HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Person Suffering From Esophageal Varices & Liver Cirrhosis. Life Expectancy If Untreated?

default
Posted on Thu, 21 Jun 2012
Question: how long can a person live with esophagul varices and cirrohsis if left untreated
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (2 hours later)
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

First of all I would like to comment that the question seems to be pessimistic as treatment should never be stopped & vomiting large amounts of blood with esophageal varices & liver cirrhosis, is an emergency and may need surgical intervention if not controlled conservatively on medications.

Secondly coming to your question of survival rates in such a patient, I would like to comment the following:
1. Vomiting large amounts of blood with esophageal varices with stomach swelling (probably ascitis) with cirrhosis is a medical emergency and needs to be treated urgently. If left untreated the patient may immediately land in hypotensive shock and which is life threatening

2. If such a patient is rescued and his vomiting of blood is controlled then the progress of the patient depends on these factors: albumin, ascites, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and encephalopathy. It also depends on how much liver has developed cirrhosis.

3. In the most severe cases 1-year survival is about 50%.

4. If treated and managed properly then mild to moderate cases have a better prognosis of 5-years, with a survival rate of 70%- 80%.

5. My sincere advice at this stage would be initiate immediate treatment by visiting the concerned physician.


I hope , I have answered your question. I would be glad to answer any follow up query.
Please accept my answer if there are no further queries.

I wish a speedy recovery to good health.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS MD DNB
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 600 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Person Suffering From Esophageal Varices & Liver Cirrhosis. Life Expectancy If Untreated?

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

First of all I would like to comment that the question seems to be pessimistic as treatment should never be stopped & vomiting large amounts of blood with esophageal varices & liver cirrhosis, is an emergency and may need surgical intervention if not controlled conservatively on medications.

Secondly coming to your question of survival rates in such a patient, I would like to comment the following:
1. Vomiting large amounts of blood with esophageal varices with stomach swelling (probably ascitis) with cirrhosis is a medical emergency and needs to be treated urgently. If left untreated the patient may immediately land in hypotensive shock and which is life threatening

2. If such a patient is rescued and his vomiting of blood is controlled then the progress of the patient depends on these factors: albumin, ascites, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and encephalopathy. It also depends on how much liver has developed cirrhosis.

3. In the most severe cases 1-year survival is about 50%.

4. If treated and managed properly then mild to moderate cases have a better prognosis of 5-years, with a survival rate of 70%- 80%.

5. My sincere advice at this stage would be initiate immediate treatment by visiting the concerned physician.


I hope , I have answered your question. I would be glad to answer any follow up query.
Please accept my answer if there are no further queries.

I wish a speedy recovery to good health.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS MD DNB