Primary Prevention of Variceal Hemorrhage

Authors: Emmanuel A Tsochatzis Christos K Triantos Matteo Garcovich Andrew K Burroughs

Publish Date: 2010/11/19

Volume: 13, Issue: 1, Pages: 3-9

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Abstract

Variceal hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of death in patients with cirrhosis with the 6week 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 βblockers 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 βblockers 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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