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Primary Prevention of Variceal Hemorrhage

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Abstract

Variceal hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of death in patients with cirrhosis, with the 6-week mortality after each episode ranging from 15% to 20%. The two main strategies for primary prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and varices are the administration of nonselective β-blockers or the obliteration of varices with use of endoscopic band ligation. In this review, we present and critically review the latest data on primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage. We advocate that nonselective β-blockers should be the first line therapy, and band ligation should be offered only in cases of intolerance or side effects. We also explore potential future therapies based on preliminary experimental and clinical data.

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Acknowledgments

E.A. Tsochatzis has received an educational grant from the Hellenic Foundation of Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Royal Free Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre and University Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, Pond Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG, UK

    Emmanuel A. Tsochatzis, Christos K. Triantos, Matteo Garcovich & Andrew K. Burroughs

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  1. Emmanuel A. Tsochatzis
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  2. Christos K. Triantos
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  3. Matteo Garcovich
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  4. Andrew K. Burroughs
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Correspondence to Andrew K. Burroughs.

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Tsochatzis, E.A., Triantos, C.K., Garcovich, M. et al. Primary Prevention of Variceal Hemorrhage. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 13, 3–9 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-010-0160-x

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