Fundal Varices Sclerotherapy

A patient information leaflet

What is Fundal Varices Sclerotherapy?

An endoscopic procedure using a sclerosant solution injected directly into gastric (fundal) varices to obliterate dilated veins and prevent or stop bleeding.

Why Do I Need It?

You may need fundal variceal sclerotherapy if you have:

• Gastric varices detected on endoscopy
• Active or recent bleeding from fundal varices
• High‐risk varices in portal hypertension

How Should I Prepare?

• Fast for at least 6 hours.
• Continue usual medications; inform us of anticoagulant use.
• Sign an informed‐consent form.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• You lie sedated in the endoscopy suite.
• An endoscope guides a fine needle into the varices.
• Sclerosant (e.g., cyanoacrylate) is injected to thrombose the vein.
• Procedure time: 15–30 minutes.

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

• Recovery: 1–2 hours observation for sedation effects.
• Diet: Clear liquids first, advancing as tolerated.
• Activity: No heavy lifting for 24 hours.

Risks & Possible Complications

• Transient fever or pain (10–20%)
• Embolic events (rare)
• Rebleeding requiring repeat treatment (10–15%)
• Ulceration at injection site (<5%)

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, fever, difficulty breathing, or recurrent bleeding.

Follow‐Up

• Endoscopy in 4–6 weeks to assess variceal obliteration.
• Continued portal‐pressure–lowering medication as prescribed.