Abstract
Endoscopic therapies in 15 patients with esophageal varices due to biliary atresia (10 cases, 22 times), extrahepatic portal hypertension (3 cases, 17 times), Alagille syndrome (1 case, 2 times) and Wilson's disease (1 case, 2 times) are reviewed. Twenty-one endoscopic injection sclerotherapies (EIS) were performed using 1% Aethoxysklerol (AS). Fifteen endoscopic variceal ligations (EVL) were performed using a flexible fiberscope and a Stiegmann-Goff endoscopic ligator. A combination of EIS and EVL was performed six times. Emergency endoscopic therapies were needed in 2 cases of biliary atresia (2 times) and 3 cases of extrahepatic portal hypertension (6 times). In 1993, we changed our treatment strategy from EIS to EVL for children. The recent availability of living related liver transplantation has added another treatment option for biliary atresia. Cases of extrahepatic portal hypertension required endoscopic therapies more frequently than cases of biliary atresia. Due to the increased number of adult patients, cooperation and collaboration are essential between endoscopists with experience in adults and pediatric surgeons.
