The subject of esophageal varices is by far the most dangerous aspect of portal hypertension. Bleeding esophageal varices unfortunately is something some reader’s have already experienced, and no doubt do not want to experience again! Thankfully though there are endoscopic treatments and medications that can reduce the risk so there is hope.
Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to your liver is blocked by a clot to the liver (portal vein thrombosis). The blood then backs up into smaller, more fragile blood vessels in your esophagus, and often in your stomach or rectum as well, causing the vessels to swell. When the vessels swell there is risk for a rupture and subsequently bleeding will occur.
As mentioned above there are a number of drugs and medical procedures available to stop the bleeding. Many of the drugs, such as some of the one’s I am on, are used to effectively prevent bleeding. From what I understand about 1/3 of people with esophogeal varices can bleed.
Some of the symptoms of esophogeal bleeding range from mild to severe with some being more obvious such as vomiting blood, black, tarry, or bloody stools, and in more severe cases shock. Less obvious signs may be decreased urination from lower blood pressure, excessive thirst, or lightheadedness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any or all of these symptoms please seek medical help immediately!
In December of 2004 I experienced a bleed, however it apparently did not originate from my esophagus but from the varices in my stomach. A bleed of this nature is referred to in medical terms as a upper GI bleed (gastrointestinal bleed). At the time of my bleed I came very close to having a blood tranfusion, but thankfully I did not lose enough blood for that to happen. Due to advances in medications and endoscopic procedures, an upper GI bleed is commonly treated without surgery. As in my particular case I am on a drug called Nadolol which is a common beta blocker prescribed to keep blood pressure low and prevent bleeding from varices such as these, or the esophagas. Doctor’s also prescribed a drug for me called Pantoloc which reduces excessive acid in the stomach, thereby reducing the risk of acid wear on the varices in order to prevent bleeding.
When emergency treatment becomes necessary, blood and fluids are given intravenously to compensate for any loss. Efforts are then made to stop the bleeding, and an endoscopy is performed to locate the actual site of the bleeding.
Although there are columns of varices in my esophagus that are classified as grade 3 (highest likelihood to bleed), at one time my doctor’s considered one of two methods which are usually performed on patients with ruptured varices. One method involves banding (band litigation) whereby a rubber band is used to tie off the varices, and at some point the varices will fall off or “slough off” in hopes to alleviate the danger. In my case doctor’s decided against this procedure as they felt I would continue to bleed from the site which eventually would become ulcerated. Because I have to be so highly anti-coagulated due to my underlying clotting condtion, banding is not possible as I would continue to bleed from the site where the varices fell off.
Another method used to treat the condition is called sclerotherapy. A drug, which I was told is somewhat like “Crazy Glue”, is injected into the bleeding vein, causing it to constrict (narrow). Sclerotherapy slows the bleeding and allows a blood clot to form over the ruptured vessel.
Bleeding esophageal varices can result in a very large amount of blood loss and many units of blood may need to be transfused. Once the bleeding is controlled, treatment is done to try to prevent additional bleeding in the future. In some cases, more banding is done to try to eliminate the varices. Another consideration in severe cases can be the creation and insertion of a shunt. A shunt could be best described as a pipeline or tube. (At one time I was also considered as a candidate for this type of procedure, but it was decided that the danger would be far too great for me due to my underlying clotting condition).
A Transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS for short) is a wide tube implanted within the liver so that blood is able to flow more quickly. Usually blood must trickle through liver tissue in order to travel from the veins below the liver (the portal veins) into the three veins that drain the liver from above (the hepatic veins). This “trickling” is too slow when the liver is scarred – usually in the case of cirrosis.
A TIPS procedure is usually performed by a radiologist. It involves placing a catheter in a vein in the neck and guided down through the liver creating a pipeline for blood flow. At the end of the catheter a “stent” or wire mesh is placed within the liver to allow blood to flow more easily through the portal vein. This treatment can reduce the excess pressure in the esophageal varices, and can decrease the risk of bleeding in the future.
Portacaval shunting is another option, but as I understand has been largely abandoned since the advent of TIPS. Portacaval shunting is a major operation, requiring an abdominal incision. Blood flow is diverted around the liver, usually creating a connection between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC). The IVC is the large vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower half of the body into the right atrium of the heart. Blood flow is diverted around the liver, usually by creating a connection between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. This reduces pressure in the veins which drain the liver, decreasing the dilation of variceal veins in the esophagus, which otherwise are highly likely to rupture and bleed. Portacaval shunting is generally reserved for patients who have failed TIPS.
If a TIPS procedure or other shunt procedure is required, some blood will pass through the liver without being totally detoxified by enzymes in the liver. Natural waste products in the blood can accumulate if the blood is not detoxified by the liver, and because of this some people who have had a TIPS procedure develop symptoms of confusion, called encephalopathy. There is medication though can reduce symptoms of encephalopathy.
Lastly … at least 50% of people who survive bleeding esophageal varices are at risk of more bleeding during the next one to two years. Just want to note that this topic by far is one that provokes strong emotions for me, as it is not the most positive aspect of portal hypertension. Nevertheless though it is one that needs to be discussed. What is your story?
Hi Clint and all our friends,
(from a very sunny autumnal Cambridge.) UK, that is, though I know that Cambridge USA is very pretty in the Fall. The Virginia Creeper (is it really from Virginia?) on New Court at College (http://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/) is splendid at the moment. In Ireland, we talk about forty shades of green, but here we have forty shades of golden-brown.
Soon, I have to go back for my endoscopy, ultrasound and blood tests. It seems to come around so rapidly, but as I am now on six-month observations it marks the passage of another six months of life. With my variceal bleed they did not think I would survive the night, and that’s why I didn’t receive platelets then. That was two and a half years ago. I feel privileged that God gave me an extension on my life. He is like a degree mentor – OK, you flunked your last test, but I still believe in you, so I will give you more time. Does that mean He hasn’t finished with His design for me? I still have work to do? If that is the case, then it is my duty to Him to stay well as best I can.
One of my great sadness’s is that when we die all our knowledge and life experiences are lost forever. I think it would be great if that when I die all my knowledge was passed to my children. But they have to learn from their own mistakes and successes. One day, because all knowledge and experience is stored physically in molecules and cells, it will be possible to transfer such knowledge to other people. I often wonder if mankind will have exterminated itself before then. After all, we are probably the first species with the potential to exterminate ourselves. We don’t need an asteroid, unlike the dinosaurs.
Anyway, sitting here overlooking the river Cam in Cambridge, by the Bridge of Sighs, and the few brave souls in punts challenging the setting Sun as if it was a river current to fight, I get dreamy eyed and romantic. I saw the worst of mankind’s brutality to his own species in Belfast during the 1970’s when I learnt medicine there. But I have met the best and kindest of people too. I, like all parents, only hope that my children live the life that they hope for.
Lastly, if you have varices, then do take beta-blockers, and do ask your doctor for non-selective blockers (some affect the heart alone, and have not been proven to reduce portal hypertension).
I wish you all the best for the Fall and your Thanksgiving, and if anyone wants to converse about anything, then Clint has my details, or we can do it through this forum.
Tony (Medic, Scientist, and Dreamer).
This herb may not just help people with alcoholism, but with any liver disease:
http://inventorspot.com/articles/scientists_hope_natural_herb_will_prove_effective_treatment_alco
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Just sending out a US-style Thanksgiving wish to everyone – seems many of us have lots to be thankful for!
I had about 6 episodes of voming blood then passing out due to the varices leaking. There was NO symptoms at all prior. Bit scary. I understand that as they mend them, there will be a time when those varcies will be too narrow, then Ill start to get have high blood pressure as the back up of blood find other areas to settle in
Hi Clint,
It has been a while since I have checked in on your progress. I hope all is well with you and you are enjoying the summer. Clint, as such an expert in all things Portal Hypertension and esphogeal varices, I hoped you could share your thoughts.
My father suffers from severe cirrhosis with hypertension in his portal vein. Almost 18 months ago my father suffered his first episode of esphogeal varices, was rushed to hospital and recieved his first banding. Weeks following more banding, then months and during his recent visit the doctor said no need for banding, which is good news. We believe this is a good step.
When you are over 18months from the initial bleed, is this a good sign that possibly he can avoid the danger of more bleeds?
Just interested in your thoughts
Thanks Clint
Yvonne
Hello Yvonne,
Good to hear from you again and very happy to hear that your dad seems to be stable. 18 months is a long time to go since a bleed, and that is comforting as it would seem the medications he takes are working. I am making an assumption that your dad is on a beta blocker (propranolol) of some sort and that is the key to stabilization from what I have learned. My concern though is the fact that he has cirrhosis, and the deterioration of the liver is a not a good thing in the long run.
On a positive note, since I started this blog I know people who have survived major bleeds and have lived many years. In my case I was diagnosed in 2002 and have survived one bleed, the discovery of a new clot, and have had clots in both of my lungs. Since the bleed I had in 2004, the blood thinners I am on are at the highest dosage one can be on, and my propranolol has been increased significantly. The medications I am on, plus the fact I have good doctors, a personal faith, the support/prayers of family/friends, I believe have attributed to the reason I am the way I am today. Although I have non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, I have been told my liver will deteriorate over time, so that eventually will work against me.
I hope this is helpful to you? I’m very cognitive of the fact that when people are seeking answers they may not like what they hear when I tell them of my experience or that of others. Unfortunately advances in medical research have not been huge in this area, but the treatment of esophageal varices is much better than it used to be so we should all be happy about that.
Thanks again for writing. Take care, Clint
Hi I am a 26 year old female. Last year i had internal bleeding for the second time and we discovered I have a blood clotting disorder to the portal vein to my liver. I have had about 5 clots now and no one can figure out why. I just got another endoscopy done and I’m firming more varices in my esophagus. I’m on blood thinners and a beta blocker to try and reduce the portal hypertension. We first caught my problem by accident when I was 16. They were going to do a Rex shunt but ended up not doing one.
I’m worried about bleeding again and nervous that they my have to do a shunt. They have also considered taking out my spleen as an option too.
I was wondering what symptoms anyone else has had and what kind of care they are receiving from doctors. I have had very bad digestive problems since birth and due to entollerances I have now adopted a vegan diet. I would love to form a health group to anyone having similar problems.
Best wishes to all!
Hi Chantalle, Thanks for your comments. I am sorry to hear about your health situation. Like you, they have never pinpointed the actual cause as to why I clot, but I do and they treat me with the same protocol you are on, as are most people the world over. My diagnosis was over 12 years ago, and I started this blog over 6 years ago as a health group support to those with the same issue. Due to many of the connections I have made over the years, I also belong to another support group on Facebook called Portal Vein Thrombosis and Portal Hypertension in Children and Adults. There are well over 130 members now, with most of them being parents of children with PVT. It is a great place to find answers in a very supportive environment. I hope you get the chance to check it out.
On the subject of removing the spleen, that seems to be somewhat controversial. In 2003 a gastroenterologist who I no longer see, wanted to remove my spleen, but my hematologist said no. Depending on where you live, you may have some variance in what doctor’s know or may not know concerning Portal Hypertension. You may want to try getting another opinion on this. I know this all doesn’t seem too encouraging, but please know I do feel for you and understanding exactly where you are coming from.
If you have any further questions or need to vent…please PM me on my personal Facebook page.
Take care and stay strong,
Clint