Monitoring
Follow-up recommendations vary depending on the size of oesophageal varices, and whether the patient has previously had oesophageal variceal bleeding.[5][6][29][69]
Cirrhosis without varices on screening endoscopy:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK recommends surveillance using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy every 3 years for patients with no varices detected on endoscopy[17]
The British Gastroenterology Society (BSG) recommends endoscopy at 2- to 3-year intervals for these patients.[5]
Cirrhosis with small varices on screening endoscopy:
The BSG recommends annual endoscopy[5]
If there is clear evidence of disease progression, the BSG recommends modifying the endoscopy intervals according to clinical need.[5]
Following variceal eradication by banding ligation:
Endoscopy should be performed at 3 months after varices have been eliminated, and then every 6 months.[5]
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