Hello @tmmmrlts,
If a blood clot or obstruction in one’s liver develops, the blood going from the liver to the esophagus flows into smaller veins, not equipped to handle the higher volume. This may cause the vein to leak or burst due to the abnormal flow. You may have them develop and the veins don’t burst. However, once you’ve had them burst, you become more prone to them bursting again.

When I was first diagnosed, I was already in Stage 3 liver cirrhosis. My liver doctor sent me immediately to have an endoscopy. The doctor tied off five varices, a week later I started vomiting blood. I was in the ICU for five days and sent home. But, the varices burst again and couldn’t be stopped. So, three weeks in ICU and a TIPS, a shunt, was put in to divert blood away from my liver to my stomach, not the esophagus.

It’s important to monitor your blood pressure daily and be aware of symptoms, such as light headedness, that indicates bursting varices. They can burst and you may not vomit blood. Other than doing what you can to keep your liver as healthy as possible, I don’t know if there is anything that can stop them from developing.

However, a lot of liver cirrhosis patients don’t develop them or have their varices tied off and don’t have issues. I’d recommend speaking with your doctor about it, they’ll be able to tell you more about your specific circumstances.

Here’s some info on the Mayo website - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-varices/symptoms-causes/syc-20351538.

Best wishes as you prepare for your transplant journey.