Objective: Some studies have shown the presence of perforating veins (PV) in the distal part of the esophagus and proved their essential role both in the pathogenesis of bleeding from esophageal varices (EV) and in its recurrence after endoscopic or surgical treatment. The present study was undertaken to determine the localization of PV in the wall of esophagus in the hope of elaborating of the EV management rational schedule. Material and methods: We investigated 23 autopsy specimens of eso­phagus and stomach (13 taken from patients with posthepatilic liver cirrhosis -1" group, 10 -from patients without portal hypertension (PH) -2"" group). Venous plexuses of the specimens were injected with one of agents (5% gelatin + barium sulfate mixture, 5% gelatin colored with crystal violet, acrylic) and investigated by means of corrosion ca­sting, radiography and morphometry. Results: In the 1st group of specimens, we discovered large paraeso­phageal veins (PEV), PV and submucosal veins (SMV). PV were reve­aled not only in the distal one-third of the esophagus but al up to 17.5 cm above the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Large diameter of PV was associated with large trunks of SMV and PEV connected by this PV. In the medial part of the esophagus, mean diameter as well as the number of PV was much smaller then in the distal segment (P<0.01). However, in specimens taken from patients, who had undergone endoscopic tre­atment, where EV in distal one-third were eradicated, large varices (F3 according to JRSPH) were found in the medial part of esophagus and overlay large PV. In the 2"" group, PV were found only in 3 specimens and only in distal segment of the esophagus -al the levels ranging from 1 to 7 cm above EGJ. Conclusion: In PH functioning PV situated mostly at the right side of the esophagus are present both in medial and distal one-third of eso­phagus. After endoscopic treatment, PV situated in the medial segment of esophagus are usually not obliterated but even enlarged. Thus, unless vertical flow through the SMV is interrupted, horizontal flow through the system of PEV and PV persists, and such a mechanism may be considered one of the causes of residual EV reappearance.