Table of contents
Anorectal varices
What's new
Added 2021 WSES guidelines for the diagnosis and management of anorectal varices.
Background
Overview
Definition
Anorectal varices are enlarged, tortuous veins located in the lower rectum and anus.
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Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of anorectal varices is primarily related to portal hypertension. This increased pressure forces blood to flow through smaller collateral veins, leading to the development of varices in the anorectal region.
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Epidemiology
The incidence of anorectal varices associated with different pathologies varies from 38% to 95%, with an incidence of up to 89% in patients with portal hypertension.
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Disease course
Clinically, patients with anorectal varices may present with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort. However, these varices are often asymptomatic until they rupture and bleed.
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Prognosis and risk of recurrence
The prognosis of anorectal varices is largely dependent on the severity of the underlying condition causing portal hypertension. Complications can include bleeding, which can be significant in some cases.
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Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of anorectal varices are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES/AAST 2021)....
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Diagnostic investigations
History and physical examination: as per AAST/WSES 2021 guidelines, Consider eliciting a focused medical history and performing a complete physical examination, including a DRE, to rule out other causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with suspected bleeding anorectal varices.
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Laboratory tests
Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic procedures
Medical management
General principles: as per AAST/WSES 2021 guidelines, Consider ensuring multidisciplinary management for patients with bleeding anorectal varices, early involving the hepatology specialist team and focusing on optimal control of comorbid conditions.
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Resuscitation
Beta-blockers
Vasoactive agents
Antibiotic prophylaxis
Therapeutic procedures
Local procedures: as per AAST/WSES 2021 guidelines, Consider performing any of the following local procedures in patients with bleeding anorectal varices to arrest bleeding in the first instance if possible:
endoscopic variceal ligation
endoscopic band ligation
sclerotherapy
EUS-guided glue injection.
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Angioembolization
TIPS
Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation