Varicies

Could you please tell me if banded varicies can rupture from physical work. My husband had large ones, were banded on a thursday and ruptured the following wednesday and he passed away. how long does it take for them to grow to large.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

sometimes a band can fall off and the varices can bleed.  Strenuous activity, such as lifting weights, that increases intrathoracic pressure, theoretically can lead to variceal rupture.  If varices are large and patients are sick, varices still can bleed after banding.

My sympathies on the passing of your husband.  I am sorry.