Is gastroscopy mandatory for patients with liver cirrhosis?
Disease description:
My friend has cirrhosis. During his recent follow-up visit to the hospital, the doctor recommended an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy). Is gastroscopy mandatory for all patients with cirrhosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Gastroscopy is not mandatory for all patients with liver cirrhosis, but it is highly recommended. Gastroscopy effectively assesses the presence of gastric varices—particularly at the gastric fundus—and evaluates the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Based on the gastroscopic findings, appropriate further interventions can be initiated. Early detection, timely diagnosis, prompt intervention, and early treatment are strongly advised for liver cirrhosis. Delayed or inadequate treatment may lead to disease progression and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications.
