Massive umbilical variceal bleeding in alcoholic cirrhosis and its long-term successful treatment by rubber band ligation

摘要

Ectopic varices are portosystemic venous collaterals developing in abdominal sites except the gastroesophageal region, namely, anywhere in the duodenum, colorectum, gallbladder and umbilicus. Ectopic variceal bleeding is rare, accounting for up to 5% of all variceal bleeding. Severe portal hypertension can lead to the recanalization of umbilical and paraumbilical veins. Umbilical varices are not common and generally asymptomatic, which are usually discovered incidentally on computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound, but their rupture results in hemoperitoneum.