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Yorulmaz P, Hakalmaz AE, Kalyoncu Ucar A, Kendigelen P, Senyuz OF, Emre S. The effectiveness of endoscopic sclerotherapy in the treatment of esophageal varices in children with prehepatic portal hypertension. Pediatr Surg Int 2024; 41:36. [PMID: 39704839 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) in the treatment of esophagogastric varices in cases of extrahepatic portal hypertension (EHPH) secondary to portal vein thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of cases that underwent endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophagogastric varices between 1990 and 2022 in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. The age, gender, symptomatology, etiology, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of the patients, as well as treatment outcomes, were evaluated. Results were compared based on age groups, time periods, and etiological factors. The classification of the Japanese Portal Hypertension Research Society was used for variceal assessment. The absence of bleeding or bleeding not requiring transfusion within one year was considered a positive outcome. RESULTS Of the 126 cases that underwent endoscopy with a diagnosis of EHPH, 41 had varices at the F1-F2 level and were not subjected to sclerotherapy. In 21 cases, due to advanced varices, gastropathy findings, frequent bleeding episodes, and hypersplenism, surgical indication was established after the first endoscopy. The remaining 64 cases were included in the study. Positive outcomes were achieved in 44 cases with an average of 4.1 sessions. Desired outcomes were not achieved in 20 cases, and surgical procedures were performed. When the results were evaluated based on the periods 1990-2000, 2001-2010, and 2011-2022, the success rates were 60%, 44%, and 88.2%, respectively. Statistically significant more favorable results were obtained in the last decade. CONCLUSION EST is a safe and effective minimally invasive method for the elective treatment of esophagocardial varices in children with EHPH. More effective results have been achieved with increased experience and advancements in imaging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poyraz Yorulmaz
- Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Ekber Hakalmaz
- Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Kalyoncu Ucar
- Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Kendigelen
- Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anestesiology and Reanimation, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Faruk Senyuz
- Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senol Emre
- Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Cap-Assisted Endoscopic Sclerotherapy vs Ligation in the Long-Term Management of Medium Esophageal Varices: A Randomized Trial. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 11:e00285. [PMID: 33512812 PMCID: PMC7743838 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy (CAES) improves efficacy in the treatment of small esophageal varices (EVs) but has not been evaluated in the management of medium EVs. The aim of this study was to compare CAES with EVL in the long-term management of patients exhibiting cirrhosis with medium EVs and a history of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB), with respect to variceal eradication and recurrence, adverse events, rebleeding, and survival.
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Plaz Torres MC, Best LM, Freeman SC, Roberts D, Cooper NJ, Sutton AJ, Roccarina D, Benmassaoud A, Iogna Prat L, Williams NR, Csenar M, Fritche D, Begum T, Arunan S, Tapp M, Milne EJ, Pavlov CS, Davidson BR, Tsochatzis E, Gurusamy KS. Secondary prevention of variceal bleeding in adults with previous oesophageal variceal bleeding due to decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 3:CD013122. [PMID: 33784794 PMCID: PMC8094621 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013122.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 40% to 95% of people with cirrhosis have oesophageal varices. About 15% to 20% of oesophageal varices bleed in about one to three years of diagnosis. Several different treatments are available, which include endoscopic sclerotherapy, variceal band ligation, beta-blockers, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and surgical portocaval shunts, among others. However, there is uncertainty surrounding their individual and relative benefits and harms. OBJECTIVES To compare the benefits and harms of different initial treatments for secondary prevention of variceal bleeding in adults with previous oesophageal variceal bleeding due to decompensated liver cirrhosis through a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the different treatments for secondary prevention according to their safety and efficacy. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers until December 2019 to identify randomised clinical trials in people with cirrhosis and a previous history of bleeding from oesophageal varices. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or status) in adults with cirrhosis and previous history of bleeding from oesophageal varices. We excluded randomised clinical trials in which participants had no previous history of bleeding from oesophageal varices, previous history of bleeding only from gastric varices, those who failed previous treatment (refractory bleeding), those who had acute bleeding at the time of treatment, and those who had previously undergone liver transplantation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS using Bayesian methods and calculated the differences in treatments using hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR) and rate ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrI) based on an available-case analysis, according to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidance. MAIN RESULTS We included a total of 48 randomised clinical trials (3526 participants) in the review. Forty-six trials (3442 participants) were included in one or more comparisons. The trials that provided the information included people with cirrhosis due to varied aetiologies. The follow-up ranged from two months to 61 months. All the trials were at high risk of bias. A total of 12 interventions were compared in these trials (sclerotherapy, beta-blockers, variceal band ligation, beta-blockers plus sclerotherapy, no active intervention, TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt), beta-blockers plus nitrates, portocaval shunt, sclerotherapy plus variceal band ligation, beta-blockers plus nitrates plus variceal band ligation, beta-blockers plus variceal band ligation, sclerotherapy plus nitrates). Overall, 22.5% of the trial participants who received the reference treatment (chosen because this was the commonest treatment compared in the trials) of sclerotherapy died during the follow-up period ranging from two months to 61 months. There was considerable uncertainty in the effects of interventions on mortality. Accordingly, none of the interventions showed superiority over another. None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Based on low-certainty evidence, variceal band ligation may result in fewer serious adverse events (number of people) than sclerotherapy (OR 0.19; 95% CrI 0.06 to 0.54; 1 trial; 100 participants). Based on low or very low-certainty evidence, the adverse events (number of participants) and adverse events (number of events) may be different across many comparisons; however, these differences are due to very small trials at high risk of bias showing large differences in some comparisons leading to many differences despite absence of direct evidence. Based on low-certainty evidence, TIPS may result in large decrease in symptomatic rebleed than variceal band ligation (HR 0.12; 95% CrI 0.03 to 0.41; 1 trial; 58 participants). Based on moderate-certainty evidence, any variceal rebleed was probably lower in sclerotherapy than in no active intervention (HR 0.62; 95% CrI 0.35 to 0.99, direct comparison HR 0.66; 95% CrI 0.11 to 3.13; 3 trials; 296 participants), beta-blockers plus sclerotherapy than sclerotherapy alone (HR 0.60; 95% CrI 0.37 to 0.95; direct comparison HR 0.50; 95% CrI 0.07 to 2.96; 4 trials; 231 participants); TIPS than sclerotherapy (HR 0.18; 95% CrI 0.08 to 0.38; direct comparison HR 0.22; 95% CrI 0.01 to 7.51; 2 trials; 109 participants), and in portocaval shunt than sclerotherapy (HR 0.21; 95% CrI 0.05 to 0.77; no direct comparison) groups. Based on low-certainty evidence, beta-blockers alone and TIPS might result in more, other compensation, events than sclerotherapy (rate ratio 2.37; 95% CrI 1.35 to 4.67; 1 trial; 65 participants and rate ratio 2.30; 95% CrI 1.20 to 4.65; 2 trials; 109 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence indicates considerable uncertainty about the effect of the interventions including those related to beta-blockers plus variceal band ligation in the remaining comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence indicates considerable uncertainty about the effect of the interventions on mortality. Variceal band ligation might result in fewer serious adverse events than sclerotherapy. TIPS might result in a large decrease in symptomatic rebleed than variceal band ligation. Sclerotherapy probably results in fewer 'any' variceal rebleeding than no active intervention. Beta-blockers plus sclerotherapy and TIPS probably result in fewer 'any' variceal rebleeding than sclerotherapy. Beta-blockers alone and TIPS might result in more other compensation events than sclerotherapy. The evidence indicates considerable uncertainty about the effect of the interventions in the remaining comparisons. Accordingly, high-quality randomised comparative clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence Mj Best
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Therapy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Suzanne C Freeman
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Danielle Roberts
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nicola J Cooper
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Alex J Sutton
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Davide Roccarina
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, London, UK
| | - Amine Benmassaoud
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, London, UK
| | - Laura Iogna Prat
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, London, UK
| | - Norman R Williams
- Surgical & Interventional Trials Unit (SITU), UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, London, UK
| | - Mario Csenar
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Sivapatham Arunan
- General and Colorectal Surgery, Ealing Hospital and Imperial College, London, Northwood, UK
| | | | | | - Chavdar S Pavlov
- Department of Therapy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Brian R Davidson
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emmanuel Tsochatzis
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, London, UK
| | - Kurinchi Selvan Gurusamy
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Therapy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Esophageal Variceal Ligation Monotherapy versus Combined Ligation and Sclerotherapy for the Treatment of Esophageal Varices. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 2021:8856048. [PMID: 33859966 PMCID: PMC8024074 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8856048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) monotherapy is the standard therapy for managing esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Patients generally need several sessions of endoscopy to achieve optimal variceal ablation, and the varices can recur afterward. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) is an older technique, associated with certain complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EVL alone versus combined EVL and EIS in the treatment of esophageal varices. This retrospective study included 84 patients, of which 40 patients were treated with EVL monotherapy and 44 patients were treated with combined EVL + EIS. The main outcomes were rebleeding rates, recurrence at six months, number of treatment sessions, length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, and procedural complications. At six months, the rebleeding rate and recurrence were significantly lower in the EVL + EIS group compared to the EVL group (2.3% versus 15.0%; and 9.1% versus 27.5%, respectively). The number of treatment sessions, length of hospital stay, and cost of hospitalization were significantly lower in the EVL + EIS group compared to those in the EVL group (2.3 ± 0.6 versus 3.2 ± 0.8 times; 14.5 ± 3.4 versus 23.5 ± 5.9 days; and 23918.6 ± 4220.4 versus 26165.2 ± 4765.1 renminbi, respectively). Chest pain was significantly lower in the EVL + EIS group compared to that in the EVL group (15.9% versus 45.0%). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of fever or esophageal stricture in both groups. In conclusion, combined EVL + EIS showed less rebleeding rates and recurrence at six months and less chest pain and was more cost effective compared to EVL alone in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices.
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Kovalic AJ, Satapathy SK. Secondary Prophylaxis of Variceal Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis. VARICEAL BLEEDING IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS 2021:77-121. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-7249-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
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Abstract
Acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage is a dreaded complication of portal hypertension. Its management has evolved rapidly in recent years. Endoscopic therapy is often employed to arrest bleeding varices as well as to prevent early rebleeding. The combination of vasoconstrictor and endoscopic therapy is superior to vasoconstrictor or endoscopic therapy alone for control of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. After control of acute variceal bleeding, combination of banding ligation and beta-blockers is generally recommended to prevent variceal rebleeding. To prevent the catastrophic event of acute variceal bleeding, endoscopic banding ligation is an important tool in the prophylaxis of first bleeding. Endoscopic obturation with cyanoacrylate is usually utilized to arrest acute gastric variceal hemorrhage as well as to prevent rebleeding. It can be concluded that endoscopic therapies play a pivotal role in management of portal hypertensive bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin-Ho Lo
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, 1, Yi-Da Road, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan.
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Mansour L, El-Kalla F, El-Bassat H, Abd-Elsalam S, El-Bedewy M, Kobtan A, Badawi R, Elhendawy M. Randomized controlled trial of scleroligation versus band ligation alone for eradication of gastroesophageal varices. Gastrointest Endosc 2017; 86:307-315. [PMID: 28082116 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gastric varices develop in 5% to 33% of patients with portal hypertension. Their most common form is concomitant gastroesophageal varices. Scleroligation (combined sclerotherapy and band ligation) has been used successfully in management of esophageal varices but has not been evaluated previously in the management of gastroesophageal varices. The aim of this work was evaluation of a new scleroligation technique for management of bleeding gastroesophageal varices regarding efficacy, adverse events, variceal recurrence, and survival. METHODS This study was conducted on 120 cirrhotic patients with bleeding gastroesophageal varices, whom we divided randomly into 2 groups of 60 patients each-a band ligation group and a scleroligation group. RESULTS The mean number of sessions was lower in the scleroligation group than in the band ligation group (2.22 ± 0.92 and 3.43 ± 0.67, respectively) (P < .001), as were the duration of treatment and total number of bands used. Cost and survival were comparable in the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between the 2 maneuvers regarding adverse events, recurrence rates, or rebleeding rates after obliteration. Recurrence was significantly higher in patients with larger varices, ulceration, and postprocedure pyrexia. Rebleeding was significantly higher among those who experienced postprocedure pyrexia and developed or had worsening of gastric antral vascular ectasia. CONCLUSIONS Scleroligation appears to achieve a faster rate of eradication with fewer treatment sessions and total number of bands deployed to achieve variceal obliteration than band ligation and is comparable in cost and in adverse event and recurrence rates. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02646202.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Mansour
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ferial El-Kalla
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hanan El-Bassat
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Sherief Abd-Elsalam
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Abdelrahman Kobtan
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rehab Badawi
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elhendawy
- Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Randomized controlled trial comparing endoscopic ligation with or without sclerotherapy for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 28:95-100. [PMID: 26517621 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A recently published network meta-analysis showed that ligation combined with sclerotherapy might be the most efficacious intervention for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Most studies excluded patients with concomitant gastric varices; thus, the outcomes in such patients have not yet been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of two endoscopic procedures for secondary prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients presenting with both esophageal and gastric varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized controlled study was carried out in a tertiary care referral center. Patients were randomized into two groups: sclerotherapy- and sclerotherapy+ group. Continued endoscopic ligation was used to treat esophageal varices in the sclerotherapy- group, whereas combined ligation and sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol was performed in the sclerotherapy+ group. A cyanoacrylate injection was used for gastric varices in both groups. All participants were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS Overall, 96 patients were included between 25 March 2012 and 25 June 2013. Three patients were lost during follow-up (one in the sclerotherapy- group and two in the sclerotherapy+ group). The cumulative recurrence rate of bleeding was significantly higher in the sclerotherapy+ group (14.6 vs. 35.4%, P=0.013). The cumulative mortality rate (2.1 vs. 6.3%, P=0.286) and the incidence rate of adverse events were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION Continued ligation+cyanoacrylate injection was superior to combined ligation and sclerotherapy+cyanoacrylate injection during the first 6 months in terms of rebleeding in cirrhotic patients presenting with both esophageal and gastric varices. Long-term results entail further investigation (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01592578).
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Kong DR, Wang JG, Chen C, Yu FF, Wu Q, Xu JM. Effect of intravariceal sclerotherapy combined with esophageal mucosal sclerotherapy using small-volume sclerosant for cirrhotic patients with high variceal pressure. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:2800-2806. [PMID: 25759552 PMCID: PMC4351234 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i9.2800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the effect of intravariceal-mucosal sclerotherapy using small dose of sclerosant on the recurrence of esophageal varices.
METHODS: We randomly assigned 38 cirrhotic patients with previous variceal bleeding and high variceal pressure (> 15.2 mmHg) to receive endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and combined intravariceal and esophageal mucosal sclerotherapy (combined group) using small-volume sclerosant. The end-points of the study were rebleeding and recurrence of esophageal varices.
RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 16 mo, varices recurred in 1 patient in the combined group as compared with 7 patients in the EVL group (P = 0.045). Rebleeding occurred in 3 patients in the EVL group as compared with 1 patient in the combined group (P = 0.687). No patient died in the two groups. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to serious adverse events.
CONCLUSION: Intravariceal-mucosal sclerotherapy using small dose of sclerosant is more effective than EVL in decreasing the incidence of variceal recurrence for cirrhotic patients.
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Wang HM, Lo GH, Chen WC, Chan HH, Tsai WL, Yu HC, Tsay FW, Hsu PI. Randomized controlled trial of monthly versus biweekly endoscopic variceal ligation for the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:1229-36. [PMID: 24955452 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is effective in preventing esophageal variceal rebleeding. However, the optimal EVL interval remains unclear. AIM To investigate the effectiveness and safety of EVL using two intersession intervals. methods: From January 2009 to October 2012, 214 patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding were screened. Emergency ligation was performed for patients with acute variceal bleeding. After achieving hemodynamic stability, eligible patients (n = 70) were randomized to either the monthly group or the biweekly group. RESULTS Median time from randomization to variceal obliteration was 2.7 months in the monthly group and 1.7 months in the biweekly group, at a mean of 2.3 ± 2.0 and 3.0 ± 1.8 sessions, respectively. After a median follow up of 23 months, six patients (17%) in the monthly group and nine patients (26%) in the biweekly group developed upper gastrointestinal rebleeding (P = 0.382). Esophageal variceal rebleeding occurred in six patients (17%) in the monthly group and in seven patients (20%) in the biweekly group (P = 0.759). No rebleeding from EVL ulcers occurred in the monthly group and was 5.7% (n = 2) for the biweekly group. Both treatment groups had similar rates of esophageal variceal recurrence and mortality. Notably, the incidence of post-EVL ulcers in the monthly group was lower than that in the biweekly group (11% vs 57%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving EVL monthly had similar rebleeding rate, variceal recurrence, and mortality to those receiving EVL biweekly for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding; however, the monthly interval was associated with fewer post-EVL ulcers found at follow-up endoscopies.
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Lahbabi M, Mellouki I, Aqodad N, Elabkari M, Elyousfi M, Ibrahimi SA, Benajah DA. Esophageal variceal ligation in the secondary prevention of variceal bleeding: Result of long term follow-up. Pan Afr Med J 2013; 15:3. [PMID: 23847700 PMCID: PMC3708329 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2013.15.3.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long-term outcome of patients after band ligation have been poorly defined. Therefore, we conducted a long-term follow-up study to delineate the outcome of ligation in patients with portal hypertension in the Hassan II university hospital, Fes, Morocco. Methods Over 118 months patients treated by endoscopic variceal ligation were received regular follow- up and detailed clinical assessment of at least 24 months. Results One hundred twenty five patients were followed up for a mean of 31 months (range 12-107 months). Obliteration of the varices was achieved in 89.6 % (N = 112) of patients, with 3 +/-1.99 (range 1-8) endoscopy sessions over a period of 14 + /-6.8 weeks (range 3-28). The percentage of variceal recurrence during follow-up after ligation was 20.5 % (N = 23). Recurrence were observed in a mean of 22 months +/- 7.3 (range 3-48). Bleeding rate from recurrent varices was 30.4 % (7/23). Rebleeding from esophageal ulcers occurred in 5.6 % (7/125) of patients. Portal hypertensive gastropathy before and after eradication of varices was 17.6% (N = 22) and 44.6% (N = 50) respectively; p< 0.05. Fundal gastric varices was 30.4% (N = 38) and 35.7% (N = 40) before and after eradication of varices respectively; p> 0.05. The overall mortality was 4 % (N = 5). Conclusion Band ligation was an effective technical approach for variceal obliteration with low rates of variceal recurrence, rebleeding and development of gastric varices. Furthermore, it was associated with frequent development of portal hypertensive gastropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Lahbabi
- Department of Hepato Gastroenterology Hassan II University Hospital Fez, Morocco
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Yoshida H, Mamada Y, Taniai N, Yoshioka M, Hirakata A, Kawano Y, Mizuguchi Y, Shimizu T, Ueda J, Uchida E. Treatment Modalities for Bleeding Esophagogastric Varices. J NIPPON MED SCH 2012; 79:19-30. [DOI: 10.1272/jnms.79.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yoshida
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital
| | - Yasuhiro Mamada
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Nobuhiko Taniai
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Masato Yoshioka
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Atsushi Hirakata
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital
| | - Youichi Kawano
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Yoshiaki Mizuguchi
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Tetsuya Shimizu
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Junji Ueda
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Eiji Uchida
- Surgery for Organ Function and Biological Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School
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Abstract
Cirrhosis is the leading cause of portal hypertension worldwide, with the development of bleeding gastroesophageal varices being one of the most life-threatening consequences. Endoscopy plays an indispensible role in the diagnosis, staging, and prophylactic or active management of varices. With the expected future refinements in endoscopic technology, capsule endoscopy may one day replace traditional gastroscopy as a diagnostic modality, whereas endoscopic ultrasound may more precisely guide interventional therapy for gastric varices.
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Does sclerotherapy of remnant little oesophageal varices after endoscopic ligation have impact on the reduction of recurrent varices? Prospective study. SRP ARK CELOK LEK 2011; 139:328-32. [PMID: 21858971 DOI: 10.2298/sarh1106328g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is superior to endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) of oesophageal varices, however, EBL is associated with a higher rate of variceal recurrences. OBJECTIVE To examine whether the reduction of recurrent varices can be achieved by additional sclerotherapy of remnant little varices after ligation. METHODS Forty-eight patients with liver cirrhosis who had previously bled from oesophageal varices were examined. Endoscopic therapy was performed in order to prevent recurrent variceal bleeding. I group: in 23 patients ligation of oesophageal varices with multi band ligation device was applied (EBL group). II group: in 25 patients sclerotherapy using polydocanol or absolute alcohol was applied after reducing the size of varices using ligation (EBL and EIS group). RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the examined groups of patients in relation to the number of sessions for variceal eradication, recurrence of variceal bleeding, deterioration of portal gastropathy and mortality in the observed period from 18.8 +/- 18.6 months (EBL group) and 22.2 +/- 26.2 months (EBL and EIS group). Variceal recurrence was verified in 21.7% of patients of the EBL group and 16% of the EBL and EIS group, but the difference was not statistically important. Several complications, such as dysphagia and chest pain, were statistically more frequent in the EBL and EIS group of patients. CONCLUSION The combined method of ligation and extra sclerosing of remnant small oesophageal varices after ligation does not have advantage in relation to the ligation alone.
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Lee CH. [Prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2010; 56:155-67. [PMID: 20847606 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2010.56.3.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal varices(EV) are present in 40% and 60% of Child-Pugh A and C patients, respectively when cirrhosis is diagnosed. EV bleeding is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis with a high probability of recurrence. Treatment to prevent first EV bleeding or rebleeding is mandatory. In small EV with high risk of bleeding, nonselective β-blockers should be used for the prevention of first variceal bleeding. For medium to large EV, nonselective β-blockers or endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) may be recommended to high risk varices. But, nonselective β-blockers are the first treatment option to non-high risk varices and EVL is an alternative when nonselective β-blockers are contraindicated or not tolerated. For the prevention of rebleeding, a combination of nonselective β-blockers and EVL may be the best option. A great improvement in the prevention of variceal bleeding has emerged over the last years. However, further therapeutic options that combine higher efficacy, better tolerance and fewer side effects are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Hyeong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
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16
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Abstract
The rate of rebleeding from esophageal varices remains appreciably high after cessation of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Many measures have been developed to prevent the occurrence of rebleeding. Endoscopic therapy plays a central role in the prevention of variceal bleeding. In the 1980s sclerotherapy played a pivotal role in the prevention of variceal rebleeding, but now yields to endoscopic variceal ligation. Compared with sclerotherapy, a lower incidence of complications and rebleeding is associated with banding ligation. On the other hand, beta-blockers are also noted to be able to reduce portal pressure, leading to the reduction of variceal rebleeding. The reduction of variceal rebleeding with beta-blockers plus nitrates is as effective as banding ligation. The combination of beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation has proven to be more efficacious than banding ligation alone in the reduction of variceal rebleeding and is the treatment of choice for patients with failure in either medical or endoscopic therapy. Patients with repeated rebleeding despite endoscopic therapies may require transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt or shunt operation as a rescue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin-Ho Lo
- Department of Medical Education, Digestive Center, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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17
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Microwave coagulation versus sclerotherapy after band ligation to prevent recurrence of high risk of bleeding esophageal varices in Child-Pugh's A and B patients. J Gastroenterol 2010; 45:204-10. [PMID: 19802519 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-009-0134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) with either endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) or thermal therapy has been shown to reduce recurrence of esophageal varices compared to EBL alone. The aim of this prospective trial was twofold: 1) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EBL used in association with microwave coagulation (MC), a thermal endoscopic therapy method, for treating esophageal varices and preventing recurrence; and 2) to compare these results to the joint application of EBL and EIS. METHODS Seventy cirrhotic patients with bleeding esophageal varices were treated with EBL until only thin vessels remained. Thirty-six randomly selected patients received EIS (group A) and 34 received MC (group B) until complete eradication had been achieved. Endoscopic follow-up was performed to detect recurrence. The effectiveness of the treatment was measured using variceal recurrence, rebleeding, intervention complications, and recurrence factors. RESULTS During follow-up evaluations averaging 34.9 +/- 11.4 months, no significant differences were found between groups A and B in variceal recurrence (27.7 vs. 17.6%, P = 0.31) or rebleeding (8.3 vs. 0%, P = 0.23). Complications were rare, with no difference detected between groups. The presence of gastric varices influenced recurrence with an odds ratio of 3.9 (95% CI 1.14-13.1, P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS Application of MC to esophageal varices after band ligation is safe. The post-MC recurrence rate may be comparable to that observed following the combined treatment of EBL and EIS. The presence of gastric varices increases the risk of esophageal variceal recurrence.
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Wang BQ, Liu WT, Wang BM. A meta-analysis of endoscopic sequential ligation plus sclerotherapy for treatment of esophageal varices. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:3437-3442. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i30.3437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of endoscopic sequential ligation plus sclerotherapy(EVLS) for esophageal varices (EV).
METHODS: Relevant research articles about randomized controlled trials of sequential endoscopic ligation plus sclerotherapy for esophageal varices from Januray 1997 to December 2007 were retrieved from PubMed, Vip database and China Biological Medicine Disk.Two reviewers independently evaluated the quality of the included articles and abstracted the data. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 4.2 software.
RESULTS: According to the enrollment criteria, eleven prospective, randomized controlled clinica1 trials were finally selected. Comparison between EVLS and EVL showed a significant decrease in recurrence rate of EV (RR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25-0.55, P< 0.01) and a significant higher disappearance rate of EV (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.23, P = 0.001) in EVLS group, wheras, no significant difference was seen in the risks of esophageal varices rebleeding, complications and mortality. Comparison between EVLS and EVS showed a significant reduction in complication incidence (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31-0.75, P = 0.001) and a higher disappearance rate of EV (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20, P = 0. 004) in EVLS group, wheras, no significant difference was seen in the risk of esophageal varices rebleeding, recurrence of EV or mortality.
CONCLUSION: Endoscopic sequential ligation plus sclerotherapy with better efficacy and lower complication incidence should be recommended for patients with esophageal varices.
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Lo GH, Chen WC, Lin CK, Tsai WL, Chan HH, Chen TA, Yu HC, Hsu PI, Lai KH. Improved survival in patients receiving medical therapy as compared with banding ligation for the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding. Hepatology 2008; 48:580-7. [PMID: 18666235 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Both medical therapy and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) have proven to be comparable in the prevention of variceal rebleeding. However, the long-term results are still lacking. Our previous study enrolled 121 patients with history of esophageal variceal bleeding and randomized to receive EVL (EVL group, 60 patients) or drug therapy, nadolol plus isosorbide-5-mononitrate (N+I) (N+I group, 61 patients) to prevent variceal rebleeding. The EVL group received ligation regularly until variceal obliteration. The N+I group received N+I during the study period. Patients were followed for up to 8 years. After a median follow-up of 82 months, recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding developed in 28 patients (47%) in the EVL group and 49 patients (80%) in the N+I group (P = 0.001). Recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices occurred in 18 patients (30%) in the EVL group and 39 patients (64%) in the N+I group. The actuarial probability of rebleeding from esophageal varices was lower in the EVL group (P = 0.001). A total of 42 patients of the EVL group and 30 patients of the N+I group died (P = 0.013). The multivariate Cox analysis indicated that age, serum albumin, presence of encephalopathy, and treatment were the factors predictive of mortality. CONCLUSION Our long-term follow-up study showed that combination of N+I therapy was inferior to banding ligation in the reduction of variceal rebleeding, but with enhanced survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin-Ho Lo
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Division of Gastroenterology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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20
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Abstract
Great progress has been made in the development of both endoscopic variceal ligator and ligation application in the past 20 years. In clinical practice, endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) has been recognized as the first choice to treat esophageal variceal hemorrhage by the domestic and foreign experts because of its good efficacy as well as milder and fewer complications. The application category of endoscopic ligation has been expanded to other fields of digestive endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic ligation has become a simple and safe as well as generalized ligation technique with a high efficacy.
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21
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Park WG, Yeh RW, Triadafilopoulos G. Injection therapies for variceal bleeding disorders of the GI tract. Gastrointest Endosc 2008; 67:313-23. [PMID: 18226695 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2007.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter G Park
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Bleeding from esophageal varices (EVs) is a catastrophic complication of chronic liver disease. Many years ago, surgical procedures such as esophageal transection or distal splenorenal shunting were the only treatments for EVs. In the 1970s, interventional radiology procedures such as transportal obliteration, left gastric artery embolization, and partial splenic artery embolization were introduced, improving the survival of patients with bleeding EVs. In the 1980s, endoscopic treatment, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS), and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), further contributed to improved survival. We combined IVR with endoscopic treatment or EIS with EVL. Most patients with EVs treated endoscopically required follow-up treatment for recurrent varices. Proper management of recurrent EVs can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Recently, we have performed EVL at 2-mo (bi-monthly) intervals for the management of EVs. Longer intervals between treatment sessions resulted in a higher rate of total eradication and lower rates of recurrence and additional treatment.
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Kuramochi A, Imazu H, Kakutani H, Uchiyama Y, Hino S, Urashima M. Color Doppler endoscopic ultrasonography in identifying groups at a high-risk of recurrence of esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. J Gastroenterol 2007; 42:219-24. [PMID: 17380280 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-006-1992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our preliminary study indicated that either a high hepatofugal flow velocity in the left gastric vein (LGV) or an anterior branch dominant pattern seen under color Doppler EUS (CD-EUS) were possible contributing risk factors for variceal recurrence after endoscopic treatment. However, the sample size was too small, and in this study we aimed to validate the results of the preliminary study. METHODS Sixty-eight patients treated for moderate or large esophageal varices between 2001 and 2004 at a single university hospital were enrolled in this study. CD-EUS was followed by endoscopic variceal ligation and sclerotherapy. RESULTS Patients were classified into either a high-risk group, which exhibited anterior branch dominance and flow velocity of 12 cm/s or more, or a low-risk group, which included all other patients. Half of the patients in the high-risk group exhibited a recurrence within half a year, whereas it took almost 2 years for half of the patients in the other group to exhibit a recurrence (P=0.0044). Using the Cox proportional hazard model with multivariate analysis, only the features of the high-risk group were significant in triggering recurrence of varices (hazard ratio [HR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-6.65; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that patients showing anterior branch dominance and rapid hepatofugal flow velocity in the LGV on CD-EUS examination may have a high risk of an early recurrence of esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kuramochi
- Department of Endoscopy, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
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Abstract
Patients who survive a first bleeding episode of oesophageal varices have a high risk of rebleeding, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Prevention of a recurrent haemorrhage is therefore recommended. Patients who were not on a primary prophylaxis should be treated with non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, endoscopic band ligation or both. If beta-blockers are not tolerated or are contraindicated, patients should be treated with endoscopic band ligation. If these preventive strategies fail, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (covered) or a small-diameter surgical shunt is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Heller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud Strasse 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany.
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25
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Abstract
The rate of rebleeding of esophageal varices remains high after cessation of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Many measures have been developed to prevent the occurrence of rebleeding. When considering their effectiveness in reduction of rebleeding, the associated complications cannot be neglected. Due to unavoidable high incidence of complications, shunt surgery and endoscopic injection sclerotherapy are now rarely used. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt was developed to replace shunt operation but is now reserved for rescue therapy. Nonselective beta-blockers alone or in combination with isosorbide mononitrate and endoscopic variceal ligation are currently the first choices in the prevention of variceal rebleeding. The combination of nonselective beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation appear to enhance the efficacy. With the advent of newly developed measures, esophageal variceal rebleeding could be greatly reduced and the survival of cirrhotics with bleeding esophageal varices could thereby be prolonged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin-Ho Lo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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Romero G, Kravetz D, Argonz J, Vulcano C, Suarez A, Fassio E, Dominguez N, Bosco A, Muñoz A, Salgado P, Terg R. Comparative study between nadolol and 5-isosorbide mononitrate vs. endoscopic band ligation plus sclerotherapy in the prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 24:601-11. [PMID: 16827811 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After variceal bleeding, cirrhotic patients should receive secondary prophylaxis. AIM To compare nadolol plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate (5-ISMN) with endoscopic band ligation. The end points were rebleeding, treatment failure and death. METHODS One hundred and nine cirrhotic patients with a recent variceal bleeding were randomized: nadolol plus 5-ISMN in 57 patients and endoscopic band ligation in 52 patients. RESULTS The mean follow-up was 17 and 19 months in nadolol plus 5-ISMN and endoscopic band ligation groups, respectively. No differences were observed between groups in upper rebleeding (47% vs. 46%), variceal rebleeding (40% vs. 36%), failure (32% vs. 22%), major complications (7% vs. 13.5%) and death (19% vs. 20%), respectively. The actuarial probability of remaining free of rebleeding, failure and deaths were similar in both groups. Time to rebleeding shows that endoscopic band ligation patients had an early rebleed, with a median of 0.5 month (95% CI: 0.0-4.2) compared with patients from nadolol plus 5-ISMN, 7.6 months (95% CI: 2.9-12.3, P < 0.013). Multivariate analysis indicated that outcome-specific predictive factor(s) for rebleeding was Child A vs. B + C (P < 0.01); for failure was Child A vs. B + C (P < 0.02); and for death ascites (P < 0.01) and rebleeding (P < 0.02). CONCLUSION This trial suggests no superiority of endoscopic band ligation over nadolol plus 5-ISMN mononitrate for the prevention of rebleeding in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Romero
- Liver Unit, Hospital de Gastroenterologia Prof. Bonorino Udaondo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gómez Senent S, Martín Arranz MD, Froilán Torres C, Manceñido Marcos N, Martín Chavarri S, Carrión Alonso G, Suárez de Parga J, Segura Cabral JM. [Secondary prophylaxis with elastic band ligation in esophageal-gastric varices]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2006; 29:323-6. [PMID: 16790179 DOI: 10.1157/13089712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the usefulness of elastic band ligation in the prevention of hemorrhage recurrence due to esophageal-gastric varices. Sixty-five patients who survived an episode of variceal hemorrhage were included in the study. Twenty-nine patients (45%) were Child-Pugh class A, 25 (38%) were class B, and 11 (17%) were class C. The cause of cirrhosis was hepatitis C virus and alcohol in 45% and 31% of the patients, respectively. The first ligation session was performed between the third and fifth day after the hemorrhagic episode and subsequent sessions were carried out at intervals of 3-4 weeks. The ligation sessions were performed with antibiotic prophylaxis. A mean of 2.7 bands were placed per session (range 1-5), and the mean number of sessions required per patient to achieve variceal eradication was 2.5 (range 1-6). The rate of bleeding recurrence was 24.6% (16 episodes). In conclusion, endoscopic elastic band ligation is a useful technique for the eradication of esophageal varices and for the prevention of bleeding recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gómez Senent
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
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Ito K, Matsutani S, Maruyama H, Akiike T, Nomoto H, Suzuki T, Fukuzawa T, Mizumoto H, Saisho H. Study of hemodynamic changes in portal systemic shunts and their relation to variceal relapse after endoscopic variceal ligation combined with ethanol sclerotherapy. J Gastroenterol 2006; 41:119-26. [PMID: 16568370 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-005-1730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2005] [Accepted: 10/03/2005] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the factors influencing variceal relapse after endoscopic treatment, portal hemodynamic changes, especially in portal systemic shunts, could be the most important factor because hemodynamics are directly related to the development of esophageal varices. We aimed to clarify the influence of endoscopic treatment for esophageal varices on portal systemic shunts as well as its predictive value for variceal relapse. METHODS Fifty patients who underwent combined endoscopic variceal ligation and injection sclerotherapy were examined with sonography and portography. RESULTS Decrease of diameter, hepatopetal flow direction in the left gastric vein, or the presence of non-varices portal systemic shunt were sonographic findings related to a low incidence of variceal relapse. The presence of blood flow in and around the esophagus on venograms was highly predictive for variceal relapse. In patients with such venograms, non-varices portal systemic shunts did not develop. CONCLUSIONS Sonographic assessment of hemodynamic changes in portal systemic shunt could be useful for estimating the results of endoscopic treatment for esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ito
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Garcia-Pagán JC, Bosch J. Endoscopic band ligation in the treatment of portal hypertension. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 2:526-35. [PMID: 16355158 DOI: 10.1038/ncpgasthep0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 09/16/2005] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The evidence that endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has greater efficacy and fewer side effects than endoscopic injection sclerotherapy has renewed interest in endoscopic treatments for portal hypertension. The introduction of multishot band devices, which allow the placement of 5-10 bands at a time, has made the technique much easier to perform, avoiding the use of overtubes and their related complications. EBL sessions are usually repeated at 2 week intervals until varices are obliterated, which is achieved in about 90% of patients after 2-4 sessions. Variceal recurrence is frequent, with 20-75% of patients requiring repeated EBL sessions. According to current evidence, nonselective beta-blockers are the preferred treatment option for prevention of a first variceal bleed, whereas EBL should be reserved for patients with contraindications or intolerance to beta-blockers. Nonselective beta-blockers, probably in association with the vasodilator isosorbide mononitrate, and EBL are good treatment options to prevent recurrent variceal rebleeding. The efficacy of EBL might be increased by combining it with beta-blocker therapy. Patients who are intolerant, have contraindications or bled while receiving primary prophylaxis with beta-blockers must be treated with EBL. In the latter situation, EBL should be added to rather than replace beta-blocker therapy. EBL, in combination with vasoactive drugs, is the recommended form of therapy for acute esophageal variceal bleeding; however, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy can be used in the acute setting if EBL is technically difficult.
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30
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Menke D. Endoskopische und medikamentöse Therapie der varikösen Blutung. Visc Med 2005. [DOI: 10.1159/000088025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Poddar U, Thapa BR, Singh K. Band ligation plus sclerotherapy versus sclerotherapy alone in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. J Clin Gastroenterol 2005; 39:626-9. [PMID: 16000932 DOI: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000170765.36825.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Although endoscopic band ligation (EVL) plus sclerotherapy (EST) has shown to be superior to any individual method, there is no study in children. We therefore analyzed our experience of EST and EVL + EST in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). Over a period of 8 years, 136 children who presented with a history of recent variceal bleeding due to EHPVO were studied; 30 of them received EVL + EST and 106 received EST alone. In the EVL + EST group, after the first session of EVL, EST was done three times weekly until variceal eradication was achieved. The mean age of these children was 7 +/- 3.6 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1. The rate of eradication was comparable in both groups (100% in EVL + EST and 96% in EST). However, EVL + EST group required a significantly fewer sessions and lower volume of sclerosant (2 +/- 1 vs. 4.4 +/- 2 sessions, P < 0.001 and 3.1 +/- 2 mL versus 7.5 +/- 4 mL, P < 0.001 respectively). There were significantly less complications in EVL + EST group (10% vs. 36%, P < 0.01). Over a mean follow-up of 27 months, varices recurred in 6.6% and 10% cases, respectively. EVL + EST is a better method in the treatment of esophageal varices in children with EHPVO than EST alone, as it required fewer session and had fewer complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjal Poddar
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
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Krige JEJ, Shaw JM, Bornman PC. The Evolving Role of Endoscopic Treatment for Bleeding Esophageal Varices. World J Surg 2005; 29:966-73. [PMID: 15981047 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-005-0138-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of acute and recurrent variceal bleeding is best accomplished by a skilled, knowledgeable, and well-equipped team using a multidisciplinary integrated approach. Optimal management should provide the full spectrum of treatment options including pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic treatment, interventional radiologic procedures, surgical shunts, and liver transplantation. Endoscopic therapy with either band ligation or injection sclerotherapy is an integral component of the management of acute variceal bleeding and of the long-term treatment of patients after a variceal bleed. Variceal eradication with endoscopic ligation requires fewer endoscopic treatment sessions and causes substantially less esophageal complications than does injection sclerotherapy. Although the incidence of early gastrointestinal rebleeding is reduced by endoscopic ligation in most studies, there is no overall survival benefit relative to injection sclerotherapy. Simultaneous combined ligation and sclerotherapy confers no advantage over ligation alone. A sequential staged approach with initial endoscopic ligation followed by sclerotherapy when varices are small may prove to be the optimal method of reducing variceal recurrence. Overall, current data demonstrate clear advantages for using ligation in preference to sclerotherapy. Ligation should therefore be considered the endoscopic treatment of choice in the treatment of esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E J Krige
- Department of Surgery and Medical Research Council, Liver Research Center, University of Cape Town Health Sciences Faculty, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.
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Abstract
Endoscopic therapy for nonvariceal bleeding should only be used if major stigmata of hemorrhage such as active bleeding and nonbleeding visible vessel are present. Treatment of peptic ulcers with adherent clots is currently controversial. Combination of epinephrine injection and coaptive coagulation is most effective in achieving endoscopic hemostasis. Hemoclips may be preferable for very deep ulcers and large visible blood vessels if coaptive coagulation is anticipated to have a high risk of perforation or bleeding. Adrenaline injection or hemoclip application should be used in bleeding Mallory-Weiss tears, as the safety of thermal methods is not well established. Argon plasma coagulation is the mainstay of endoscopic treatment for superficial lesions such as angiodysplasia and gastric antral vascular ectasia. Both sclerotherapy and band ligation are effective in acute hemostasis of bleeding esophageal varices. Variceal band ligation is preferred due to its superior safety profile and shorter procedure time. Due to the early recurrence of varices after banding ligation, there may be a role for metachronous combination therapy of ligation followed by sclerotherapy. Histoacryl glue is the preferred method of endoscopic hemostasis in gastric varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aric J Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N. T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Karsan HA, Morton SC, Shekelle PG, Spiegel BMR, Suttorp MJ, Edelstein MA, Gralnek IM. Combination endoscopic band ligation and sclerotherapy compared with endoscopic band ligation alone for the secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal hemorrhage: a meta-analysis. Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:399-406. [PMID: 15745108 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-005-1618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is the community-accepted standard therapy for the secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Recent data indicate that combination EBL and sclerotherapy may be a more effective therapy than EBL alone. Yet existing data are conflicting. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of EBL and sclerotherapy versus EBL alone for the secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal hemorrhage. We performed a systematic review of two computerized databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) along with manual-searching of published abstracts to identify relevant citations without language restrictions from 1990 to 2002. Eight studies met explicit inclusion criteria. We performed meta-analysis of these studies to pool the relative risk for the following outcomes: esophageal variceal rebleeding, death, number of endoscopic sessions to achieve variceal obliteration, and therapeutic complications. There were no significant differences between EBL and sclerotherapy versus EBL alone in the risk of esophageal variceal rebleeding (RR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.67-1.64; P = 0.83), death (RR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.68-1.44; P = 0.96), or number of endoscopic sessions to variceal obliteration (RR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.055-0.51; P = 0.11). However, the incidence of esophageal stricture formation was significantly higher in the EBL group than in the sclerotherapy group. There is no evidence that the addition of sclerotherapy to endoscopic band ligation changes clinically relevant outcomes (variceal rebleeding, death, time to variceal obliteration) in the secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal hemorrhage. Moreover, combination EBL and sclerotherapy had more esophageal stricture formation than EBL alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetal A Karsan
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Center for the Health Sciences, Division of Digestive Diseases, Los Angeles, California 90073, USA
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Thabut D. [Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. How to prevent rebleeding: role of pharmacological and endoscopic treatments]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 28 Spec No 2:B73-82. [PMID: 15150499 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95242-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Thabut
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, 47-83 boulevard de l'hôpital, 75013, Paris
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Vinel JP. [Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Failure of pharmacological and endoscopic treatment: what is to be done?]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2004; 28 Spec No 2:B237-41. [PMID: 15150519 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95262-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J-P Vinel
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Fédération Digestive, CHU Purpan, 31059 Toulouse
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Bernard-Chabert B. [Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. How to prevent rebleeding: pharmacological and endoscopic treatments]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2004; 28 Spec No 2:B227-31. [PMID: 15150517 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Bernard-Chabert
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, Boulevard du général Koenig, 51092 Reims Cedex
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Coumaros D. [Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Prevention of recurrent bleeding: modalities of endoscopic treatments]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2004; 28 Spec No 2:B83-97. [PMID: 15150500 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Coumaros
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires, F 67091 Strasbourg Cedex
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Ponchon T. [Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Methods of endoscopic treatment]. GASTROENTEROLOGIE CLINIQUE ET BIOLOGIQUE 2004; 28 Spec No 2:B232-6. [PMID: 15150518 DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(04)95261-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Ponchon
- Département des Spécialités Digestives, Hôpital E. Herriot, 5, place d'Arsonval, 69003, Lyon
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Abstract
Portal hypertension bleeding is a common and serious complication of cirrhosis. All patients with cirrhosis should undergo endoscopy and be evaluated for possible causes of current or future portal hypertensive bleeding. Possible causes of bleeding include esophageal varices, gastric varices, and PHG. Patients with esophageal varices at high risk of bleeding should be treated with nonselective beta-blockers for primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage. HVPG measurements represent the optimal way to monitor the success of pharmacologic therapy. EVL may be used in those with high-risk varices who do not tolerate beta-blockers. When active bleeding develops, simultaneous and coordinated attention must be given to hemodynamic resuscitation, prevention and treatment of complications, and active control of bleeding. In cases of acute esophageal variceal (Fig. 5) and PHG bleeding, terlipressin, somatostatin, or octreotide should be started. Endoscopic treatment is provided for those with bleeding esophageal varices. If first-line therapy fails, TIPS or surgery may need to be performed. Unlike esophageal variceal or PHG bleeding, there is no established optimal treatment for gastric variceal bleeding. Individual and specific treatment modalities for acute gastric variceal bleeding must be calculated carefully after considering side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Comar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, MCV Box 980711, Sanger Hall 12011, Richmond, VA 23298-0711, USA
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Abstract
Important advances have been made in the management of variceal bleeding. Despite these advances, bleeding in the patient with cirrhosis remains one of the most demanding clinical challenges that a gastroenterologist or gastrointestinal surgeon may face. The aim is to identify the source of bleeding, control active bleeding and prevent rebleeding. This requires a multidisciplinary team, and the optimal management algorithm depends on the clinical circumstance of the patient and the local availability of endoscopic, radiological and surgical expertise. Injection sclerotherapy is effective in stopping acute variceal bleeding, but has the drawback of a high incidence of complications. Endoscopic variceal ligation is just as effective, and is associated with fewer complications. An overtube allows repeated introductions of the endoscope to be more tolerable for the patient and protects the airway against aspiration of blood; its use should be encouraged in patients with massive bleeding. Newer ligators can deliver multiple bands without removal of the scope but the high cost of these disposable devices limits their widespread use. Bleeding from gastric varices is even more challenging; the treatment of choice is injection with cyanoacrylate glue. To prevent rebleeding, beta-blockers are recommended for all patients with large varices (including those which have never bled). Injection sclerotherapy or band ligation, conducted at weekly intervals after the initial control of bleeding, is equally effective at obliterating varices and decreasing the risk of further hemorrhage; band ligation results in fewer complications. Other newer treatment modalities for variceal bleeding, such as somatostatin analogs, transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunt and liver transplantation, offer more optimal approaches to control bleeding and prevent rebleeding, but may be prohibitively expensive. Even for the most affluent communities, affordability, cost-effectiveness, and resource rationing are important considerations in management of patients with cirrhosis complicated by gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Chung
- Endoscopy Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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Tajiri T, Onda M, Yoshida H, Mamada Y, Taniai N, Umehara M, Toba M, Yamashita K. Endoscopic scleroligation is a superior new technique for preventing recurrence of esophageal varices. J NIPPON MED SCH 2002; 69:160-4. [PMID: 12068328 DOI: 10.1272/jnms.69.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study compared a new method, endoscopic scleroligation, intravariceal injection sclerotherapy followed by ligation plus extravariceal injection sclerotherapy, with ligation plus extravariceal injection sclerotherapy. Fifty-nine patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices were treated by endoscopic scleroligation (ESL group, n = 28) or ligation plus extravariceal injection sclerotherapy (EVL + extraEIS group, n = 31). The demographics and clinical characteristics of the two treatment groups were similar, as was the rate of complete eradication with initial treatment. However, the 1- and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates in the ESL group (3.8% and 22.4%) were very significantly lower than those in the EVL + extraEIS group (48.3% and 81.0%) (p < 0.0001). The overall survival rates in the two groups were similar. In conclusion, endoscopic scleroligation is superior to ligation plus extravariceal injection sclerotherapy in preventing variceal recurrence. The efficacy of intravariceal injection sclerotherapy before ligation is believed to arise from the eradication of feeder vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tajiri
- First Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan.
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Singh P, Pooran N, Indaram A, Bank S. Combined ligation and sclerotherapy versus ligation alone for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding: a meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol 2002; 97:623-9. [PMID: 11922557 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.05540.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Variceal ligation has been shown to be superior to sclerotherapy in prevention of rebleeding and improving survival in patients with cirrhosis. However, 25% of patients will rebleed before completion of treatment. A number of trials have compared the combination of ligation and sclerotherapy to ligation alone in achieving rapid and complete eradication of esophageal varices, with conflicting results. METHODS Two reviewers independently identified seven randomized, controlled trials that compared endoscopic variceal ligation with the combination of sclerotherapy and ligation for the treatment of esophageal varices. Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, reviewing references from retrieved articles, and scanning abstracts from conference proceedings. For each outcome, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed-effects and random-effects models. The Mantel-Haenszel test for statistical heterogeneity was used to assess the validity of combining results from individual studies. RESULTS No significant difference was seen in cessation of actively bleeding varices (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.43-2.36), variceal rebleeding (OR = 1.12, CI = 0.69-1.81), and mortality (OR = 1.1, CI = 0.70-1.74) in patients with variceal ligation versus patients receiving the combination treatment of ligation and sclerotherapy. Treatment sessions required to achieve complete variceal eradication were similar in the two treatment arms. A significantly higher incidence of esophageal stricture was seen in combination therapy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The combination of ligation and sclerotherapy offers no advantage over ligation alone in prevention of rebleeding and in reduction of mortality. It is also associated with a higher complication rate of esophageal stricture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Singh
- Division of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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McKiernan PJ, Beath SV, Davison SM. A prospective study of endoscopic esophageal variceal ligation using a multiband ligator. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2002; 34:207-11. [PMID: 11840041 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200202000-00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is the preferred method of treating variceal hemorrhage in adults. The need to reinsert the endoscope after reloading for each varix ligation has been a drawback. The Saeed multiband ligator allows ligation of multiple varices during a single insertion. The multibander has not been used previously in children. METHODS Twenty-eight consecutive children were referred to a pediatric liver unit because of esophageal variceal bleeding from 1998 to 2000. Endoscopic variceal band ligation was performed at initial endoscopy and repeated monthly until varices were obliterated or were too small to ligate. RESULTS Results are expressed as median (range). Age at EVL was 11 years (3 months to 16 years) and weight 30 kg (5.4-63 kg). Portal hypertension was caused by cirrhosis in 15 children. Endoscopic variceal band ligation was performed on 66 occasions with 4 bands applied per session. Ten children had active bleeding at initial endoscopy and all responded to EVL. Interval bleeding developed in 2 children before variceal ablation. Varices were obliterated in 26 of 28 patients after 2 sessions. During the 21-month follow-up (2 months to 3 years), six children have undergone elective liver transplantation and three have had mesoportal bypass procedures. Rebleeding developed in 2 of 26; 1 from recurrent esophageal varices that responded to repeat EVL and 1 from gastric varices. Following variceal ablation, 2-year actuarial variceal recurrence risk was 40%. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic variceal ligation is highly effective in obliterating esophageal varices in children. The use of a multibander device for endoscopic variceal ligation is technically feasible and safe even in small children, and its use results in more rapid ablation of esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J McKiernan
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital National Health Service Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Hou MC, Chen WC, Lin HC, Lee FY, Chang FY, Lee SD. A new "sandwich" method of combined endoscopic variceal ligation and sclerotherapy versus ligation alone in the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding: a randomized trial. Gastrointest Endosc 2001; 53:572-8. [PMID: 11323581 DOI: 10.1067/mge.2001.114058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variceal ligation is the optimum endoscopic method for treating esophageal variceal bleeding. However, both early and multiple recurrences of esophageal varices frequently follow ligation. The aim of this randomized study was to determine whether a new, combined endoscopic "sandwich" method (i.e., ligation-sclerotherapy-ligation) could achieve better results than ligation alone. METHODS Ninety-four patients with cirrhosis and acute or recent esophageal variceal bleeding were randomized to undergo either the "sandwich" method or ligation alone (47 patients in each group). RESULTS The sclerosant was retained in the varices for more than 30 minutes in 7 of 8 patients undergoing the "sandwich" method plus radiographic contrast medium. Active bleeding was controlled with this new method (9/9) as efficiently as ligation (12/12). The rate of recurrent bleeding was similar for both methods. Multivariate analysis showed the necessity for the use of antibiotics (odds ratio 3.95: 95% CI [1.60, 9.76]) to be an independent factor for recurrent bleeding. Two patients in the "sandwich" group developed strictures, but the frequency of other complications did not differ between the 2 groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the cumulative probability of variceal recurrence was lower with the "sandwich" method (p = 0.0391). The survival rate and causes of death were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The "sandwich" method leads to longer retention of sclerosant in varices. This method is superior to ligation alone in terms of lower variceal recurrence rate and comparable to ligation with respect to hemostasis. However, it is unknown whether the lower recurrence rate of varices will persist long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital, and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Mizumoto H, Matsutani S, Fukuzawa T, Ishii H, Sato G, Maruyama H, Saisho H. Hemodynamics in the left gastric vein after endoscopic ligation of esophageal varices combined with sclerotherapy. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001; 16:495-500. [PMID: 11350543 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2001.02334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS We examined the changes in portal hemodynamics after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) combined with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) in relation to post-treatment relapse. The present study included 93 patients who underwent EVL-EIS combination therapy. Portal hemodynamics were examined by Doppler ultrasonography and percutaneous transhepatic portography (PTP). RESULTS Therapy with EVL-EIS resulted in the complete disappearance of varices in 89 of 93 patients. Cumulative relapse-free rates (Kaplan-Meier method) were 75.8 and 50.2%, respectively, 1 and 3-5 years after treatment. At the end of treatment, the flow in the left gastric vein was examined by Doppler ultrasonography. In 50 of 63 patients, the flow remained hepatofugal. In 23 of these patients, PTP was performed at the end of treatment; selective left gastric venography did not reveal any palisade zone vessels or varices. However, fine blood vessels were seen around the lower esophagus in nine patients, only the paraesophageal vein was found in 10 patients and these two findings were present in four patients, indicating that collateral blood flow remained in the lower esophagus in 13 of 23 patients. These findings suggest that frequent relapse of varices results from insufficient blockage of blood flow from the left gastric vein to the lower esophagus. However, in patients with a patent paraesophageal vein, long-term effects obtained by EVL-EIS combination therapy were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of the development of collateral left gastric veins represents important hemodynamic changes that predict the long-term prognosis of patients after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mizumoto
- The First Department of Medicine, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan.
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Cheng YS, Pan S, Lien GS, Suk FM, Wu MS, Chen JN, Chen SH. Adjuvant sclerotherapy after ligation for the treatment of esophageal varices: a prospective, randomized long-term study. Gastrointest Endosc 2001; 53:566-71. [PMID: 11323580 DOI: 10.1067/mge.2001.114061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the efficacy of adjuvant sclerotherapy after banding for the treatment of esophageal varices, a randomized trial was carried out of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) alone with sequential sclerotherapy versus sequential ligation-sclerotherapy (SLS) after banding with respect to variceal eradication, associated complications, and recurrence of varices. METHODS One hundred patients qualified for this study. Fourteen patients were not included for the following reasons: 6 chose not to participate, 4 had fundal varices, and 4 had some form of cancer. Of the remaining 86 patients in the study, 42 underwent EVL alone and the other 44 SLS. Variceal ligation was begun in the region of the gastroesophageal junction, with subsequent ligatures applied cephalad 3 to 5 cm; ligation was repeated every 2 weeks until variceal obliteration. For SLS, ligation was also begun in the region of the gastroesophageal junction and repeated until varices were reduced to F1 size. Subsequently, these patients underwent sclerotherapy with between 6 and 8 mL of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (free hand technique). RESULTS No significant differences were found between EVL alone and SLS with regard to variceal eradication, development of associated complications, and recurrent bleeding during a follow-up of 2 years. The probability of variceal recurrence requiring further treatment after 1 year was 14% for the SLS group and 26% for EVL group patients. Another year later, the probability of variceal recurrence was 24% and 45%, respectively, for the SLS and EVL groups. CONCLUSIONS Because a significantly lower rate of variceal recurrence was found for SLS patients, sequential sclerotherapy followed by ligation to eradicate those varices too small to easily band may be a better procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
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48
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Abstract
Endoscopic therapy and in particular endoscopic variceal banding ligation, in experienced hands, is the treatment of choice for acute variceal bleeding which remains a major cause of death in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Pharmacological therapy with Glypressin or somatostatin can be useful to gain time when the endoscopic expertise is not available or to help to obtain a clearer endoscopic view. Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic stent shunt is currently used for endoscopic failures, producing similar results with the surgical portacaval shunts. Which one of the two should be preferred, since they both work best in relatively compensated patients, should be a balance between the available surgical and radiological expertise, the urgency of the situation and the expected course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Vlavianos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
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Suzuki T, Matsutani S, Umebara K, Sato G, Maruyama H, Mitsuhashi O, Nakano Y, Fukamachi T, Saisho H. EUS changes predictive for recurrence of esophageal varices in patients treated by combined endoscopic ligation and sclerotherapy. Gastrointest Endosc 2000; 52:611-7. [PMID: 11060184 DOI: 10.1067/mge.2000.109801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrence of varices is still common after endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices. In this study, predictive signs of variceal recurrence were investigated by ultrasonic (US) miniature probe in patients treated by combined endoscopic ligation and sclerotherapy. METHODS Detectability of vessels by US miniature probe was evaluated first in rats. In 41 patients treated by combined therapy, the esophagus and the cardia region were examined by US miniature probe. In 25 patients examined by percutaneous transhepatic portography, the relationship between US miniature probe and percutaneous transhepatic portography findings was evaluated. RESULTS The smallest vessel detected by US miniature probe was 0.3 mm in diameter in the study using intra-abdominal vessels of rat. After variceal eradication, US miniature probe showed intramural vessels in the cardia that were classified as follows: grade I, a few vessels (19 patients, 46%); grade II, uniformly scattered vessels (11, 27%); grade III, abundant vessels resembling a honeycomb (11, 27%). As the sonographic grade increased, the rate of variceal recurrence increased. As the venographic grade of staining in the distal esophagus increased, the esophageal wall became thicker and the sonographic grade at the cardia increased. CONCLUSIONS Endosonographic evaluation of the distal esophagus and cardia is predictive of variceal recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Suzuki
- First Department of Medicine, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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50
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Abstract
Endoscopic therapy is the first treatment modality in the management algorithm of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. In treating bleeding peptic ulcers, diluted epinephrine is first injected followed by targeted treatment to the vessel. Combination therapy adding thermocoagulation or thrombin/fibrin products has been shown to further improve the rate of haemostasis. There is also some evidence to suggest that adjuvant use of optimal acid suppression using high-dose proton pump inhibitors can reduce recurrent bleeding after initial endoscopic control. In treating acute variceal haemorrhage, early administration of vasoactive agents facilitates endoscopic treatment. These drugs should be continued during and after endoscopic therapy to prevent recurrent in-hospital bleeding. Firm evidence exists to date that band ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice in the acute control of bleeding varices and their secondary prophylaxis against recurrent bleeding. The role of band ligation as primary prophylaxis for first bleeding remains controversial. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are used as a rescue procedure when endoscopic treatment fails. In selected patients with recurrent variceal haemorrhage and good hepatic reserves, surgical shunts may be indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Lau
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories
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