A patient is scheduled to undergo an upper GI endoscopy for the diagnosis of esophageal varices. The nurse explains to the patient that esophageal varices:
Explanation
• Esophageal varices are dilated sub-mucosal veins in the esophagus. They are a consequence of portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis
• Esophageal varices are treated by banding, ligation, or sclerotherapy via endoscopy
• Esophageal varices can have many complications, such as excessive bleeding and infection
• Esophageal varices do not increase the risk of heart failure