Glue Injection for Gastric Varices
Glue Injection for Gastric Varices is an advanced endoscopic procedure used to treat enlarged veins in the stomach that develop due to portal hypertension, often associated with chronic liver disease. These dilated veins, known as gastric varices, can rupture and cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding if not treated promptly.
During this procedure, a special medical adhesive is injected directly into the bleeding or high-risk gastric varices using an endoscope. The glue rapidly solidifies, sealing the vein and stopping the bleeding while preventing further blood flow into the varices.
This technique is widely used as an effective treatment to control active bleeding and reduce the risk of recurrent bleeding from gastric varices.
Why Glue Injection is Performed
This procedure is recommended when gastric varices are present and there is a risk of bleeding or active bleeding.
- Control active bleeding from gastric varices
- Prevent recurrent bleeding episodes
- Management of complications related to portal hypertension
- Treatment of large or high-risk gastric varices
- Emergency management of gastrointestinal bleeding
Conditions That May Require Glue Injection
Glue injection therapy may be recommended in patients with conditions that lead to increased pressure in the portal venous system.
- Liver cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension
- Gastric varices
- Recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding
- Advanced chronic liver disease
What to Expect During the Procedure
Glue Injection for Gastric Varices is performed during an endoscopic procedure and typically takes a short amount of time.
- The patient is asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Mild sedation is given to ensure comfort.
- An endoscope is gently passed through the mouth into the stomach.
- The medical adhesive is carefully injected into the gastric varices.
- The glue seals the vein and stops bleeding by blocking blood flow.
After the procedure, patients are monitored for a short period and may be discharged once stable.
Benefits of Glue Injection Therapy
This procedure provides several important benefits in managing gastric varices.
- Rapid control of bleeding
- Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment
- Effective in managing gastric varices
- Reduces the risk of recurrent bleeding
- Helps stabilize patients with severe gastrointestinal bleeding
When to Seek Medical Attention
Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding occur.
- Vomiting blood
- Black or tarry stools
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Known liver disease with new digestive symptoms
Early diagnosis and timely endoscopic treatment of gastric varices can help prevent life-threatening complications and improve patient outcomes.