Xuefeng Luo1,2, Huaiyuan Ma2, Jiaze Yu2, Ying Zhao1, Xiaoze Wang2, Li Yang3. 1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China. 2. Center of Interventional Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. 3. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China. yangli_hx@scu.edu.cn.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is a widely-accepted treatment for gastric varices (GVs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BRTO with lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2014 and June 2015, 32 patients were treated with lauromacrogol foam. Lauromacrogol foam was made using a combination of agents, with a 2:1:1 ratio of room air: lauromacrogol: contrast media. Patients were followed up using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 31 of 32 patients (96.9%). Portal vein thrombosis occurred in two patients and resolved spontaneously. No other major complications were observed. The overall mean dose of lauromacrogol used was 12.4 mL (range, 8-20 mL). Complete obliteration of GVs was confirmed in all 31 patients (100%) on follow-up CT. Seven of the 31 patients (22.6%) experienced worsening of esophageal varices. Rupture of esophageal varices occurred in three patients and was treated successfully with band ligation. Five patients (16.1%) experienced worsening of ascites and responded well to diuretic therapy. CONCLUSION: BRTO utilizing lauromacrogol foam appears to be a safe and useful treatment option in patients with GVs in the short term.
PURPOSE: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is a widely-accepted treatment for gastric varices (GVs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BRTO with lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2014 and June 2015, 32 patients were treated with lauromacrogol foam. Lauromacrogol foam was made using a combination of agents, with a 2:1:1 ratio of room air: lauromacrogol: contrast media. Patients were followed up using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 31 of 32 patients (96.9%). Portal vein thrombosis occurred in two patients and resolved spontaneously. No other major complications were observed. The overall mean dose of lauromacrogol used was 12.4 mL (range, 8-20 mL). Complete obliteration of GVs was confirmed in all 31 patients (100%) on follow-up CT. Seven of the 31 patients (22.6%) experienced worsening of esophageal varices. Rupture of esophageal varices occurred in three patients and was treated successfully with band ligation. Five patients (16.1%) experienced worsening of ascites and responded well to diuretic therapy. CONCLUSION: BRTO utilizing lauromacrogol foam appears to be a safe and useful treatment option in patients with GVs in the short term.