Gastric varices may be associated with oesophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension. Control of haemorrhage from gastric varices is often difficult. Between June 1988 and February 1990, six patients underwent gastric devascularization in an effort to control life-threatening haemorrhage from bleeding gastric varices after non-operative measures failed. In all six patients the bleeding was controlled. There was one peri-operative death due to hepatic failure. Four patients experienced postoperative respiratory or urinary tract infections that responded to appropriate antibiotic and respiratory support measures. After a mean follow-up period of 44 months, eradication of gastric varices was achieved in all five survivors. Gastric devascularization is an effective surgical measure for good palliation and control of life-threatening haemorrhage from bleeding gastric varices.