COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ENDOSCOPIC BAND LIGATION OF ESOPHAGEAL VARICES AND MEDICAL TREATMENT

Abstract

Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and is the leading cause of death in affected patients.

This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic variceal band ligation versus medical treatment by Beta-blockers for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with high risk varices.

Variceal eradication was achieved in EVL in 18 patients (90%) variceal bleeding occurred in 5 patients (25%) in the B­ blocker group and in one patient (5%) in the EVL group.

Complications were significantly increased in B-blocker group. Mortality occurred in 4 patients in (20%) in the B­ blocker group and in one patient (5%) in the ligation group.