2026 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 18-24
In Japan, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) is the first-line prophylactic treatment for high-risk esophagogastric varices. However, EIS is technically demanding, largely due to challenges in maintaining a clear visual field during the procedure. We hypothesized that gel immersion endoscopy, a novel technique for improving visualization during therapeutic endoscopy, might enhance the success of EIS. In this retrospective study, 59 patients who underwent EIS were divided into two groups based on gel use, and the intravascular injection success rate and volume of sclerosant injected was compared. The gel group showed significantly higher injection success and greater sclerosant delivery. Furthermore, the injection success rates in the gel group remained high even in follow-up sessions, where varices typically become smaller and harder to puncture. These findings indicate that gel use during EIS enables better visualization and helps stabilize low intraluminal pressure, thereby contributing to improved procedural outcomes.
