Frequency of Rectal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Background: Most cirrhotic patients develop esophageal varices, with a lifetime incidence as
high as 80-90%. Approximately 20% - 30% of cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices develop
an episode of esophageal hemorrhage, which has a high mortality of nearly 20 30% with each
1
episode of bleeding.
Objectives: To determine the frequency of rectal varices in cirrhotic patients with esophageal
varices.
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.
Setting:Study was carried out in the Department of Medicine, Unit-4, Services Hospital, Lahore.
Duration of study with dates: Study was carried out over a period of six months from 18-02-
2009 to 17-08-2009.
Subjects and Methods: Total 150 patients were recruited in this study fulfilling the inclusion
criteria. Per-rectal proctoscopy was performed in those patients who had esophageal varices and
presence or absence of rectal varices documented.
Results: Mean age of the patients was 45.5±8.6. 119 (79.3%) were male and 31 (20.7%) were
females. Rectal varices were present in 70 patients (46.7%). Out of total of 31 female patients
included, rectal varices were present in 13 patients (41.9%) and were absent in the remaining 18
patients (58.1%). As far as the male patients are concerned, out of the total 119 patients, rectal
varices were present in 57 patients (47.8%) and absent in the remaining 62 patients (52.2%).
Conclusion: Rectal varices are common in patients with portal hypertension. In patients with
portal hypertension, and lower GI bleeding, the possibility of rectal varices should be considered.