Esophageal varices

Esophageal varices are abnormally enlarged veins in the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat and stomach). They most often develop in people with advanced liver disease, especially cirrhosis. Why esophageal varices form When liver scarring blocks normal blood flow, pressure builds in the portal vein (portal hypertension). Blood is forced into smaller veins—such as those in the lower esophagus—that aren’t built to handle high pressure. These veins enlarge, can leak, and may rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding. Symptoms Varices usually don’t cause symptoms unless they bleed. Signs of bleeding include: Vomiting blood Black, tarry or bloody stools Lightheadedness or fainting from blood loss Loss of consciousness in severe cases People with liver disease may also have: Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes) Easy bruising or bleeding Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) Emergency: Bloody vomit or black/bloody stools require immediate medical care (call 911). Causes Cirrhosis from hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease, or primary biliary cholangitis Blood clots in the portal or splenic vein Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection in certain regions) Risk factors for bleeding High portal vein pressure Large varices Red streaks or spots seen on endoscopy Severe cirrhosis or liver failure Continued alcohol use Previous variceal bleeding Complications Massive bleeding, shock, and death High risk of recurrent bleeding after a first episode Prevention & management Varices themselves can’t always be prevented, but bleeding risk can be reduced: Nonselective beta blockers (e.g., propranolol, nadolol) to lower portal pressure Endoscopic screening for people with cirrhosis; band ligation for high-risk varices Avoid alcohol Healthy diet and weight management Protect the liver: safe sex, avoid needle sharing, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B Use chemicals and medicines carefully If you have liver disease, ask your healthcare professional about screening and preventive treatment for esophageal varices.

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Prof. Dr. med. Patrick Weber
20 years of experience
Prof. Dr. med. Patrick Weber

PD Dr. med. Patrick Weber is a highly respected specialist in the implantation and revision of hip and knee endoprostheses. With extensive academic and surgical experience, he is recognized as one of Germany’s leading experts in modern joint replacement surgery. During his many years at the University Hospital of Munich (LMU) – Klinikum Großhadern, Dr. Weber served as Head of Hip Arthroplasty and Deputy Head of Knee Arthroplasty, gaining comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of endoprosthetic surgery—including highly complex cases such as hip dysplasia and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Expertise in Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement (AMIS) For many years, Dr. Weber has specialized in the minimally invasive, muscle-sparing implantation of hip prostheses using the AMIS method. He is internationally regarded as a reference surgeon and instructor for this advanced technique, which supports faster recovery and improved mobility. Another major focus of his work is the revision and replacement of existing hip and knee implants, particularly in cases of loosening, pain, or implant failure. Key Areas of Specialization Dr. Weber’s surgical expertise includes: Hip replacement surgery using the AMIS approach Knee replacement surgery, including unicondylar (partial) knee prostheses Implantation of hip and knee prostheses in complex anatomical situations, such as: Hip dysplasia Post-traumatic arthritis Revision arthroplasty (exchange of hip and knee prostheses) Conditions Treated Dr. Weber provides expert care for patients with: Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) Painful or loosened endoprostheses Femoral head necrosis (avascular necrosis) Academic & International Recognition With more than 150 scientific publications and international lectures, PD Dr. Weber is a regularly invited speaker at leading national and global congresses focused on joint replacement and endoprosthetics. His combination of surgical precision, minimally invasive expertise, and academic leadership makes him a trusted authority in advanced hip and knee arthroplasty.

Dr. med Raimund Völker
25 years of experience
Dr. med Raimund Völker

Director of the Hip Center – ATOS Clinic Munich The Hip Center at ATOS Clinic Munich is led by Dr. med. Raimund Völker, a founding member of the clinic and one of the most experienced specialists in hip endoprosthetics worldwide. Dr. Völker is among the very few internationally recognized surgeons who exclusively dedicate their practice to hip surgery. This exceptional level of specialization provides significant advantages for patients, allowing for highly precise treatment planning, advanced surgical expertise, and consistently outstanding outcomes. With over 20 years of experience in both standard hip replacement and bone-preserving hip resurfacing, Dr. Völker offers each patient the most suitable procedure based on individual anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Excellence in Hip Arthroplasty & Implant Quality Unlike standard approaches that rely on routine implants, Dr. Völker uses only high-quality, long-established original prosthetic systems at ATOS Clinic. This ensures: Maximum implant durability Long-term safety Excellent functional results His philosophy combines proven methods with innovation to provide the best possible joint replacement strategy for every patient. Minimally Invasive & Muscle-Sparing Surgery Dr. Völker applies modern surgical techniques that are: Minimally invasive Muscle-sparing Bone-conserving These approaches support faster recovery, improved mobility, and enhanced joint stability. Together with individualized implant selection and early intensive physiotherapy, patients benefit from an optimized Fast Track Recovery program. Key Areas of Expertise & Procedures Dr. Völker’s clinical focus includes: Diagnosis and treatment of hip osteoarthritis and its causes Advanced cartilage treatment options, including MRI-based cartilage cell therapy Total hip replacement (total endoprosthesis) Hip resurfacing surgery following the McMinn method (BHR) Short-stem hip prostheses Minimally invasive hip replacement techniques Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERP) Computer-assisted navigation for surgical precision

Prof. Dr. med. Mark Tauber
20 years of experience
Prof. Dr. med. Mark Tauber

Specialist in orthopaedics and accident surgery, sports medicine Medical Director ATOS Clinic Munich Prof. Dr. med. Mark Tauber provides the entire spectrum of modern shoulder surgery. His main focus is on the minimally invasive treatment of upper arm head fractures and the arthroscopic treatment of shoulder pathologies Range of Services: Implantation and replacement of shoulder prostheses Arthroscopic suture of the rotator cuff Revisions after failed rotator cuff rupture Care of upper arm head fractures and long-term consequences Arthroscopic and open shoulder stabilisation after dislocation Dislocations of the shoulder joint Early osteoarthritis of the shoulder, cartilage regeneration Calculus shoulder Frozen shoulder

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