Transverse colonic varices successfully treated with endoscopic procedure

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Liver cirrhosis, often caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, can lead to portal hypertension.
• Portal hypertension increases the risk of developing varices in various locations, including the colon.
• Colonic varices are an uncommon but potentially serious complication of liver cirrhosis, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of colonic varices causing anal bleeding in a patient with liver cirrhosis.
• To describe the successful endoscopic management of colonic varices.
• To evaluate the long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for colonic varices.

Main Methods:

• A 75-year-old female patient with HCV-positive liver cirrhosis presented with anal bleeding.
• Colonoscopy identified tortuous transverse colonic varices.
• Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic clipping were performed to treat the colonic varices.

Main Results:

• The endoscopic treatments successfully controlled the bleeding from colonic varices.
• Follow-up colonoscopy four months later showed ulcer scars and significant shrinkage of the varices.
• The patient experienced no further episodes of bleeding.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and clipping are effective treatment options for colonic varices in patients with liver cirrhosis.
• These endoscopic interventions can lead to successful management of bleeding and long-term reduction in varix size.
• Colonic varices should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.