Best Esophageal Varices Doctors in Kolkata

Esophageal varices, simply put, are swollen, enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach). The development of these enlarged veins is typically due to obstructions in the blood vessels connected to the liver causing an excessive buildup of blood. This accumulation subsequently finds alternative routes to the liver, causing swelling and potential rupture of these vessels, which can lead to severe, life-threatening bleeding. Portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and blood clots in the liver or portal vein are significant causes of such varices. Parasitic infections like schistosomiasis and cardiovascular conditions like heart disease and Type II diabetes can also play a role.

In Kolkata, as residents grapple with high pollution levels and unhealthy dietary habits, liver diseases have been on the rise, making esophageal varices a pressing health concern. Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata stands as a beacon of hope for patients suffering from this condition with their team of highly skilled doctors and specialists for esophageal varices and esophageal vein dilation who are adept at providing comprehensive treatment plans suited to each individual's unique needs.

Types of Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are classified based on their size and severity:

• Small Varices: These generally cause fewer symptoms and may not necessitate immediate treatment.

• Large Varices: This is more likely to cause symptoms and may require aggressive treatment, including surgery.

Symptoms of Esophageal Varices

Recognising the symptoms of esophageal varices can be challenging as they often remain unnoticed until a rupture and subsequent bleed occur. Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting blood

• Blood in stool

• Unusual pale skin

• Ongoing tiredness

• Shortness of Breath

Tests to Diagnose Esophageal Varices

To identify esophageal varices and plan effective treatment, several diagnostic procedures are recommended by doctors and specialists for esophageal vein dilation, esophageal varicose veins, and esophageal vascular dilation:

• Upper Endoscopy: To check for swollen veins insert a thin tube with a camera

• Imaging Tests: To view the liver and spleen.

• Liver Function Tests: To help measure how well the liver is working

• Hemoglobin Test: To measure the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood

Treatment or Surgery Options for Esophageal Varices at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

At Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata, various treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition:

• Medications: Drugs like beta-blockers can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of bleeding. Other medications used include octreotide, vasopressin, and somatostatin.

• Esophageal Variceal Banding: Herein, a band is placed around the swollen vessels to prevent bleeding.

• Surgery: Procedures such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) and distal splenorenal shunts are commonly used to manage portal hypertension and prevent bleeding.

• Endoscopic Sclerotherapy: A procedure where medication is injected into the swollen veins to cause them to shrink.

• Liver Transplant: In severe cases, a liver transplant may be the most suitable course of action to treat the underlying liver disease.