Esophageal varices

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Esophageal varices usually develop when blood flow to the liver is blocked. They often occur in people with advanced liver disease.

Symptoms

Usually there are no symptoms unless they bleed. Symptoms of bleeding esophageal varices include vomiting blood, tarry or bloody stools, and, in severe cases, shock.

Treatments

Treatments include beta blockers, medical procedures to stop bleeding, and liver transplant.