Richard Garcia*
Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease are global diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is increasing in Pakistan, owing to chronic hepatitis B and C infections, which are estimated to be as high as 4.3 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively. At least half of cirrhotic patients acquire esophageal Varices during their lifespan. In roughly 30%–40% of cirrhotic patients, lifethreatening upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding occurs as a result of esophageal Varices and as a complication of portal hypertension. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with variceal hemorrhage, screening endoscopy for early diagnosis and treatment of variceal hemorrhage has been advocated for these individuals [1]. These individuals are offered prophylactic endoscopic and medicinal procedures in order to prevent the related morbidity and mortality.
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