Understanding Variceal Banding

To understand variceal banding, we must first understand what variceal bleeding is, which is the bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract from enlarged veins. This bleeding can pose many threats to your health and well-being, and it can be life-threatening. Read on to learn more about what variceal banding is, and how this medical technique may be able to help you. 

What Is Variceal Banding? 

Variceal banding is a technique that is used to stop esophageal varices (veins) from bleeding in the digestive tract. Using this method, the bleeding can be controlled, which can prevent future health complications and risks. This method is often performed using an endoscopic technique, in which an endoscope is used to place small elastic rings around the problematic veins. 

These rings work to cut off the blood flow that is coming from these veins, which stops them from bleeding out into the rest of your digestive tract.

Patients who have experienced variceal bleeding are highly susceptible to bleeding again, even after variceal banding. Variceal banding is often needed multiple times for patients. 

For this reason, it is important to check in with your doctor every few months to check on your esophageal veins. If you, or someone that you know, has experienced variceal bleeding, be sure to schedule a doctor’s visit to ensure that your bleeding is under control. In these situations, it is best to take precautions to give yourself the best chance at staying healthy. 

Consult with an expert about the potential risks you may face and how you can prevent variceal bleeding from recurring.

Symptoms of Variceal Bleeding 

Variceal bleeding is something that should be addressed as soon as you notice any symptoms. 

Contact an emergency specialist if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting or spitting up blood 
• Low blood pressure 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A rapid heart rate 
• Black or bloody stool

Get Emergency Care for Esophageal Bleeding

Gramercy Park Digestive Disease Center in New York, NY is here to provide you with state-of-the-art facilities and world-class doctors to give you the best variceal banding treatment possible.

You can have peace of mind knowing that working with us means that you are working with the best of the best. We can provide emergency care and variceal banding if you are experiencing bleeding or have been referred by a doctor. Please call us at 212-979-3237, or fill out our contact form here to get in touch. We look forward to speaking with you.