[Bleeding esophageal varices: evaluation of medical and emergency surgical treatment].

The results of medical and emergency surgical treatment of 55 patients with bleeding esophageal varices were studied. Eighteen patients died (32.7%). Mortality relates to the severity of the liver disease and the number of blood transfusions required. There was a high incidence of recurrent hemorrhage. We recommend definitive porto-sistemic shunt after the bleeding episode has been controled.