Argon plasma coagulation prevents variceal recurrence after band ligation of esophageal varices: preliminary results of a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic variceal ligation is an established procedure for eradication of esophageal varices. However, varices frequently recur after endoscopic variceal ligation. Argon plasma coagulation has been used as supplemental treatment for eradication of varices and for prevention of variceal recurrence in small uncontrolled series. The aim of this study was to determine whether argon plasma coagulation is effective in reducing variceal recurrence after endoscopic variceal ligation. METHODS: Thirty patients with cirrhosis, a history of acute esophageal variceal bleeding, and eradication of varices by endoscopic variceal ligation were randomized to argon plasma coagulation (16 patients) or observation (14 patients). The 2 groups were similar with respect to all background variables including age, Child-Pugh score, presence of gastric varices, and degree of portal hypertensive gastropathy. In the argon plasma coagulation group, the entire esophageal mucosa 4 to 5 cm proximal to the esophagogastric junction was thermocoagulated circumferentially with argon plasma coagulation in 1 to 3 sessions performed at weekly intervals. Endoscopy was performed every 3 months to check for recurrence of varices in both groups. RESULTS: During the course of the study, no serious complication was noted. After argon plasma coagulation, transient fever occurred in 13 patients and 8 complained of dysphagia or retrosternal pain/discomfort. Mean follow-up for all patients was 16 months (range 9-28 months). No recurrence of varices or variceal hemorrhage was observed in the argon plasma coagulation group, whereas varices recurred in 42.8% (6/14) of the patients in the control group (p < 0.04) and bleeding recurred in 7.2% (1/14). CONCLUSIONS: Argon plasma coagulation of the distal esophageal mucosa after eradication of esophageal varices by endoscopic variceal ligation is safe and effective for reducing the rate of variceal recurrence.     

Hemodynamics of esophageal varices on three‐dimensional endoscopic ultrasonography and indication of endoscopic variceal ligation

Background: Esophageal varices are treated by endoscopic variceal ligation or sclerotherapy, but the indications for each procedure are not standardized. The present study was designed to determine the indication of endoscopic variceal ligation based on vascular pattern classified by 3‐dimensional endoscopic ultrasonography (3‐D‐EUS). Methods: The pattern of variceal blood flow detected on 3‐D images was classified into type 1 (cardial‐inflow without paraesophageal veins), type 2 (cardial‐inflow with paraesophageal veins), type 3 (azygos‐perforating pattern) and type 4 (complex pattern). 3‐D‐EUS was performed in 89 patients with esophageal varices. Subsequently, ligation was performed in 44 patients, while sclerotherapy with 5% ethanolamine oleate was applied in 45 patients in a prospective randomized trial. Clinical outcome was assessed. Results: Based on the 3‐D‐EUS data, 41 patients (46.1%) were classified as type 1, 12 (13.5%) as type 2, seven (7.9%) as type 3 and 29 patients (32.6%) as type 4. The cumulative recurrence‐free probability at 24 months after treatment was 28.9% for ligation versus 71.1% for sclerotherapy (P < 0.05) in type 1, while the respective probabilities were 72.9% versus 50.0% (NS) for type 2 varices, 100% versus 100% (NS) for type 3 varices and 61.9% versus 64.8% (NS) for type 4 varices. Conclusions: Classification of the vascular pattern of esophageal varices by 3‐D‐EUS enabled us to clarify the criteria for selection of endoscopic procedure. Ligation is indicated for patients who have collaterals, such as paraesophageal veins running parallel to the varices, as the blood flow can be diverted to these blood vessels and controlled by localized ligation.     

Comparison of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy with sequential endoscopic band ligation plus low-dose sclerotherapy for secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy and band ligation both have certain limitations such as, respectively, esophageal complications and early recurrence of varices. METHODS: From February 1994 to March 1996, all consecutive patients with portal hypertension due to either cirrhosis or noncirrhotic portal fibrosis and a history of variceal bleeding were included in a prospective study and randomly assigned to receive either endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy alone or endoscopic variceal band ligation plus low-dose endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy. RESULTS: Of 69 patients, 34 were randomly assigned to receive endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy alone; 35 received endoscopic variceal band ligation plus endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy. Complete variceal eradication rates (85% vs. 80%) and the number of endoscopic sessions required for eradication (6.61 +/- 2.94 vs. 7.85 +/- 3.31) were similar in the endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal band ligation plus endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy groups, respectively. The mean volume of sclerosant required in the combined group (54.94 +/- 33.74 mL) was significantly less than that in the endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy group (81.91 +/- 34.80 mL). The complication and recurrent bleeding rates were significantly higher in the endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy group than those in the combined group (20% and 16% vs. 3% and 3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal band ligation plus endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy were comparable in eradicating varices but the combined technique was associated with significantly lower complication and recurrent bleeding rates.     

Evaluation of endoscopic variceal ligation in prophylactic therapy for bleeding of oesophageal varices: a prospective, controlled trial compared with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in prophylactic therapy for oesophageal varices, we performed a randomized prospective trial to compare the recurrence of oesophageal varices treated by EVL with those treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. METHODS: Fifty patients with liver cirrhosis were divided into two groups at random, after informed consents were obtained, to receive prophylactic therapy for bleeding of oesophageal varices. Group 1 patients underwent sessions of sclerotherapy with 5% ethanolamine oleate used as the sclerosant. Group 2 patients underwent EVL followed by one or two sessions of sclerotherapy. RESULTS: During the 18 month follow-up period, both the recurrence rate in group 2 (56%) and the incidence of bleeding (20%) were significantly higher compared with group 1 (recurrence rate 16%, bleeding 0%). CONCLUSIONS: This result indicates that EVL is not effective for prophylactic therapy for oesophageal varices in liver cirrhosis.     

Use of the Six-Shooter Ligation Device in the Management of Bleeding Esophageal Varices: A Developing-Country Experience

Endoscopic variceal ligation has emerged as a superior alternative to endoscopic injection sclerotherapy, however, the single-shot mechanism of the generally used Stiegman–Goff ligator made the procedure tedious and time-consuming and required overtube placement, associated with discomfort and potentially life-threatening complications. In this study we describe our experience with the Saeed Six-Shooter (multiple-ligation device). Fifty consecutive patients with variceal bleeding were prospectively studied. After initial endoscopic ligation, subsequent sessions were every 2 weeks. Study outcomes were: the ability to control active bleeding, the frequencies of rebleeding, the number of treatment sessions and time required for irradication, the percentage eradication of varices, complications, and mortality. Active bleeding was controlled in all eight (100%) patients. Four (8%) patients rebled, three from esophageal varices, and one from portal hypertensive gastropathy. Esophageal varices were eradicated in 47 (94%) patients (3.1 ± 1.3 sessions). Time needed till eradication was 6.2 ± 1.9 weeks. Chest pain was reported in two (4%), low, grade pyrexia in two (4%), and pneumonia in one (2%) patient. There were three deaths, none due to exsanguination. The Six-Shooter is a safe and efficient device for the endoscopic ligation of esophageal varices which has overcome the limitations of the single-shot ligator: (1) Visualization is better (the endoscopic tunnel vision and internal light reflection from the stainless-steel banding cylinder of the single-shot device are avoided); and (2) the use of an overtube is no longer necessary and serious complications can be avoided.     

Variceal band ligation and variceal band ligation plus sclerotherapy in the prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients: a randomized, prospective and controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The combination treatment of band ligation plus sclerotherapy has been proposed to hasten variceal eradication. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of band ligation alone versus band ligation plus sclerotherapy in the prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding. METHODS: Eighty cirrhotic patients were randomized to group I (band ligation) with 41 patients or to group II (band ligation plus sclerotherapy) with 39 patients in whom polidocanol (2%) was injected 1 to 2 cm proximal to each band. RESULTS: At baseline, both groups were similar with regard to clinical, demographic and laboratory data. Mean follow-up time (standard error) for group I was 336.5 +/- 43.4 days and for group II 386.1 +/- 40.1 days (p = 0.4). No statistical differences were observed between group I and group II in relation to recurrence of bleeding (31.7% vs. 23%, p = 0.38), treatment failure (24.4% vs. 12. 8%, p = 0.18), death (39% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.44) and variceal eradication (65.8% vs. 74.4%, p = 0.40). Group II had a significantly higher number of complications than group I, 30.8% versus 7.3%, respectively (p = 0.05). The number of bleeding related deaths was higher in group I than in group II (22% vs. 10.3%, respectively; p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was observed between band ligation and band ligation plus sclerotherapy in prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding. Furthermore, there was a higher incidence of complications in the latter group.     

Therapeutic results of endoscopic variceal ligation for acute bleeding of oesophageal and gastric varices

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) using 'O' rings is widely accepted as a treatment of oesophageal varices that is at least as effective as endoscopic injection sclerotherapy but which produces fewer complications. Endoscopic variceal ligation using detachable snares has attracted attention as a safe and easy method of endoscopic treatment for gastric varices. Nineteen patients with acute bleeding from oesophageal or gastric varices were treated in the present study. Of these, 14 patients were treated with EVL using 'O' rings and five patients were treated with EVL using detachable snares and the treatment results were evaluated. Haemostasis was achieved in all patients. No serious complications of the procedures were observed. However, recurrences and rebleeding were observed in some patients during the maximum follow-up period of 24 months. Endoscopic variceal ligation using 'O' rings and detachable snares is useful for achieving haemostasis in cases of acute bleeding from oesophageal or gastric varices. However, additional endoscopic sclerotherapy may be needed to eliminate the variceal feeding vessels to further improve the long-term prognosis of these patients.     

Endoscopic variceal ligation is a sufficient procedure for the treatment of oesophageal varices in patients with hepatitis C liver cirrhosis: comparison with injection sclerotherapy

AIMS: Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a recently developed alternative to endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for the treatment of oesophageal varices. Endoscopic variceal ligation and EIS were compared in an attempt to clarify the efficacy and safety of EVL for patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C. METHODS: Endoscopic variceal ligation was performed in 60 patients and EIS in 30. Varices were eradicated in all patients by EVL and 87% (26 out of 30) by EIS. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between EVL and EIS in relation to the incidence of bleeding and the 5 year survival rate after treatment. There were no severe complications except mild substernal pain after EVL, while pulmonary embolism occurred in one patient receiving EIS. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic variceal ligation is a safe and effective technique for eradicating oesophageal varices in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis.     

Current endoscopic therapy of variceal bleeding

Variceal ligation has proved more effective and safer than sclerotherapy and is currently the endoscopic treatment of choice for oesophageal varices. In acute bleeding, vasoactive drugs should be started before endoscopy and maintained for 2-5 days. The efficacy of drugs is improved when associated with emergency endoscopic therapy. Antibiotic prophylaxis should also be used. To prevent rebleeding, both endoscopic ligation and the combination of beta-blockers and nitrates may be used. Adding beta-blockers improves the efficacy of ligation. Haemodynamic responders to beta-blockers+/-nitrates (those with a decrease in portal pressure gradient HVPG to <12 mmHg or by >20% of baseline) have a marked reduction in the risk of haemorrhage and will not need further treatment. Beta-blockers significantly reduce the risk of a first haemorrhage in patients with large varices, and they improve survival. As compared to beta-blockers, endoscopic ligation reduces the risk of first bleeding without affecting mortality, and should be used in patients with contraindications or intolerance to beta-blockers.     

Effect of intravariceal sclerotherapy combined with esophageal mucosal sclerotherapy using small-volume sclerosant for cirrhotic patients with high variceal pressure

AIM: To explore the effect of intravariceal-mucosal sclerotherapy using small dose of sclerosant on the recurrence of esophageal varices.METHODS: We randomly assigned 38 cirrhotic patients with previous variceal bleeding and high variceal pressure (> 15.2 mmHg) to receive endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and combined intravariceal and esophageal mucosal sclerotherapy (combined group) using small-volume sclerosant. The end-points of the study were rebleeding and recurrence of esophageal varices.RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 16 mo, varices recurred in 1 patient in the combined group as compared with 7 patients in the EVL group (P = 0.045). Rebleeding occurred in 3 patients in the EVL group as compared with 1 patient in the combined group (P = 0.687). No patient died in the two groups. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to serious adverse events.CONCLUSION: Intravariceal-mucosal sclerotherapy using small dose of sclerosant is more effective than EVL in decreasing the incidence of variceal recurrence for cirrhotic patients.     

Endoscopic ligation vs. sclerotherapy in adults with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, although it has a substantial complication rate. A prospective randomized trial was conducted to determine whether endoscopic variceal ligation is safer and more effective than sclerotherapy in adults with bleeding esophageal varices because of extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. METHODS: Thirty-six patients underwent sclerotherapy and 37 had band ligation. RESULTS: Ligation and sclerotherapy were equally effective for achieving variceal eradication (94.6% vs. 91.7%, respectively; p=0.67). However, ligation achieved eradication with fewer endoscopic sessions (3.7 [1.2] vs. 7.7 [3.3]; p <0.0001) and within a shorter time interval (50.1 [17.7] days vs. 99 [54.8] days; p <0.0001). In the ligation group, recurrent bleeding was less frequent (2.7% vs. 19.4%; p=0.028; however, Bonferroni correction for multiple testing removes this significance) and the rate of major complications was lower (2.7% vs. 22.2%; p=0.014). Total cost per patient was significantly higher in the sclerotherapy vs. the ligation group ($216.6 [71.8] vs. $182.6 [63.4]; p=0.035). During the follow-up period after variceal eradication, no significant differences were found between the sclerotherapy and the ligation groups with respect to recurrent bleeding (3% vs. 2.9%; p=1.0), esophageal variceal recurrence (9.1% vs. 11.4%; p=1.0), and formation of new gastric varices (9.1% vs. 14.3%; p=0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Variceal band ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, because it is less costly and achieves variceal eradication more quickly, with lower relative frequencies of recurrent variceal bleeding and complications.     

Endoscopic Variceal Ligation of Bleeding Rectal Varices: A Case Report

The incidence of ectopic varices in the rectum is likely to increase with improvements in the treatment and survival of patients with portal hypertension. If a patient with portal hypertension suffers massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, it is important to perform a detailed endoscopic examination, as there is a possibility of rectal varices. Although a standard therapy for rectal varices has not been established, we encountered a case of rectal varices that was successfully treated with endoscopic variceal ligation alone. Endoscopic variceal ligation is minimally invasive, safe, effective, simple and reliable. Endoscopic variceal ligation is promising as a possible first line of therapy for rectal varices.     

Effects of Esophageal Varice Eradication on Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy and Fundal Varices: A Retrospective and Comparative Study

Esophageal varice eradication results in gastric hemodynamic changes. The aim of this study was to detect the influence of variceal eradication on portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and fundal varices and to compare the results of two therapeutic methods (endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic sclerotherapy). A total of 114 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who underwent elective endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) (85 patients) or endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) (29 patients) for obliteration of esophageal varices were selected for this study. Both groups were compared for PHG and fundal varice formation before and after eradication. Fifty-eight (68.2%) patients in the EVL and 18 (62.1%) patients in the EST group had PHG before esophageal varice eradication (P > 0.05). PHG grade after eradication of esophageal varices by both EVL and EST was significantly higher compared to pre-eradication. PHG grade and aggregation were similar in both groups. Thirty-seven patients (34 F₁, 3 F₂) in the EVL group and 13 patients (10 F₁, 3 F₂) in the EST group had fundal varices before variceal eradication (P > 0.05). Fundal varices were detected in 46 (35 F₁, 11F₂) and 19 (11F₁, 8F₂) patients in the EVL and EST groups after eradication, respectively. There was a statistically significant increment in occurrence of fundal varices after eradication with EVL and EST groups. There was no significant difference regarding fundal varice development after esophageal variceal eradication in both groups. After varical eradication, PHG was found in 57 (87.7%) and 39 (79.6%) patients with and without fundal varices, respectively (P > 0.05). Esophageal eradication with EVL and EST increases both the incidence and the severity of PHG and fundal varice formation. Both methods have comparable influences on PHG and fundal varices.     

Clinical trial of prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation for esophageal varices

Endoscopic variceal ligation is an effective therapy for variceal bleeding, and use of the method has recently been increasing. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation. Twenty-two patients with enlarged, tortuous varices and red color signs were selected. These patients were treated with ligation therapy alone and the varices were eradicated, i.e., reduced to small, straight varices without red color signs. Ligation therapy was withdrawn if the general condition of the patient worsened or if the varices could not be removed by suction. Follow-up endoscopy was performed every 4 months, and another ligation was performed if there were recurrent varices or variceal bleeding. The total reduction rate was 86.4%, and eradication required two sessions of therapy and 30 days of hospitalization on average. Complications included esophageal injury in 1 patient and treatment-induced bleeding in 1 patient; both complications were easily controlled. No variceal bleeding occurred after the eradication. There was no mortality due to gastrointestinal bleeding during the median follow-up period of 346 days. Prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation made it possible to prevent fatal variceal bleeding with a minimum risk of complications, suggesting that this could be an alternative method for the prevention of first-time variceal bleeding.     

Two Cases of Rectal Varices Treated by Endoscopic Variceal Ligation

Abstract: Case 1 was a 49-year-old asymptomatic, woman with enlarged esophageal varices due to cirrhosis of the liver. Fourteen days after the last session of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for esophageal varices, colonoscopy revealed large tortuous rectal varices extending 4 cm from the dentate line. Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) was performed for rectal varices, and bands were placed on the varices at seven sites. There were no complications. Seven days after EVL, colonoscopy revealed ulcers in the rectum, and shrinkage of varices. Case 2 was a 62-year-old woman with general fatigue due to cirrhosis of the liver. At 50 years of age, she underwent a transection of the esophagus to remove varices, and splenectomy. At 57 years of age, EIS was per formed for recurrent esophageal varices. Colonoscopy was performed because of anal bleeding, and revealed tortuous rectal varices extending 5 cm from the dentate line. EVL was then performed, and bands were placed on the varices at eight sites, with no complications. Seven days after EVL, colonoscopy indicated ulcers in the rectum and shrinkage of the varices. EVL appears to be a safe and effective therapy for rectal varices. (Dig Endosc 1999; 11: 66–69)     

内镜套扎术急症止血治疗肝硬化食管静脉曲张破裂出血的疗效观察

目的探讨食管静脉曲张破裂出血的内镜套扎术急诊止血的疗效及安全性。方法对52例乙型肝炎肝硬化食管静脉曲张破裂出血患者实施内镜下急诊套扎止血术,观察术中、术后并发症,并于术后1月复查胃镜观察食管曲张静脉消失情况。结果51例（98％）患者急诊止血成功,1例（2％）止血失败,表现为术后6天内反复便血,转外科手术治疗;术后1月复查胃镜见21例（41．2％）静脉曲张消失或基本消失,28例（54．9％）中上段食管静脉曲张基本消失,2例（3．9％）存在显著的静脉曲张。术后常见并发症有咽下不适、胸骨后隐痛、低至中度发热,发生率为15．9％,未发生严重的并发症。结论急诊套扎术治疗食管静脉曲张破裂出血疗效可靠、安全性高。     

A Device for Simultaneous Application of Sclerotherapy and Endoscopic Ligation for Management of Esophageal Varices

A device developed for simultaneous application of sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation to treat esophageal varices is described. This device took less than 14 sec to attach to the endoscope, compared to 71 sec using the conventional device. The success rate of intravariceal injection using a 3-cm or 4-cm long hemostatic balloon or a conventional balloon was not significantly different. This device had the added advantage that simultaneous sclerotherapy and ligation were possible without changing the endoscope.     

Continuous Endoscopic Variceal Ligation with a Three-shooter

Endoscopic variceal ligation with an elastic O band has been performed in the treatment of esophageal varices. Generally, after ligating the varix during the treatment the endoscope is removed and the O band is changed each time until the desired result is achieved. However, it is thought that a shorter time to change the O band would make endoscopic variceal ligation more convenient. Therefore, we designed continuous endoscopic variceal ligation with three elastic O bands. To release three bands continuously, a self recoiling spring is attached at the endoscopic side between the inner and outer cylinders. After releasing one band by pulling the wire, the inner cylinder is returned to its original position by recoiling the spring and the next O band is automatically set up. Continuous endoscopic variceal ligation was performed for one case of esophageal varices due to hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis. This technique enabled the ligation of three varices concomitantly, thus eliminating the necessity of repeated extraction and insertion of the endoscope every time the varix was ligated. The operation time was considerably shortened. The case reported did not develop any complications. Hence, it was thought that our technique of a three-shooter is easier to perform and more convenient for the patient.     

Endoscopic ligation compared with sclerotherapy for bleeding esophageal varices in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction

Endoscopic sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, but it is associated with significant complications. Endoscopic ligation, a new form of endoscopic treatment for bleeding varices, has been shown to be superior to sclerotherapy in adult patients with cirrhosis. To determine the efficacy and safety of endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation, the 2 methods were compared in a randomized control trial in 49 children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction who had proven bleeding from esophageal varices. Twenty-four patients were treated with sclerotherapy and 25 with band ligation. No significant differences were found between the sclerotherapy and ligation groups in arresting active index bleeding (100% each) and achieving variceal eradication (91.7% vs. 96%, P =.61). Band ligation eradicated varices in fewer endoscopic sessions than did sclerotherapy (3.9 +/- 1.1 vs. 6.1 +/- 1.7, respectively, P <.0001). The rebleeding rate was significantly higher in the sclerotherapy group (25% vs. 4%, P =.049), as was the rate of major complications (25% vs. 4%, P =.049). After eradication, esophageal variceal recurrence was not significantly different in patients treated by ligation than by sclerotherapy (17.4% vs. 10%, P =.67). In conclusion, variceal band ligation in children is a safe and effective technique that achieves variceal eradication more quickly, with a lower rebleeding rate and fewer complications compared with sclerotherapy.     

Recurrence of esophageal varices following endoscopic treatment and its impact on rebleeding: comparison of sclerotherapy and ligation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic variceal ligation is superior to sclerotherapy because of its lower rebleeding and complication rates. However, ligation is not without drawbacks due to a higher tendency to variceal recurrence. We conducted a randomized cohort study to delineate the long-term history of variceal recurrence following ligation and sclerotherapy, and to clarify the impact of recurrence on rebleeding and on the consumption of endoscopic treatment resources. METHODS: Two hundred cirrhotic patients with esophageal variceal bleeding were randomized to undergo maintenance endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy or ligation. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-one patients achieved variceal eradication and were regularly followed up for 2.2 to 6.7 (mean: 5.1 +/- 1.2) years. The demographic data, hepatic reserve, bleeding severity, and endoscopic features of both sclerotherapy (n=70) and ligation (n=71) showed no difference. Forty (57.1%) patients who underwent sclerotherapy experienced 58 recurrences of esophageal varices, in contrast to the 46 (64.8%) patients who underwent ligation and experienced 81 episodes of recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that within 2 years variceal recurrence was more frequent for ligation than sclerotherapy, and the difference decreased thereafter. Multiple recurrence appeared more common with ligation (1/2/3/4/5 episodes of recurrence: 46/23/8/3/1 vs. 40/14/3/1/0, p=0.08). On multifactorial analysis, the endoscopic treatment method and red wale markings were the two factors determining variceal recurrence. Rebleeding from recurrent esophageal varices was unusual and showed no difference between the two groups (7/58 vs. 6/81, p>0.05). Rebleeding from gastric varices was more common after eradication by sclerotherapy (7/19 vs. 1/16, p=0.085) than by ligation. The number of sessions required for eradication of recurrent varices was no different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early recurrence and multiple recurrence of esophageal varices are more likely in patients undergoing endoscopic ligation, compared to sclerotherapy; however, the recurrence did not lead to a higher risk of rebleeding or require more endoscopic treatment.