Abstract
We performed eradicative endoscopic variceal ligation (eEVL) treatment for 38 patients with esophageal varices. An average of 38 O-rings were used not only for the eradication of esophageal varices but also for the devascularization of esophageal mucosa to improve the consolidation of therapeutic effects. After treatment, F factor became F0, RC sign became negative, and blood flow decreased not only at the site of esophageal varices but also in their feeding vessels. The cumulative rate of non-recurrence in the observation period of 3 years and 1 month was 72.9% overall. That of Child A patients, Child B patients and Child C patients was 92.3% (longest observation period of 3 years and 1 month), 75% (2 years and 8 months) and 26.9% (2 years and 5 months), respectively. The difference between Child A and C was significant. Non-recurrence rate in patients whose cord vessels were imaged in post-treatment PTP was significantly lower than that in patients without cord vessel images. Cumulative non-bleeding rate was 97.1% during a period of 4 years in all patients. These results suggest that eEVL is a valuable alternative to endoscopic injection sclerotherapy.
