Transvenous obliteration of gastric varices

Abstract

Gastric varices on the background of portal hypertension occur less frequently than esophageal varices but they develop at lower portal pressure and are associated with more massive bleedings and higher mortality rate. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) has been well documented as an effective therapy for gastric varices caused by portal hypertension. However, BRTO requires long-term, higher-level post-procedural monitoring and can have complications related to balloon rupture and adverse effects of sclerosing agents. Several modified BRTO techniques have been developed, including vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, and balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration. This article provides an overview of BRTO various and modified BRTO techniques.