Primary and secondary prophylaxis of gastric variceal bleeding.

Gastric variceal bleeding is a common problem in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Management is complex and includes pharmacotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and shunt placement. Recent studies indicate that endoscopic therapy with tissue adhesives has similar hemostasis rates and outcomes in terms of mortality as shunt placement but has a lower complication rate and therefore could be considered the first line therapy for acute bleeding and secondary prophylaxis of gastric varices.