Answer :
Final answer:
Patients with cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension should undergo regular screening for esophageal varices. The frequency of screening depends on the severity of the underlying liver disease and is usually recommended every 1-2 years. However, if esophageal varices are already present, the frequency of follow-up surveillance endoscopies may vary.
Explanation:
Patients with cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension should undergo regular screening for esophageal varices. The frequency of screening depends on the severity of the underlying liver disease. According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines, patients with cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension should undergo an upper endoscopy every 1-2 years to check for the presence of esophageal varices. However, if a patient has already been diagnosed with esophageal varices, the frequency of follow-up surveillance endoscopies should be determined based on the size and severity of the varices.
