RESUMO
AIM: To demonstrate the efficacy of endoscopic ligation in treatment and prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 338 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent ligation for the period 2009 - May 2016. There were 209 (61.8%) men and 129 (38.2%) women. In this group 511 ligations were performed. The total number of ligated nodes was 4086. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Ligation was effective in 502 (98.2%) cases. In 9 (1.8%) cases endoscopic ligation was ineffective and Blackmore tube was required. The main cause of failed procedure was pre- or intraoperative active bleeding from esophageal varices. Complications in this group can be considered 3 cases of bleeding during ligation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ligation is highly effective (from an economic and medical points of view) treatment and prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis.
