Gastric varices are enlarged, swollen veins in the lining of the stomach that develop when blood flow through the portal vein is obstructed or under high pressure. This backup of blood-often due to liver disease or portal hypertension-causes fragile vessels that can rupture and bleed.
Many people have no warning until bleeding occurs. When symptoms appear, you may notice:
Gastric varices arise when increased pressure in the portal venous system forces blood into collateral veins. Common underlying causes include:
With a focus on patient-centered care and specialized treatment for gastric varices, GastroDoxs in Houston offers expert diagnostics, personalized therapy plans, and seamless ICD-10 coding for straightforward insurance billing. Our board-certified gastroenterologists and gastric varices specialists work closely with you from diagnosis through follow-up to ensure the best possible outcomes and lasting peace of mind.
Don't wait for an emergency-schedule your appointment with our gastric varices expert today and take the first step toward better digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1k patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Gastric varices are typically identified using upper endoscopy to visualize enlarged veins in the stomach lining. Cross-sectional imaging-such as CT scans or abdominal ultrasounds-may also be used to assess portal hypertension and related liver changes.
The ICD-10 code for gastric varices is I85.1, whether bleeding is present or not. Accurate coding ensures proper documentation and smoother insurance billing.
Yes. Although cirrhosis is a common cause, gastric varices can also develop from splenic vein thrombosis, portal vein clots, pancreatitis, or other vascular abnormalities even in the absence of liver scarring.
Endoscopic band ligation can control bleeding from gastric varices, but it may be less durable than when used for esophageal varices. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the optimal endoscopic therapy based on your individual anatomy and bleeding risk.
To lower portal pressure and bleeding risk, avoid alcohol, follow a low-salt diet, maintain a healthy weight, manage blood pressure, and adhere to any medications prescribed by your doctor.
Many insurance plans require a referral to see a gastroenterologist or specialist. Contact our office-we'll verify your benefits and assist with any necessary authorizations.
Surveillance endoscopy is usually recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on the size of your varices and your overall bleeding risk. This schedule may be adjusted based on your treatment response.
Nonselective beta-blockers reduce portal vein pressure and lower the risk of bleeding, but they do not guarantee that new varices won't form. Your physician will tailor medical therapy to your condition.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after a TIPS procedure. Full recovery varies, but many resume normal activities within a week, with routine follow-up visits at our Houston clinic.
Yes. We can connect you with local liver and gastrointestinal support groups in the Houston area, providing community, education, and resources for ongoing care.
