Table 2.

Primary prevention of oesophageal variceal haemorrhage. (Adapted from AASLD guidelines [Garcia-Tsao et al. 2007].)

Size of varice	High risk stigmata (Red Wales sign, Child B/C disease	Treatment
Small	No	1–2 yearly OGD. Beta blocker may be used but long-term benefit not established.
Small	Yes	Nonselective beta blocker
Medium/large	Yes	Nonselective beta blocker or EVBL as primary treatment
Medium/large	No	Nonselective beta-blocker. If contra-indicated/intolerant, consider EVBL

AASLD, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases; EVBL, endoscopic variceal band ligation; OGD, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.