Isolated varices of the gastric fundus--endoscopic diagnosis and surgical treatment

Isolated gastric varices in patients with portal hypertension are a relatively rare source of bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy is a very valuable method of diagnosis in such cases. The authors report their own observation of gastric varices, well documented with the endoscopic technique before and after surgery. Varices of the gastric fundus are always an indication to surgical management. On the basis of their own experiences made with 5 patients, the authors recommend a direct intervention in form of an extragastric suture or resection of the convolution of the varicose veins, in selected patients simultaneously complete with a portasystemic shunt.