Final answer:
Prophylactic treatment for esophageal varices can include sclerotherapy, endovenous thermal ablation, or surgical interventions like vein stripping and ambulatory phlebectomy for serious cases, and conservative treatments for less severe conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prophylactic treatment for esophageal varices typically involves non-surgical options for patients with more serious conditions. Among these treatments is sclerotherapy, where a medicine is injected directly into the varices causing them to shrink. The procedure endovenous thermal ablation utilizes laser light, radiofrequency energy, or steam to heat and consequently shrink the vein walls. If the condition is severe, surgical interventions such as vein stripping or ambulatory phlebectomy may be considered. Vein stripping is a more invasive procedure where a vein is removed while under general anesthesia, and ambulatory phlebectomy is a less invasive procedure where the vein is removed through tiny incisions under local anesthesia. For less serious cases, conservative treatments which incorporate lifestyle changes such as leg elevation and wearing compression stockings are recommended.