Oesophageal varices: evaluation of injection sclerotherapy without general anesthesia using the flexible fibreoptic gastroscope.

A technique of injecting oesophageal varices through a flexible fibreoptic gastroscopic is described and its value in controlling haemorrhage and eradicating varices in 34 patients is considered prospectively. Twenty-five per cent of the patients re-bled during the first emergency admission after injections, but control was achieved in all. Subsequent re-bleeding occurred in 46% and varices were ultimately eradicated in 59%. It ic concluded that the procedure is associated with fewer serious complications compared with rigid oesophagoscopic techniques and may be as effective.