[Current therapeutic possibilities in esophageal varices].

Several options are available for therapy and prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage: endoscopic sclerotherapy or endoscopic ligation, shunt surgery, intrahepatic stents (TIPS), transsection or drugs. For acute hemostasis, endoscopic procedures are still the method of choice. Application of vasopressin or somatostatin adjuvant or prior to endoscopy may be considered. Prophylaxis of first bleeding or of rebleeding should be tailored individually.