Assessment of physicians’ adherence to the guidelines for the management of gastroesophageal varices among patients with liver cirrhosis in Upper Egypt

Background Gastroesophageal varices are the most common lethal complication of liver cirrhosis, because their rupture results in variceal hemorrhage. Gastroesophageal varices are present in ∼ 50% of patients with cirrhosis. Variceal hemorrhage occurs at a yearly rate of 5–15%. This study was designed to assess adherence of physicians to guidelines regarding management variceal hemorrhage. Patients and methods A total of 154 physicians from Upper Egypt caring for cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices were enrolled. A questionnaire with 23 items was distributed among the participants. It was formed mainly from personnel data of physicians and their experience in the management of variceal bleeding. Results The mean age of the participants was 40.22 ± 10.67 years, and 80% were younger than 40 years. The majority of them was males and had MBBCH. Duration of experience ranged between 1 and 25 years. Duration of experience had insignificant effect on physician adherence to guidelines. Conclusion Physicians had good adherence to guidelines in the management of variceal bleeding regarding management of active bleeding and secondary prophylaxis, but lacked knowledge about screening programs for gastroesophageal varices.