Gastric varices are enlarged veins in the stomach that can develop because of increased pressure within the portal venous system. Although they may not cause symptoms in every patient, bleeding from gastric varices can be a serious medical emergency requiring prompt specialist treatment. Glue Injection in Gastric Varices in Mumbai is one of the specialised endoscopic techniques used to control bleeding from selected gastric varices. At Globus Gastroenterology Hospital, Dr. Vedant Karvir is a Hepato-Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist with expertise in therapeutic endoscopy and gastrointestinal disorders. His clinical practice includes advanced endoscopic procedures, while the hospital provides specialised care for gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
Understanding Glue Injection in Gastric Varices in Mumbai
Glue Injection in Gastric Varices in Mumbai is an endoscopic procedure used to treat selected gastric varices, particularly when they are bleeding or considered at significant risk of bleeding. The procedure involves injecting a tissue adhesive, commonly cyanoacrylate-based medical glue, directly into the varix through an endoscope.
The glue rapidly polymerises and blocks blood flow through the enlarged vein. This can help achieve haemostasis and reduce the risk of continued or recurrent bleeding in appropriately selected patients.
Gastric varices are different from ordinary stomach ulcers or bleeding caused by gastritis. They are generally associated with portal hypertension and may occur in people with chronic liver disease or other conditions affecting the portal venous circulation. Therefore, treatment requires specialist evaluation.
What Are Gastric Varices?
Gastric varices are dilated veins located in the stomach. They usually develop when blood encounters increased resistance through the liver or portal venous system. The body may then redirect blood through alternative veins, causing them to enlarge.
Potential causes and associated conditions include:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension
- Portal vein thrombosis
- Splenic vein obstruction
- Other disorders affecting portal circulation
Gastric varices may remain silent until bleeding occurs. When bleeding develops, patients can experience vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, weakness, dizziness or symptoms associated with blood loss.
Because variceal bleeding can become life-threatening, patients with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding require urgent medical assessment.
How Does Endoscopic Glue Injection Work?
During an endoscopic glue injection procedure, a flexible endoscope is introduced through the mouth and advanced into the upper gastrointestinal tract. The gastroenterologist identifies the gastric varices and evaluates the bleeding site.
A specialised injection needle is then used to deliver the medical adhesive into the varix. The glue solidifies within the vessel, helping to block blood flow.
The Globus Hospital reference information describes endoscopic glue injection as a technique used for gastric varices and notes that cyanoacrylate glue can be injected into the varix to achieve haemostasis. The procedure may be performed using endoscopic guidance and appropriate precautions to minimise complications.
The exact technique, amount of glue and number of injections depend on the size, location and characteristics of the varices.
When Is Glue Injection Recommended?
Endoscopic glue injection may be considered for selected patients with bleeding gastric varices. The decision depends on the patient’s clinical condition, bleeding severity, underlying liver disease, variceal anatomy and available treatment options.
It may be used when immediate endoscopic control of bleeding is required. In some cases, additional interventions may be considered if bleeding continues or returns.
Treatment planning may involve a multidisciplinary team including gastroenterologists, hepatologists, interventional radiologists and surgeons depending on the patient’s condition.
Patients should not assume that glue injection is suitable for every gastric-varix case. A specialist evaluation is necessary to determine the safest approach.
Why Is Gastric Variceal Bleeding Serious?
Variceal bleeding can result in significant blood loss because gastric varices are connected to the high-pressure portal venous circulation. A patient may suddenly develop substantial upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Warning signs include:
- Vomiting blood
- Dark or tarry stools
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Pale or clammy skin
These symptoms require emergency medical attention. Treatment may involve stabilisation, blood transfusion when necessary, medication to reduce portal pressure, endoscopic treatment and additional interventions depending on the severity and underlying cause.
Dr. Vedant Karvir: Qualifications and Clinical Experience
Dr. Vedant H. Karvir is a Hepato-Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist practising in Western Mumbai. According to his professional profile, he completed his MBBS in Kolhapur and subsequently completed postgraduate medical training, including an MD programme with research exposure in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
He underwent three years of fellowship training in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at KEM Hospital, Mumbai. His professional profile highlights extensive experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.
Dr. Vedant Karvir’s listed expertise includes gastroscopy, colonoscopy, management of gastrointestinal bleeding, oesophageal dilatation, ERCP for common bile duct stones and PEG feeding-tube placement.
For patients researching a gastroenterologist in Mumbai for complex gastrointestinal bleeding, specialist training and experience with therapeutic endoscopy are important considerations.
Expertise in Therapeutic Endoscopy
Therapeutic endoscopy involves using endoscopic techniques not only to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases but also to treat certain conditions without conventional open surgery.
Dr. Vedant Karvir’s clinical expertise includes advanced endoscopic procedures. These procedures can be used in appropriate cases for gastrointestinal bleeding, strictures, bile-duct disorders and nutritional access.
Endoscopic management of variceal bleeding requires specialised training because the gastroenterologist must identify the bleeding source, select the appropriate treatment and manage potential complications.
For Glue Injection in Gastric Varices in Mumbai, an experienced interventional endoscopist can assess whether endoscopic glue injection is appropriate based on the patient’s anatomy and clinical status.
What Happens Before the Procedure?
Before endoscopic treatment, the medical team evaluates the patient’s overall condition and bleeding status. Blood tests may be required to assess haemoglobin, platelet levels and blood-clotting parameters, along with liver and kidney function.
The medical team may also review medications, especially blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines. These should never be stopped without medical advice.
In an emergency, stabilisation takes priority. Intravenous fluids, blood products and medications may be required before or alongside endoscopic treatment.
The patient may be kept fasting before endoscopy, and sedation or anaesthesia is administered according to the procedure and clinical circumstances.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery depends on the severity of bleeding, the underlying liver disease and whether additional treatment was required.
After the procedure, patients may be monitored for recurrence of bleeding, abdominal symptoms and other potential complications. Additional endoscopic treatment or alternative procedures may be recommended if varices persist or bleeding recurs.
Long-term management is also important because treating the bleeding varix does not necessarily eliminate the underlying cause of portal hypertension.
Patients with chronic liver disease may require ongoing hepatology care, medication, imaging and periodic endoscopic assessment depending on their condition.
Benefits and Potential Risks
The primary benefit of endoscopic glue injection is its ability to rapidly block blood flow through selected gastric varices and help control active bleeding.
Potential advantages include:
- Endoscopic rather than open surgical treatment
- Rapid control of bleeding in suitable cases
- Direct treatment of the bleeding varix
- Potentially effective haemostasis
- Ability to perform treatment during diagnostic endoscopy
However, the procedure also carries potential risks. These can include embolisation of glue, infection, ulceration at the injection site, recurrent bleeding and other complications. The likelihood of complications depends on factors such as the injection technique, amount of adhesive used and patient’s underlying condition.
A specialist should explain the expected benefits, alternatives and risks before treatment whenever the clinical situation allows.
Clinic Environment at Globus Gastroenterology Hospital
Globus Gastroenterology Hospital is a specialised facility focused on gastrointestinal, liver and abdominal disorders. The hospital provides care for adults and children and has gastroenterologists, interventional endoscopists, GI surgeons, physicians and other healthcare professionals.
The hospital describes its facility as NABH accredited and highlights advanced gastrointestinal diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Its endoscopy facilities include high-definition video endoscopy technology for diagnostic and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy. This infrastructure is relevant for patients requiring specialised endoscopic evaluation or treatment.
For individuals considering the Best Gastroenterology Hospital in Mumbai, factors such as specialist expertise, endoscopy infrastructure, emergency support and multidisciplinary care can be considered alongside the individual doctor’s qualifications.
Cost of Glue Injection for Gastric Varices
The cost of endoscopic glue injection varies according to several factors, including:
- Severity and complexity of varices
- Whether treatment is performed during an emergency
- Endoscopy and procedure charges
- Sedation or anaesthesia
- Hospitalisation
- Laboratory investigations
- Medications
- Additional procedures or imaging
- Follow-up requirements
Because gastric-varix bleeding can be an emergency, treatment should not be delayed because of uncertainty about cost. Patients can contact the hospital for current procedure and admission-related charges.
When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
Anyone vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Gastric variceal bleeding can progress rapidly, particularly in patients with advanced liver disease.
Symptoms such as fainting, severe weakness, confusion, rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure may indicate significant blood loss.
Early hospital assessment allows doctors to stabilise the patient and determine whether urgent endoscopic treatment is required.
Consultation and CTA for Dr. Vedant Karvir
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with gastric varices or has experienced gastrointestinal bleeding, specialist assessment is important to determine the appropriate treatment pathway.
📞+91 9833106104
📧 info@globushospital.in
Get directions to the clinic – Globus Gastroenterology Hospital
Contact Globus Gastroenterology Hospital to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vedant Karvir for gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric varices or other complex digestive conditions. Bring previous endoscopy reports, liver investigations, imaging and medication details to the consultation.
FAQs
1. What is glue injection for gastric varices?
It is an endoscopic treatment in which a medical tissue adhesive, commonly cyanoacrylate-based glue, is injected into selected gastric varices to block blood flow and help control bleeding.
2. Is glue injection used for every patient with gastric varices?
No. Treatment depends on the size and location of the varices, whether active bleeding is present, the underlying cause and the patient’s overall condition. A gastroenterologist determines whether glue injection is appropriate.
3. Is endoscopic glue injection a surgical procedure?
No. It is an endoscopic procedure performed using a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope. It does not require conventional open abdominal surgery, although the patient may require hospitalisation depending on the clinical situation.
4. What should I do if I vomit blood?
Vomiting blood can indicate serious gastrointestinal bleeding and requires immediate emergency medical assessment. Do not delay hospital care while attempting to manage the bleeding at home.