Esophageal Varices

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Esophageal Varices

View Originalfigure 1Esophageal varices

Cirrhosis can cause the blood vessels around the esophagus to swell. This is called "esophageal varices". In severe cases, these blood vessels can burst and cause internal bleeding.

Graphic 63611 Version 5.0

Esophageal varices

Cirrhosis can cause the blood vessels around the esophagus to swell. This is called "esophageal varices". In severe cases, these blood vessels can burst and cause internal bleeding.

Graphic 63611 Version 5.0

Upper endoscopy

During an upper endoscopy, you lie down and the doctor puts a thin tube with a camera and light on the end (called an endoscope) into your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). The camera sends video pictures from inside your body to a television screen. That way, your doctor can see the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Graphic 75392 Version 3.0

Upper endoscopy

During an upper endoscopy, you lie down and the doctor puts a thin tube with a camera and light on the end (called an endoscope) into your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). The camera sends video pictures from inside your body to a television screen. That way, your doctor can see the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Graphic 75392 Version 3.0

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