Variceal bleeding

As variceal bleeding is called a bleeding from a varicose vein . Veins in the legs (e.g. in chronic venous insufficiency ) or in the esophagus are almost always affected . Not every bleeding from a vein is also a variceal bleeding.

esophagus

(For development and effects, see main article Esophageal varices )

Variceal bleeding in the esophagus can trigger completely different symptoms depending on its extent . In mild cases, the patient does not "notice" any of this, in the end only a tarry stool is noticeable . In severe cases, however, a hemorrhage can occur, which can quickly lead to shock and, in some cases, can no longer be controlled by emergency medicine .

legs

Varicose veins on the lower leg

(For information on the development and effects, see the main article on chronic venous insufficiency )

Variceal bleeding usually occurs on the legs as a result of accidents . However, if the skin over a varicose vein is already very thin (especially with varicose veins that have existed for years), a small injury can be sufficient.

As the venous pressure of the blood in the varices is significantly higher than in healthy veins when the body is upright (for example, standing), the blood suddenly "splashes" out of the wound , almost like an arterial bleeding . The treatment is therefore carried out by lowering the venous pressure, supplemented by a suitable pressure bandage . If the patient assumes a horizontal body position (possibly with the leg elevated), the venous pressure drops rapidly and a local pressure (bandage) applied as part of a first aid measure stops the bleeding immediately. However, if the patient stops (for example, frightened) or puts on a tourniquet that congests the venous vessels but does not prevent the arterial flow, variceal bleeding in the legs can lead to significant blood loss and its consequences. Suitable compression therapy or small surgical measures such as ligating or removing the injured varicose vein are suitable for treating variceal bleeding . As endangered appearing areas of the leg should also focus on the prevention of variceal bleeding under treatment ( veins obliteration or removal of varicose veins) are.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ A. Hirner: Surgery: cut by cut. Georg Thieme Verlag, 2004, ISBN 3-13-130841-9 , p. 528. (online)
2. ↑ T. Noppeney et al.: Varicosis: Diagnostic Therapy Assessment. Springer, 2010, ISBN 978-3-642-05365-8 , p. 211. (online)

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !