Management of fundic varices. Endoscopic aspects.

Gastric varices (GV) are less prevalent than esophageal ones. It has been estimated that GV are present in 8-15% of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. However, the prevalence of GV, in those patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, has been estimated to be around 20%. GV should also be investigated in patients who present with splenic vein thrombosis (segmentary portal hypertension) (1-3). Although gastrointestinal bleeding from GV is less frequent than from esophageal varices, bleeding from GV is usually more severe (increased rate of morbidity, mortality, rebleeding and transfusion requirements) (1,4,5).