True/False MCQ · Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage
Regarding the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices, the following statements are TRUE:
- AOctreotide is the pharmacological agent of choice
- BEndoscopic band ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice
- CBalloon tamponade is a temporary, life-saving measure
- DTIPS is the first-line treatment before any drugs or endoscopy
- EBalloon tamponade is the definitive long-term treatment
Show answers and explanation
- A. True
- B. True
- C. True
- D. False: TIPS is for refractory bleeding, not first-line.
- E. False: Balloon tamponade is a temporary, life-saving bridge, not a definitive long-term treatment; it is kept for up to 48 hours.
Treatment of bleeding varices
Management escalates from drugs through endoscopy to decompression.
The pathway
- Octreotide - pharmacological agent of choice.
- Endoscopic band ligation - endoscopic treatment of choice.
- Balloon tamponade - temporary, life-saving measure to buy time.
- TIPS - when drugs and endotherapy fail.
Statement-by-statement verdict
Why A is true
Octreotide is the agent of choice.
Why B is true
Band ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice.
Why C is true
Balloon tamponade is a temporary life-saving measure.
Why D is false
TIPS is used when drugs and endoscopic therapy FAIL, not first-line.
Why E is false
Balloon tamponade is not definitive; it buys time as a bridge to definitive therapy.
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