What is Esophageal Variceal Injection?

Esophageal varices are abnormal blood vessels (veins) that develop in the esophagus. They have abnormally thin walls, and the blood pressure within them is very high. This combination makes esophageal varices very dangerous, because they can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Esophageal variceal injection is a procedure to either prevent future bleeding or stop active bleeding. During the procedure, medicine is injected into or alongside esophageal varices. When injecting into the vein, the medicine causes blood clots to form, blocking the vein from bleeding. When injected alongside the vein, the swelling in the area compresses the vein, preventing it from bleeding.

The procedure is also known as sclerotherapy.

Esophageal varices can be life-threatening. Esophageal variceal injection is a procedure that can make them less likely to bleed. The procedure is also used to stop active bleeding from esophageal varices.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an injection, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• Painful swallowing

• Esophageal narrowing

• Bleeding

• Esophageal damage

• Infection

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Alcoholism

• Bleeding disorder

• Active bleeding

• Advanced age

• Heart or lung problems

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Increasing pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloody vomit
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cough, shortness of breath, or...