Endoscopic variceal ligation for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices

Endoscopic variceal ligation is a new form of endoscopic treatment for bleeding esophageal varices. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhotic patients with bleeding varices. Fifty patients with bleeding esophageal varices received emergent endoscopic variceal ligation. Banding ligation was highly effective in controlling active hemorrhage in 23 of 26 patients (88%). Overall, 14 patients died during the study, only one during the initial course of EVE. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 35 patients (70%). The total number of treatment sessions for variceal eradication was 2.6 ± 1.1, and the time needed to eradicate all varices was 35.6 ± 13.1 days. Total number of rubber bandage used for variceal eradication was 16.7 ± 8.8, and the number at each session was 6.3 ± 2.1. Recurrent bleeding was noted in 11 patients (22%) during the follow-up period. All but three rebleeds occurred after eradication, including two gastric variceal bleeding and one esophageal variceal bleeding. We conclude that endoscopic ligation controls active variceal bleeding effectively and eradicates varices in fewer treatment sessions.