Gastric varices are enlarged veins in the stomach that can develop because of increased pressure within the portal venous system. Although they may not cause symptoms in every patient, bleeding from gastric varices can be a serious medical emergency requiring prompt specialist treatment. Glue Injection in Gastric Varices in Mumbai is one of the specialised endoscopic techniques used to control bleeding from selected gastric varices. At Globus Gastroenterology Hospital, Dr. Vedant Karvir is a Hepato-Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist with expertise in therapeutic endoscopy and gastrointestinal disorders. His clinical practice includes advanced endoscopic procedures, while the hospital provides specialised care for gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
**Glue Injection in Gastric Varices in Mumbai is an endoscopic procedure used to treat selected gastric varices, particularly when they are bleeding or considered at significant risk of bleeding. The procedure involves injecting a tissue adhesive, commonly cyanoacrylate-based medical glue, directly into the varix through an endoscope.**
The glue rapidly polymerises and blocks blood flow through the enlarged vein. This can help achieve haemostasis and reduce the risk of continued or recurrent bleeding in appropriately selected patients.
Gastric varices are different from ordinary stomach ulcers or bleeding caused by gastritis. They are generally associated with portal hypertension and may occur in people with chronic liver disease or other conditions affecting the portal venous circulation. Therefore, treatment requires specialist evaluation.
Gastric varices are dilated veins located in the stomach. They usually develop when blood encounters increased resistance through the liver or portal venous system. The body may then redirect blood through alternative veins, causing them to enlarge.
Potential causes and associated conditions include:
Gastric varices may remain silent until bleeding occurs. When bleeding develops, patients can experience vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, weakness, dizziness or symptoms associated with blood loss.
Because variceal bleeding can become life-threatening, patients with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding require urgent medical assessment.
During an endoscopic glue injection procedure, a flexible endoscope is introduced through the mouth and advanced into the upper gastrointestinal tract. The gastroenterologist identifies the gastric varices and evaluates the bleeding site.
A specialised injection needle is then used to deliver the medical adhesive into the varix. The glue solidifies within the vessel, helping to block blood flow.
The Globus Hospital reference information describes endoscopic glue injection as a technique used for gastric varices and notes that cyanoacrylate glue can be injected into the varix to achieve haemostasis. The procedure may be performed using endoscopic guidance and appropriate precautions to minimise complications.