treatment for varisies

I recently learned from a ct scan that i have gastroesphogeal varisies.  Do they just wait til you begin to bleed before being able to address this?

[eureka254]

My husband was found to have trace varices and was put on a beta-blocker medication called nadolol (there are several different types) to help control portal hypertension that promotes varices. He has not had any bleeds so far.

If the varices are significant enough cause you to be at risk for bleeding, doctors can perform a procedure called banding to prevent the varices from rupturing.  Doctors should not be waiting for a bleeding episode before treating.  If you have been diagnosed with varices, you should be speaking with a GI or hepatologist about management.  Good luck.

[rjv2]

thanks so much.  Has your husband had sxs. from portal hypertension?  Is it something you can feel , like a sense of vague aching in the area of the liver?  I'm told the liver has no nerve endings?  But I know I'm not imagining this discomfort.

[eureka254]

My understanding too is that the liver has no nerves and cannot give you pain, so I don't believe portal hypertension in and of itself is the cause of discomfort. However, other complications of serious liver disease can cause discomfort:  swelling, ascites, related GI issues or gallbladder issues may be contributing factors.  Part of the reason why EGD is necessary is that portal hypertension and varices are usually asymptomatic and GI bleeding can happen with no warning. Hope that helps.