Guidance

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Stent insertion for bleeding oesophageal varices.

It replaces the previous guidance on stent insertion for bleeding oesophageal varices (NICE interventional procedures guidance 265, June 2008).  

Description

People who drink heavily or who have hepatitis C may develop liver cirrhosis (scarring). This may cause bleeding arising from swollen veins in the gullet (oesophagus), which is potentially life threatening. This procedure involves temporary insertion of a tube-shaped mesh covered in plastic (called a stent) into the oesophagus. The stent is expanded to the width of the gullet so that it presses against the veins with the aim of stopping the bleeding. The stent is removed within 2 weeks.

Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.

Endorsing bodies

This interventional procedures guidance is endorsed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland as required by the Health and Social Care Act (2012).

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)