the heart. This results in high local tension in the varicose vein, and pressing on it can stimulate the nerves in the surrounding membrane, causing pain on touch. Another possibility is that a blood clot has formed inside the varicose vein. The formation of blood clots is often accompanied by some sterile inflammation. When there is inflammation, symptoms can include redness, warmth, pain, and localized heat. Pressing on such an area can intensify the pain. Additionally, it is particularly important to emphasize that if varicose veins are painful on touch, one must visit a hospital and not press on them themselves. If there is a blood clot, pressing it could dislodge the clot, causing it to travel to the lungs and lead to a pulmonary embolism.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
50sec home-news-image

Can people with varicose veins in the lower extremities drink alcohol?

The majority of patients with varicose veins in the lower limbs can drink alcohol in moderation, but should not drink excessively. However, there is one circumstance where it is advisable to check carefully before deciding whether to drink alcohol. This is the case if there are severe varicose veins in both lower limbs and even some clearly visible dilated veins on the abdomen. In such cases, it's recommended to check the liver first. This is because the veins from the lower limbs join to form a vein called the inferior vena cava, which passes through the liver to return to the heart. If there is a problem with the liver, it may compress the inferior vena cava, causing varicose veins on both sides. In this situation, drinking alcohol could further damage the liver, potentially worsening the varicose veins.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
44sec home-news-image

Can varicose veins occasionally be invisible?

When varicose veins are mild in their early stages, if you wear compression stockings during winter, it's possible that the varicosities are not very noticeable occasionally when you take off the stockings. However, in more advanced stages, when there are clearly widespread and clustered varicose veins, they are difficult to conceal. However, if deep vein thrombosis occurs, causing tissue edema, the swollen surrounding tissues may obscure the varicose veins, making them less visible. Therefore, we need to judge based on the specific circumstances. Generally, just because varicose veins are occasionally not visible does not mean that the condition has healed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
54sec home-news-image

Can varicose veins cause leg swelling?

Varicose veins are a broad concept that is clinically divided into seven grades, from 0 to 6. Grade 0 is normal, grade 1 involves some capillary dilation, grade 2 is marked by clear varicose veins, and from grade 3 onwards, edema can occur. Generally, the causes of varicose veins vary. Some people suffer from what is called simple superficial varicose veins, primarily due to problems with the valves in the superficial veins. These patients may experience mild edema, limited to the ankle area. Others suffer from secondary varicose veins, following dysfunction of the valves in the deep veins or communicating veins. In deep veins, there can be reflux or obstruction. In such cases, it is possible to cause compressible edema in the front of the lower leg, commonly known as shinbone area.