Gastric Varices - Endoscopic Ablation With Cyanoacrylate Glue (2 of 18)

Although gastric varices tend to bleed less frequently than esophageal varices, the morbidity and mortality associated with gastric variceal hemorrhage are substantial. Gastric varices are dilated submucosal veins in the stomach, which can be a life-threatening cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. They are most commonly found in patients with portal hypertension, or elevated pressure in the portal vein system, which may be a complication of cirrhosis. Gastric varices may also be found in patients with thrombosis of the splenic vein, into which the short gastric veins which drain the fundus of the stomach flow. The latter may be a complication of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or other abdominal tumours.