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Gastric Varices
Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in diagnosing and treating gastric varices—enlarged, high-pressure veins in the stomach caused by liver disease or blood clots. His approach includes lifestyle changes, medications, endoscopic procedures, and shunt therapies for optimal outcomes.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Portal or splenic vein thrombosis (blood clots)
Alcohol-related liver disease
Viral hepatitis (hepatitis B or C)
Budd-Chiari syndrome (hepatic vein obstruction)
Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension
Signs and Symptoms
Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
Black, tarry stools (melena)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Abdominal pain or pressure
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Leg swelling or abdominal fluid buildup (ascites)
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Gastric Varices?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your liver disease history, alcohol use, prior variceal bleeding, and any epigastric discomfort or pressure.
Blood Tests
We check:
Complete blood count (CBC) to look for anemia from bleeding.
Liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin) to assess hepatic injury.
Coagulation profile (INR, platelets) for bleeding risk.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound evaluates portal vein flow and spleen size.
CT scan or MRI visualizes swollen gastric veins and collateral circulation.
Endoscopic Evaluation
An upper endoscopy (EGD) lets Dr. Nguyen directly inspect the stomach lining, confirm the presence and size of varices, and assess bleeding stigmata.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In select cases, a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement quantifies portal hypertension. Rarely, a liver biopsy may be performed to evaluate underlying cirrhosis or rule out other liver disorders.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gastric varices.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eat smaller, more frequent meals and follow a low-salt diet
Avoid alcohol to reduce portal pressure
Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity
2. Medications
Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) to lower vein pressure and prevent bleeding
Octreotide or vasopressin analogs to control active bleeding episodes
Diuretics to manage fluid retention and reduce complications of portal hypertension
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic glue injection (variceal obturation) to seal bleeding varices
Endoscopic variceal ligation (banding) for smaller bleeding veins
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) to create a new blood-flow channel and lower portal pressure
Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) to block and redirect blood flow in select cases
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gastric varices?
They are swollen veins in the stomach caused by high pressure in the portal vein system. They can bleed and become dangerous.
What causes this condition?
It is usually caused by cirrhosis or blood clots in major veins, like the portal or splenic vein.
How serious is it?
Gastric varices can lead to life-threatening bleeding. Quick diagnosis and treatment reduce these risks.
Can diet help?
Yes. A low-salt diet and avoiding alcohol can lower pressure in your veins and help manage symptoms.
Are medications enough?
In some cases, yes. However, many patients also need endoscopic or surgical treatment for long-term control.
What is recovery like after endoscopy?
Most patients go home the same day or by the next morning. Dr. Nguyen will explain how to take care of yourself afterward.
How does the ICD-10 code help with insurance?
Your diagnosis will include codes like I85.1 or I85.11. These help with proper billing and treatment tracking. Our staff can assist with insurance questions.
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