Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  1999 Apr;19(2):171-177.

The Effect of Initial Ligation Numbers on the Eradication of Esophageal Varix with Endoscopic Variceal Ligation

• Kim KM
• Lee SW
• Hyun JH

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Eradication of esophagogastric varix is the most important goal of endoscopic variceal treatment. However, the effect of initial ligation numbers with endo-scopic variceal ligation has not been widely studied. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of initial ligation numbers on the eradication of esophageal varix.
METHODS
The mean number of sessions to variceal eradication was compared according to initial ligation numbers, and varix grade by the North Italian Endoscopy Club, and the Child-Pugh class in 212 patients. Initial ligation numbers were divided into three groups; more than 11, 6 ~10, and fewer than 5.
RESULTS
Except with grade I, esophageal varix was eradicated earlier in the two groups of more than 6 ligations (p <0.01). The mean number of sessions in the group of more than 11 ligations was significantly different from that of the group of 6 ~10 ligations in grade II patients (p <0.05). The mean number of sessions was not significantly different when compared by the Child-Pugh class.
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that patients with more initial ligation numbers may result in earlier eradication of esophageal varix with endoscopic ligation.

Keyword

Endoscopic esophageal varix ligation; Initial ligation numbers; Early eradi-cation

MeSH Terms

Endoscopy
Esophageal and Gastric Varices*
Humans
Ligation*
Retrospective Studies
Varicose Veins