Q&A

What is the difference between variceal and Nonvariceal bleeding?

What is the difference between variceal and Nonvariceal bleeding?

Variceal bleeding is UGIB caused by esophageal or gastric varices. Non-variceal bleeding is caused by any etiology of UGIB other than varices.

How can you tell the difference between upper and lower GI bleeding?

Upper GI bleeding includes hemorrhage originating from the esophagus to the ligament of Treitz, at the duodenojejunal flexure[13]. Lower GI bleeding is defined as bleeding that originates from a site distal to the ligament of Treitz[14].

How would you manage this patient with Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

The cornerstones of management of acute nonvariceal UGIB are fluid resuscitation with possible blood transfusion, timely esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy.

How is esophageal varices diagnosed with bleeding?

Red lines on the veins are a sign of bleeding. The physician may also use the endoscope to examine the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This is called an esophogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Imaging by CT or MRI scan is also used to diagnose esophageal varices, often in combination with endoscopy.

How is non variceal bleeding treated?

Initial fluids resuscitation and/or transfusion of red blood cells are necessary in patients with clinical evidence of intravascular volume depletion. Endoscopy is essential for diagnosis and treatment of UGIB, and should be provided within 24 hours after presentation of UGIB.

What does non variceal bleeding mean?

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is defined as bleeding proximal to the ligament of Treitz in the absence of oesophageal, gastric or duodenal varices. The clinical presentation varies according to the intensity of bleeding from occult bleeding to melena or haematemesis and haemorrhagic shock.

What are the 3 types of bleeding?

There are three main types of bleeding: arterial, venous, and capillary bleeding. Arterial bleeding occurs in the arteries, which transport blood from the heart to the body. Venous bleeding happens in the veins, which carry blood back to the heart.

Can a GI bleed fix itself?

Often, GI bleeding stops on its own. If it doesn’t, treatment depends on where the bleed is from. In many cases, medication or a procedure to control the bleeding can be given during some tests.

What is non-variceal upper GI bleeding?

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is bleeding that develops in the oesophagus, stomach or proximal duodenum. Peptic ulcers, caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or use of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin (LDA), are the most common cause.

What does non-variceal bleeding mean?

How long can you live with bleeding varices?

Mean survival in these 147 patients who had variceal eradication was 47.1 months (median, 36.8 months) with the mean survival in Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C of 40.2, 37.4, and 24.0 months, respectively.

What should you not do with esophageal varices?

Prevent your varices from bleeding:

  • Do not drink alcohol. This will help prevent more damage to your esophagus and liver.
  • Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish.
  • Limit sodium (salt).
  • Drink liquids as directed.