Abstract
Variceal bleeding is a common and serious complication of portal hypertension. Mortality after the index hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis has been reported to be as high as 50%, with a 30% mortality associated with subsequent bleeding episodes.
More recent data suggest an overall threefold decrease in in-hospital mortality over the last 2 decades with the increasing use of vasoactive drugs, endoscopy, and antibiotic prophylaxis. The optimal management of patients with variceal bleeding requires a multidisciplinary approach by a team that includes endoscopists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons.