Type of Surgery

Information

Doctor Certified

Last updated: 02/17/2009

Diagnosis/Preparation

A radiologist assesses patients for sclerotherapy based on blood work and liver imaging studies performed using CT scans, ultrasound or MRI scans, and in consultation with the treating gastroenterologist, hepatologist, or surgeon. Tests to localize...

bleeding and detect active bleeding are also performed.

Before a sclerotherapy procedure, the patient's vital signs and other pertinent data are recorded, an intravenous line is inserted to administer fluid or blood, and a sedative is prescribed.



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Other Information

Sclerotherapy for esophageal varices (also called endoscopic sclerotherapy) is a treatment for esophageal bleeding that involves the use of an endoscope and the injection of a sclerosing solution into veins.

Sclerotherapy for esophageal varices is performed by a physician in a hospital, with the patient awake but sedated. Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) may be administered to freeze the esophagus, making injection of the sclerosant easier. During the procedure, an endoscope is passed through the patient's mouth to the esophagus to view the inside. The branches of the blood vessels at or just above where the stomach and esophagus come together, the usual site of variceal bleeding, are located. After the bleeding vein is identified, a long, flexible sclerotherapy needle is passed through the endoscope. When the tip of the needle's sheath is in place, the needle is advanced, and the sclerosant is injected into the vein or the surrounding area. The most commonly used sclerosants are ethanolamine and sodium tetradecyl sulfate. The needle is withdrawn. The procedure is repeated as many times as necessary to eradicate all distended veins.


From http://www.answers.com/topic/sclerotherapy-for-esophageal-varices

Other Information

Biliary colic is the presenting symptom in 80% of patients with gallstone disease who seek medical care; however, only 10-20% of all individuals with gallstones experience severe gallstone pain.


From: eMedicine

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