Treatment Of Varices Research Articles

Imaging of Portal Gastroduodenopathy

AbstractPortal hypertension is characterized by elevated pressure in portal venous system due to portal resistance due to various causes. The etiologies are either pre-hepatic, hepatic, or post-hepatic. Elevated portal pressure results in varices at various sites some of which are difficult to identify on endoscopy alone. Other manifestations of elevated portal pressure include portal gastropathy, enteropathy, colopathy, gastric antral vascular ectasia, and ascites. Imaging plays an essential role in diagnosis and imaging of various manifestations of portal hypertension by determining the locations of varices and plan the management for same. Endoscopy helps in visualizing mucosal varices but newer imaging modalities give a panoramic extent of the disease in the entire gastrointestinal tract with great specificity and sensitivity. Initially, Barium study was used to determine esophageal or gastric varices, computed tomography provides detailed anatomic information which can be used to plan management. Due to advancement in imaging and interventional techniques, treatment for varices has seen advent of multiple minimally invasive interventional radiological techniques. A brief outlook on anatomical aspect of varices and various recent advances in management of the same has been provided. Overall knowledge of the various imaging manifestations of portal hypertension can be helpful to evaluate prognosis and plan proper management.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for treatment of gastric varices.

Rupture of gastric varices (GVs) can be fatal. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), as known as retrograde sclerotherapy, has been widely adopted for treatment of GVs because of its effectiveness, ability to cure, and utility in emergency and prophylactic treatment. Simplifying the route of blood flow from GVs to the gastrorenal shunt is important for the successful BRTO. This review outlines BRTO indications and contraindications, describes basic BRTO procedures and modifications, compares BRTO with other GVs treatments, and discusses various combination therapies. Combined BRTO and partial splenic embolization may prevent exacerbation of esophageal varices and shows promise as a treatment option.

Nonadhesive massive coiling endoscopic ultrasound-guided embolization in a single session for treatment of gastric varices: learning points of a technical variant.

Nonadhesive massive coiling endoscopic ultrasound-guided embolization in a single session for treatment of gastric varices: learning points of a technical variant.

Effect of band ligation or combined with tissue adhesive in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices and portal vein blood flow situational changes

42 cases with gastroesophageal varices were prospectively included. The groups were treated with endoscopic band ligation or combined with tissue adhesive. The results showed that the left gastric vein internal diameter, average blood flow velocity and blood flow volume after the treatment of band ligation combined with tissue adhesive were significantly lower than that of the treatment of band ligation alone, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Spleen and portal vein internal diameter, blood flow and average velocity, the liver and spleen size, shear wave velocity and liver function grade of the two groups after treatment did not change significantly (P > 0.05). The effective rate of band ligation combined with tissue adhesive in the treatment of esophageal and gastric varices (66.67%, 52.38%) were higher than that of band ligation alone (42.85%, 23.81%) (P > 0.05), and the re-bleeding rate of the latter was higher (9.52% and 19.05%, P > 0.05). Hence, it is suggested that the combined therapy is safe and more effective, and has no apparent effect on liver function and portal hypertension.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation for Treatment of Gastric Varices: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

To quantify the pooled clinical outcomes of stent-graft transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation for the management of gastric varices (GVs) through systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. A PubMed and Embase search was performed from 2003 to 2020. Search terms included: (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt OR TIPS) AND (gastric varices OR fundal varices OR gastroesophageal varices OR gastroesophageal varices) AND (hemorrhage OR rebleeding OR rebleeding OR survival). Inclusion criteria spanned: English language studies, publication in peer reviewed journals, sample size ≥ 10, reported clinical outcome data, exclusive treatment of GVs (no esophageal varices), exclusive use of stent-grafts for TIPS, no chemical obliteration of GVs. Outcomes included GV rebleeding rate, overall rebleeding rate, GV occlusion rate, hepatic encephalopathy (HE) incidence, and adverse event (AE) rate. Literature search yielded 936 articles. Of these, 5 (0.5%) retrospective observational cohort studies met inclusion criteria, spanning 209 patients (quinquagenarian men with viral or alcoholic liver disease) with GVs treated using TIPS with adjunctive coil embolization (47%). Clinical follow-up time ranged from 4.3 to 30.6months. Outcomes included a pooled GV rebleeding rate of 15% (95% CI: 11%, 20%), total rebleeding rate of 21% (95% CI: 15%, 27%), GV occlusion rate of 33% (95% CI: 22%, 45%), HE incidence of 30% (95% CI: 24%, 36%), and AE incidence of 3% (95% CI: 1%, 8%). The incidence of GV rebleeding after stent-graft TIPS is high. The results suggest the need for additional measures to reduce recurrent hemorrhage incidence from GVs.

Treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis.

Treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis.

The longitudinal outcomes of applying non-selective beta-blockers in portal hypertension: real-world multicenter study.

We investigated the effect of non-selective β-blockers (NSBB) in real-world situations and whether low-dose NSBB is beneficial compared to maximally tolerated doses. We performed a retrospective study of 740 patients with cirrhosis requiring prophylactic treatment of esophageal varices: 473 primary prophylaxis (PP: NSBB = 349, non-NSBB = 124) and 267 secondary prophylaxis (SP: NSBB = 200, non-NSBB = 67). The NSBB group was divided into low-dose (≤ 80mg/day) and high-dose (> 80mg/day). In the PP group, NSBB treatment reduced mortality and showed the most pronounced effect in patients with moderate/severe ascites (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; p < 0.01), HVPG ≥ 16mmHg (HR, 0.53; p = 0.04), or CTP class B/C (HR, 0.46; p < 0.01) but not in those with no/mild ascites, HVPG < 16mmHg, or CTP class A. Low-dose NSBB group showed a significant reduction in mortality compared with non-NSBB (moderate/severe ascites: HR, 0.61; p = 0.02 and CTP class B/C: HR, 0.41; p < 0.01) and the effect size was stronger than the high-dose NSBB. NSBB was associated with a reduced risk of infection (HR, 0.36; p = 0.01). In the SP group, NSBB prolonged survival in patients with moderate/severe ascites (HR, 0.56; p = 0.02), HVPG ≥ 16mmHg (HR, 0.42; p < 0.01), or CTP class B/C (HR, 0.52; p < 0.01). Low-dose NSBB was more beneficial with 56% risk reduction (p < 0.01) of mortality compared with 33% risk reduction in the high-dose NSBB (p = 0.05). NSBB therapy was associated with longer survival in PP and SP groups who had an advanced stage of cirrhosis. Moreover, low-dose NSBB exhibited a better benefit than a standard-titrated high-dose NSBB with better tolerability.

Esophageal Variceal Ligation Monotherapy versus Combined Ligation and Sclerotherapy for the Treatment of Esophageal Varices.

Currently, endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) monotherapy is the standard therapy for managing esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Patients generally need several sessions of endoscopy to achieve optimal variceal ablation, and the varices can recur afterward. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) is an older technique, associated with certain complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EVL alone versus combined EVL and EIS in the treatment of esophageal varices. This retrospective study included 84 patients, of which 40 patients were treated with EVL monotherapy and 44 patients were treated with combined EVL + EIS. The main outcomes were rebleeding rates, recurrence at six months, number of treatment sessions, length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, and procedural complications. At six months, the rebleeding rate and recurrence were significantly lower in the EVL + EIS group compared to the EVL group (2.3% versus 15.0%; and 9.1% versus 27.5%, respectively). The number of treatment sessions, length of hospital stay, and cost of hospitalization were significantly lower in the EVL + EIS group compared to those in the EVL group (2.3 ± 0.6 versus 3.2 ± 0.8 times; 14.5 ± 3.4 versus 23.5 ± 5.9 days; and 23918.6 ± 4220.4 versus 26165.2 ± 4765.1 renminbi, respectively). Chest pain was significantly lower in the EVL + EIS group compared to that in the EVL group (15.9% versus 45.0%). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of fever or esophageal stricture in both groups. In conclusion, combined EVL + EIS showed less rebleeding rates and recurrence at six months and less chest pain and was more cost effective compared to EVL alone in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices.

Diaphragmatic Hernia after Radiofrequency Ablation.

Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is a defect, which can be congenital or can develop later in life. Moreover, chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, environmental exposures, and nutritional deficiencies may be related to the development of congenital DH. In contrast, the risk factors of acquired DH include traumas, such as blunt injuries due to traffic accidents and surgical procedures. We report the case of a 71-year-old man admitted to our gastroenterology department for the treatment of esophageal varices. Four days after the endoscopic treatment, the patient vomited severely and reported severe right upper abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with DH, and surgical fixation was performed. The diaphragmatic injury lesion was located on the estimated needle track of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, which was performed through the thoracic diaphragm with artificial pleural effusion for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Treatment of colonic varices with a superior mesenteric venous stent: a case report describing a unique approach

Treatment of colonic varices with a superior mesenteric venous stent: a case report describing a unique approach

Esophageal variceal treatment using a novel Doppler probe method.

Esophageal variceal treatment using a novel Doppler probe method.

Role of argon plasma coagulation in treatment of esophageal varices.

With the development of endoscopic therapy, argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been widely used by endoscopists. It has many advantages, such as simple to operate, low cost, and minimal invasiveness. Because of its capability of lesion ablation and hemostasis, APC has several indications in the gastrointestinal tract. One of them is esophageal varices. The aim of this review is to summarize the research on APC in this field to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Combined Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Plus Variceal Obliteration versus Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Alone for the Management of Gastric Varices: Comparative Single-Center Clinical Outcomes

PurposeTo compare the safety and clinical outcomes of combined transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) plus variceal obliteration to those of TIPS alone for the treatment of gastric varices (GVs). Materials and MethodsA single-center, retrospective study of 40 patients with bleeding or high-risk GVs between 2008 and 2019 was performed. The patients were treated with combined therapy (n = 18) or TIPS alone (n = 22). There were no significant differences in age, sex, model for end-stage liver disease score, or GV type between the groups. The primary outcomes were the rates of GV eradication and rebleeding. The secondary outcomes included portal hypertensive complications and hepatic encephalopathy. ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 15.4 months for the combined therapy group and 22.9 months for the TIPS group (P = .32). After combined therapy, there was a higher rate of GV eradication (92% vs 47%, P = .01) and a trend toward a lower rate of GV rebleeding (0% vs 23%, P = .056). The estimated rebleeding rates were 0% versus 5% at 3 months, 0% versus 11% at 6 months, 0% versus 18% at 1 year, and 0% versus 38% at 2 years after combined therapy and TIPS, respectively (P = .077). There was no difference in ascites (13% vs 11%, P = .63), hepatic encephalopathy (47% vs 55%, P = .44), or esophageal variceal bleeding (0% vs 0%, P > .999) after the procedure between the groups. ConclusionsThe GV eradication rate is significantly higher after combined therapy, with no associated increase in portal hypertensive complications. This translates to a clinically meaningful trend toward a reduction in GV rebleeding. The value of a combined treatment strategy should be prospectively studied in a larger cohort to determine the optimal management of GVs.

The first case of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and partial splenic embolization for gastric varices in situs inversus abdominus

Situs inversus abdominus is a congenital abnormality characterized by the mirror image positioning of the abdominal organs, making it difficult to diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Here, we report a rare case of gastric varices in situs inversus abdominus patient. A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with F2-shaped gastric varices associated with alcoholic cirrhosis. Abdominal dynamic computed tomography showed situs inversus abdominus, and gastric varices with a gastrorenal shunt. Due to the complex anatomy, emergency interventional radiology during bleeding was extremely difficult. Therefore, after thorough consultation, we decided to treat gastric varices prophylactically by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. After treatment, the patient’s clinical course was generally good, with no adverse events, and the gastric varices disappeared. It is important to assess anatomical positioning using three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography images before treatment, to adequately prepare, including selecting appropriate devices (i.e., catheters and sheath). Although preventive treatment of gastric varices is controversial, in cases with anatomical complexity, preventive treatment with sufficient preparation would be recommended. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of treatment for gastric varices in situs inversus abdominus patient. This case will serve as a reference for successful treatment in future cases.

Combined approach for embolization of otherwise unmanageable gastric varices.

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of combined percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) therapy for the treatment of patients with high-risk bleeding gastric varices.MethodsTen patients were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients presented gastric varices, according to the Sarin classification, at high risk of bleeding, and not otherwise manageable. Patients with portal vein thrombosis were excluded. All patients were treated with a combination of PTO and BRTO. In all cases the gastric varices were embolized with glue, combined with coils or not, with an occlusion balloon inflated into the shunt. In 7 cases, embolization was immediate; in the remaining 3 the balloon remained inflated for 4 h and in 2 of them embolization of the shunt was required. Technical success was defined as complete obliteration of the gastric varices observed during a contrast-enhanced computed tomography study and endoscopy within 1 month following treatment. Clinical success was defined as absence of bleeding of gastric varices during the follow-up period. Major and minor complications during the follow up were recorded.ResultsTwelve sessions of combined PTO and BRTO procedures were performed in 10 patients; in 2 patients a new combined treatment was required during the follow up. Technical and clinical success was 100%. Neither major nor minor procedure-related complications were observed.ConclusionCombined PTO and BRTO therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of gastric varices that cannot be managed otherwise.

Invasive measurement of portal hypertension in the hemodynamics laboratory as an important element of qualification for the treatment of esophageal varices: A single-center experience

Introduction: The measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is an essential prognostic factor in subjects with chronic liver disorders. Aim: The present study aimed to present the feasibility and applicability of HVPG in the modern hemodynamics laboratory in patients with liver cirrhosis as a stage for qualification in variceal band ligation (VBL). Material and methods: We included 78 patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices, who had HVPG measurements taken at the hemodynamics laboratory between January 2015 and January 2019. Results and discussion: The mean age was 55.5 ± 10.9 years, and 66.7% were males. The most common cause of liver cirrhosis was alcohol abuse (65.4%), and the most common varices stage was 3 (83.3%). The mean HVPG was 16.3 ± 6.2 mm Hg. In total, 67 (85.9%) patients had HVPG over 10 mm Hg and underwent VBL. No periprocedural complications were observed. At 12 months, recurrent hospitalizations were observed in 67 (85.9%), 5 (6.4%)had cirrhosis-related bleeding episodes, and 4 (5.1%) patients died. Conclusions: HVPG measurement is a feasible, safe and reproducible procedure that provides valuable diagnostic/prognostic information and helps make therapeutic decisions. This procedure can be done quickly in the modern hemodynamics laboratory.

Gastric Varices Treatment: Is it Possible to Individualise Therapy for Bleeding Patients

Gastric Varices Treatment: Is it Possible to Individualise Therapy for Bleeding Patients

Safety and Cost-Effectiveness of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without Lipiodol in Endoscopic Management of Gastric Varices

Introduction: Gastric varices are frequently seen in patients with portal hypertension. The mainstay of treatment is variceal injection with a mixture of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate and lipiodol. The use of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without lipiodol is not extensively studied and it can be a cost-effective approach. The objective of our study was to evaluate whether the use of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without lipiodol is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment for gastric varices. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between June 2016 and May 2017 at the Department of Gastroenterology, Gujranwala Medical College/ DHQ Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala. A total of 100 patients with gastric varices diagnosed on upper GI endoscopy were enrolled in the study. N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate without lipiodol was injected into the gastric varices of all the patients. All procedures were performed by experienced gastroenterologists. The patients underwent monthly follow-up endoscopies to determine the outcome and adverse events. Results: Out of 100 patients, 40 patients (40 %) were men and 60 (60%) were women. The mean age was 53 years. The mean volume of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate used per session was 1.5ml ± 0.5 ml (range 1-2ml). Obliteration of Gastric varices was achieved in 92 patients (92%) while in 04 patients (4%) varices did not obliterate over a mean follow-up of 12 months. No treatment-related immediate or late complications were observed in all patients. Four patients (4%) died of delayed rebleeding (after two weeks of intervention). Conclusion: Injection therapy of gastric varices with N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate alone without lipiodol is a safe and cost-effective method for gastric varices.

β-blockers in advanced cirrhosis: More friend than enemy

Nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker (NSBB) therapy for the prevention of initial and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices has been used for the past four decades. NSBB therapy is considered the cornerstone of treatment for varices, and has become the standard of care. However, a 2010 study from the group that pioneered β-blocker therapy suggested a detrimental effect of NSBBs in decompensated cirrhosis, especially in patients with refractory ascites. Since then, numerous additional studies have incompletely resolved whether NSBBs are deleterious, although more recent evidence weighs against a harmful effect. The possibility of a “therapeutic window” has also been raised. We aimed to review the literature to analyze the pros and cons of using NSBBs in patients with cirrhosis, not only with respect to bleeding or mortality but also to other potential benefits and risks. β-blockers are highly effective in preventing first bleeding and recurrent bleeding. Furthermore, NSBBs improve congestion/ischemia of the gut mucosa, decrease intestinal permeability, and therefore indirectly alleviate systemic inflammation. β-blockers shorten the electrocardiographic prolonged QTc interval and may also decrease the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, the possibility of deleterious effects in cirrhosis has not been completely eliminated. NSBBs may be associated with an increased risk of portal vein thrombosis, although this could be correlational artifact. Overall, we conclude that β-blockers in cirrhosis are much more of a friend than enemy.

Usefulness of coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration II (CARTO-II) for the treatment of ascending colonic varix: a case report

BackgroundColonic varices are rare among ectopic varices. A previous report demonstrated that once bleeding from colonic varices occurs, it can be fatal. Several treatments for colonic varices exist, including surgical, endoscopic, and endovascular treatments; however, management of colonic varices has not been standardized. For colonic varices, minimally invasive therapies would be desirable. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) is one of the treatment options for colonic varices to prevent their rupture. Two cases of successful conventional B-RTO for these varices have already been reported. However, B-RTO using coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration II (CARTO-II) procedure for these varices has not been reported.Case presentationA 71-year-old male patient had liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus infection. A varix was located at the ascending colon, which was coincidentally found on colonic endoscopy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the feeder vein was the ileocolic vein and that the main draining vein was the right renal vein. Physicians concluded that treatment was required to avoid the risk of death from massive bleeding due to varix rupture. However, endoscopic and surgical treatments were difficult due to the anatomical location of the varix and the high risk of operative compilations, respectively. This ascending colonic varix was treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) using coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration II (CARTO-II) procedure via the right renal vein. There were no complications during the procedure and no recurrences for 36 months during long-term follow-up.ConclusionsCARTO-II can be one of the effective treatment techniques for ascending colonic varices.