BACKGROUND: Randomised trials have shown that banding ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, requiring fewer treatment sessions to achieve variceal eradication, and giving lower rebleeding and complication rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 1997 through December 1999, we have treated 22 patients with bleeding oesophageal varices with endoscopic banding ligation to obliterate the varices and prevent recurrent bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 72 banding procedures have been performed using rubber bands. The varices have been obliterated in 14 patients requiring a median of 3.5 (range 2-8) procedures, which is in good agreement with other published data. Twelve of these patients have been observed for a median of six (range 1-19) months without signs of recurrent bleeding. One patient had a bleeding four months after the last ligation procedure; the varices were obliterated six weeks before. One patient had a recurrent bleeding between the first and second banding procedure. One patient bled from an oesophageal ulcer caused by a rubber band two weeks after the procedure. Otherwise no serious complications occurred. INTERPRETATION: On the basis of our own experiences and published studies, we propose that endoscopic banding ligation should be the method of choice for elective treatment of bleeding varices.
BACKGROUND: Randomised trials have shown that banding ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, requiring fewer treatment sessions to achieve variceal eradication, and giving lower rebleeding and complication rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 1997 through December 1999, we have treated 22 patients with bleeding oesophageal varices with endoscopic banding ligation to obliterate the varices and prevent recurrent bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 72 banding procedures have been performed using rubber bands. The varices have been obliterated in 14 patients requiring a median of 3.5 (range 2-8) procedures, which is in good agreement with other published data. Twelve of these patients have been observed for a median of six (range 1-19) months without signs of recurrent bleeding. One patient had a bleeding four months after the last ligation procedure; the varices were obliterated six weeks before. One patient had a recurrent bleeding between the first and second banding procedure. One patient bled from an oesophageal ulcer caused by a rubber band two weeks after the procedure. Otherwise no serious complications occurred. INTERPRETATION: On the basis of our own experiences and published studies, we propose that endoscopic banding ligation should be the method of choice for elective treatment of bleeding varices.