Effect of esophageal variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) on lung function. A prospective controlled study.

A prospective, controlled study to determine the short- and long-term effects of esophageal variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) on lung function was carried out on 11 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage. Eleven patients with chronic liver disease undergoing diagnostic endoscopy served as controls. There was no difference in lung function tests and gas exchange in both the EVS or control groups after either procedure. No change in these parameters was noted during follow-up on continued sclerotherapy in the EVS group. Ventilation-perfusion scans and chest roentgenograms, performed before and after EVS, demonstrated no significant change. We conclude that in patients with stable liver disease and without hepatic failure, EVS does not result in serious short- and long-term impairment of lung function.