Biography
Biography: Aamir Ghafoor Khan
Abstract
Esophageal varices are Porto-systemic collaterals, i.e., vascular channels that link the portal venous and the systemic venous circulation. They form as a consequence of portal hypertension (a progressive complication of cirrhosis), preferentially in the sub mucosa of the lower esophagus. Rupture and bleeding from esophageal varices are major complications of portal hypertension and are associated with a high mortality rate. Variceal bleeding accounts for 10–30% of all cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
A gold standard approach is feasible for regions and countries where the full scale of diagnostic tests and medical treatment options are available for the management of esophageal varices. However, throughout much of the world, such resources are not available. With Diagnostic and Treatment Cascades the WGO Guidelines provide a resource sensitive approach.
Cascade: a hierarchical set of alternative diagnostic, therapeutic and management options to deal with risk and disease - ranked by resources available.