Oesophageal varices · endoscopy

Oesophageal varices are submucosal venous dilatations, usually associated with portal hypertension.

Describe number, calibre and extent of columns, red signs and the presence of bleeding.

Columns protrude into the lumen; describe red markings without equating them with active bleeding.

Cirrhosis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension are possible; endoscopic appearance alone does not determine the cause.

Submucosal lesions and folds must be distinguished from vascular columns by complete endoscopic assessment.

Portal hypertension assessment combines endoscopy, liver disease, platelets and imaging according to context.

Haematemesis or instability requires urgent care; prevention depends on risk and the underlying condition.

Varices do not automatically establish cirrhosis; one image cannot describe the complete bleeding risk.

Characterise varices and bleeding signs, then integrate portal and liver disease.

• Esophageal Varices - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf ↗
• Baveno VII – Renewing consensus in portal hypertension - PMC ↗

Documentary review: 2026-10-12