Is esophageal band ligation superior to injection sclerotherapy of varices

ABSTRACT

Although endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is widely used to treat bleeding oesophageal varices effectively, it has several complications. Endoscopic band ligation of the varices claimed to be more safe and effective. The aim in this study was to assess that effcacy and safty of EVL [endoscopic variceal ligation] and compare the results withthoes of EIS [endoscopic injection sclerotherapy]. Compared 42 patients in EVL group to 43 patients in EIS group with follow up more than 6 months, active bleeding which was present in 0.5% in EVL group was successfully controlled in 88.2% compared to 78.9% controll in EIS groupwhere the active bleeding was 44.2%. Also the incidence of re-bleeding, oblitration of the varices and complications were statistically non-significant. We concluded that both techniques were effective without big advantage of one over the other, but everyone has preferable situations. Combination of both techniques may be better than either one alone