Long-term follow-up of patients with liver cirrhosis after endoscopic ethanol injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Esophageal variceal hemorrhage is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, and therapy for acute bleeding and prevention of hemorrhage are important. In this study, we evaluated the long-term cumulative survival rate of patients with esophageal varices after treatment with endoscopic ethanol injection sclerotherapy (EIS group) or pharmacological therapy (non-EIS group). METHODOLOGY: All 110 patients were treated for their esophageal varices and their prognosis and complications were analyzed during the follow-up period. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rate in the primary preventive EIS group was superior to that in the non-EIS group. The preventive EIS group had greater long-term survival rate than those treated on an emergency group. With respect to emergency therapy, the EIS group had better survival rates than the non-EIS group during the two-year follow-up period after esophageal variceal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that primary preventive EIS is an effective therapy for survival of patients with esophageal varices over a long-term period.     

内镜下套扎和组织胶注射分别治疗食管和胃底静脉曲张患者的临床观察

目的 探讨内镜下套扎和组织胶注射治疗食管胃底静脉曲张的疗效和价值.方法 予184例重度食管静脉曲张患者内镜下套扎治疗,其中32例伴胃底静脉曲张者还进行内镜下组织胶注射治疗.随访6个月并观察内镜下套扎和组织胶注射治疗的疗效和并发症.结果 内镜下套扎治疗重度食管静脉曲张的有效率为71.74％(132/184),急诊止血率为95.00％(57/60),并发症(食管套扎部位瘢痕狭窄需行扩张治疗)发生率为2.17％(4/184).内镜下组织胶注射治疗胃底静脉曲张的有效率为100％(32/32),并发症(注射部位难治性溃疡7例,其中难治性溃疡并出血2例)发生率为21.88％(7/32).均无穿孔、重度感染并发症发生.结论 内镜下套扎和组织胶注射治疗食管和胃底静脉曲张疗效良好.     

Esophageal variceal ligation for acute variceal bleeding: results of three years' follow-up.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic variceal ligation is widely accepted as the optimum endoscopic treatment for esophageal variceal hemorrhage. However, the rebleeding course and long-term outcome of patients with esophageal variceal hemorrhage after ligation have been poorly defined. Therefore, we conducted a long-term follow-up study to delineate the outcome of ligation. METHODS: Twenty-one liver cirrhotic patients with endoscopically proven esophageal variceal hemorrhage were treated by endoscopic variceal ligation. These patients received regular follow-up and detailed clinical assessment of at least 24 months. RESULTS: Twenty-one eligible patients were followed up for a mean of 44.45 months (range 33.5-64 months). The mean number of sessions required to obtain eradication was 3.57+/-1.99 (range 1-8). Esophageal varices could be obliterated within 11.57+/-6.8 weeks (range 3-30). The percentage of variceal recurrence during follow-up was 57.14% (12/21) after endoscopic variceal ligation. Recurrence were observed in a mean of 34 months (median 29 months). Rebleeding from esophageal varices appeared in four patients (19.04%). The appearance rates of portal hypertensive gastropathy and fundal gastric varices after varice obliteration were found to be 45.45% (5/11) and 25% (3/12), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of long-term follow-up of endoscopic variceal ligation, although the percentage of variceal recurrence was high, endoscopic ligation achieved variceal obliteration faster and in fewer treatment sessions. Furthermore, endoscopic variceal ligation had a lower rate of rebleeding and of development of fundal gastric varices, but high portal hypertensive gastropathy.     

Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation versus endoscopic injection sclerotherapy alone in the management of esophageal varices: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation is a technique by which endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is first carried out for a target esophageal varix using an endoscope equipped with a device for endoscopic variceal ligation, and subsequently, endoscopic variceal ligation is performed for the varix together with the injection site of the sclerosing agent. The aim of this prospective, randomized trial was to compare endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy techniques in utility for patients with esophageal varices. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four patients with esophageal varices who were to undergo either an elective treatment of bleeding esophageal varices or a prophylactic treatment of non-bleeding esophageal varices underwent endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation (n = 12) or without ligation (n = 12). The patients were followed for a mean of 19.9 +/- 8.1 months in the endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation (EISL) group and 19.5 +/- 5.4 months in the Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) group. RESULTS: The red color sign disappeared in 10 patients in the EISL group and 3 in the EIS group (P = 0.004) after initial treatment. The length of time required for initial treatment was 16.3 +/- 4.7 min for the EISL group and 27.2 +/- 6.2 min for the EIS group (P = 0.0003). For treatment-related complications, no significant difference was noted between the 2 groups and no serious complication were noted in the 2 groups. The total quantity of ethanolamine oleate used to attain the endpoint was 17.3 +/- 7.9 mL for the EISL group and 25.2 +/- 9.7 mL for the EIS group (P < 0.05). The cumulative non-relapse rate for 2 years following attainment of the endpoint [F1, RC(-)] was 81.5% for the EISL group and 47.5% for the EIS group, producing no significant difference between the 2 groups. The cumulative non-bleeding and survival rates were 100% in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation is more useful for esophageal varices than endoscopic injection sclerotherapy alone.     

Pharmacological therapy for the treatment of esophageal varices

Portal hypertension is a common complication of hepatic cirrhosis, and is responsible for much of the mortality and morbidity associated with advanced liver disease. Esophageal varices are a common occurrence, and esophageal variceal hemorrhage carries a high mortality. Endoscopic therapies have proven effective in treating active bleeding and preventing recurrence, but several pharmacological agents are useful adjuncts to endoscopy in both acute bleeding and in the primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage. In acute hemorrhage, vasoconstricting agents such as vasopressin, terlipressin, somatostatin, and octreotide have been demonstrated to add benefit to endoscopic therapy. Secondary prophylaxis includes endoscopic therapy to eradicate varices, usually combined with oral beta-blockers. Primary prophylaxis is typically used in patients with medium or large varices, and consists of oral beta-blockers, at times combined with oral nitrates. This paper the reviews the pharmacological principles behind these therapies, and the clinical trial data that has led to their widespread use.     

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.     

Endoscopic therapy for bleeding esophageal varices improves the outcome of Child C cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bleeding from esophageal varices is one of the frequent severe complications arising in patients with liver cirrhosis. The management of esophageal varices is therefore important for patient survival. The purpose of this study was to clarify the predictive factors for mortality in patients with Child C cirrhosis presenting with variceal bleeding. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 77 Child C cirrhotic patients with bleeding from esophageal varices was conducted. All patients received endoscopic therapy. Twenty-nine patients received endoscopic variceal ligation, and 48 patients received endoscopic injection sclerotherapy or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation. Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical data were performed to identify the prognostic factors for survival for these 77 patients. RESULTS: Fifty-seven of 77 patients received endoscopic therapy within 24 h after variceal bleeding, and bleeding was controlled in 55 (96.5%). The remaining 20 patients received endoscopic therapy more than 24 h after bleeding. Higher bilirubin level and rebleeding were the predictive parameters for 6-week survival in the 77 patients, according to univariate and multivariate analysis. Higher bilirubin level, refractory ascites, and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma were the predictive parameters for mortality in 77 patients as determined by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy was effective in controlling acute variceal bleeding of Child C cirrhotic patients. The prognosis of Child C stage patients presenting with variceal bleeding depended on the severity of liver damage and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Varizenblutung

Esophageal variceal bleeding remains the most feared complication of portal hypertension and is associated with a significant mortality; thus, endoscopic screening of these patients is recommended. To date, neither medical nor interventional therapy can prevent the development of varices. However, the risk of variceal bleeding can be reduced using nonselective beta-blockers. Endoscopic prophylaxis is only recommended for patients with large varices that do not tolerate sufficient beta-blocker therapy. Endoscopic variceal ligation in combination with antibiotic prophylaxis as well as vasoactive agents, such as terlipressin, are the treatment of choice in acute variceal hemorrhage. If these measures fail to stop variceal bleeding, alternatives that include local compression of varices using special self-expanding stents or by reducing portal venous pressure with transjugular portosystemic shunts should be evaluated. Secondary prophylaxis consists of endoscopic variceal ligation and medical reduction of portal venous pressure.     

Endoscopic ultrasonograph evaluation of vascular structures in the gastric cardia predicts esophageal variceal recurrence following endoscopic treatment

Background and Aim: In patients with portal hypertension, early recurrence of esophageal varices often occurs following endoscopic variceal ligation therapy or ligation and injection‐sclerotherapy combined treatment. To assess the recurrence risk following endoscopic treatment, this study investigated the association between recurrence‐free time and severity of esophagogastric vascular structures before treatment as determined by endoscopic ultrasonography. Methods: Sixty‐three patients with esophageal varices at high bleeding risk were treated by endoscopic variceal ligation therapy or ligation and injection‐sclerotherapy combined treatment. Before the treatment, conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography with a 20‐MHz catheter probe were performed. Submucosal, perforating and adventitial veins in the esophagus and gastric cardia were examined. According to the endoscopic ultrasonography findings, the vascular structures were classified into two grades: mild and severe. The relationships between the endoscopic ultrasonography grades and variceal recurrence‐free time were analyzed by the Kaplan‐Meyer method. Results: Patients with severe as opposed to mild grade perforating veins in the gastric cardia had a significantly shorter recurrence‐free time (P < 0.05). Those with severe paracardial veins also had a significantly shorter recurrence‐free time (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Endoscopic ultrasonography analysis for gastric cardial vascular structures before endoscopic treatment can be useful to predict the recurrence of esophageal varices.     

Pharmacologic therapy for portal hypertension

Pharmacologic therapy for portal hypertension is effective in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhage from esophagogastric varices. Acute hemorrhage from varices can be treated with intravenous agents such as somatostatin or terlipressin, either alone or in combination with endoscopic sclerotherapy or band ligation. Intravenous octreotide has not shown effectiveness as monotherapy, but it appears to be beneficial when combined with endoscopic treatment. The prevention of rebleeding after initial hemorrhage is best accomplished with non-selective beta blockers, endoscopic band ligation of varices, or a combination of endoscopic and pharmacologic therapies. The addition of oral nitrates may further decrease rebleeding rates, but more data from randomized trials are needed. Beta blockers are currently the only agents recommended for the primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage.     

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.     

Detachable endoloop vs. elastic band ligation for bleeding esophageal varices

BACKGROUND: Variceal bleeding is a serious complication with a mortality rate that ranges from 20% to 50%. Patients who have variceal hemorrhage usually are treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy or elastic band ligation to eradicate the varices. Endoloop ligation is a newly developed technique for achieving hemostasis and variceal eradication. This study compared endoloop ligation with elastic band ligation in patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding. METHODS: Fifty patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding were recruited: 25 were treated by elastic band ligation and 25 by endoloop ligation. RESULTS: Although the number of patients in whom bleeding recurred during a follow-up period of 6 months was smaller in the endoloop group (12%) vs. the band group (28%), this difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to the number of patients in whom variceal eradication was achieved, the number of treatment sessions required for variceal eradication, or the frequency of variceal recurrence. The total cost for variceal obliteration by endoloop ligation was 342 dollars per patient, whereas, the total cost of variceal eradication by elastic band ligation was 356 dollars per patient. The endoloop had certain technical advantages over band application: a better field of vision, tighter application, good results with junctional varices, and a lack of strain exerted by the device on the endoscope. CONCLUSIONS: Endoloop ligation is a promising new technique for management of patients with bleeding esophageal varices.     

内镜下组织粘合剂注射联合套扎治疗食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血的疗效观察

目的评价急诊内镜下组织粘合剂（α-氰丙烯酸烷基脂）注射联合套扎治疗食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血的临床疗效。方法2008年1月至2009年1月间21例食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者接受急诊内镜下胃底曲张静脉组织粘合剂注射联合食管曲张静脉套扎（EVL）治疗,对其治疗疗效进行回顾性分析。结果21例患者的急诊止血有效率达95％（20／21）,未出现严重并发症。结论急诊内镜下组织粘合剂注射联合套扎治疗食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血,止血疗效确切,并发症发生率低,值得推广。     

经内镜栓塞术联合套扎术治疗食管胃底静脉曲张出血的疗效观察

目的探讨胃底静脉曲张栓塞术联合内镜下食管静脉曲张套扎术（EVL）治疗肝硬化上消化道出血的疗效。方法经急诊胃镜检查发现活动性胃底静脉曲张出血合并Ⅱ°以上食管静脉曲张且排除其他病因的上消化道出血患者共156例,分为治疗组和对照组,治疗组胃底静脉曲张组织粘合剂栓塞同时食管静脉EVL治疗;对照组胃底静脉曲张组织粘合剂栓塞治疗2个月后行食管静脉EVL。结果两组均未发生与治疗相关的并发症。止血成功率治疗组为96．3％（77／80）,对照组为97．4％（74／76）,（P〉0．05）;近期再出血率治疗组为6．4％（5／78）,对照组为21．3％（16／75）,两组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;两组患者随访6个月,再出血率分别为13．0％（9／69）、25．4％（17／67）,差异有统计学性意义（P〈0．05）。胃底静脉曲张改善总有效率治疗组和对照组分别为61．6％、59．1％,食管曲张静脉改善总有效率为74．0％、67．9％,差异均无统计学意义。结论胃底静脉曲张栓塞联合EVL是治疗肝硬化胃底静脉曲张出血并食管静脉曲张的安全有效方法,同时联合治疗更能降低再出血率。     

内镜下治疗食管-胃连通型静脉曲张的研究进展

食管胃静脉曲张破裂出血是肝硬化常见且危重的并发症之一,再出血率及病死率高,食管-胃连通型静脉曲张属于特殊类型静脉曲张,内镜下治疗方法主要包括内镜下静脉曲张硬化术、内镜下组织胶注射及联合序贯治疗等,但在具体方法的选择上还存在一些争议。现就近年来国内外食管-胃连通型静脉曲张内镜下治疗的进展予以综述。     

Gross and Microscopic Findings in the Human Esophagus after Esophageal Variceal Band Ligation: A Postmortem Analysis

Endoscopic sclerotherapy has been the therapy of choice for controlling acute variceal hemorrhage. Recently, endoscopic band ligation has been utilized for the management of esophageal varices with fewer complications and greater efficacy. We report the pathologic findings in the human esophagus 5 days after esophageal variceal band ligation.     

Randomized study comparing banding and propranolol to prevent initial variceal hemorrhage in cirrhotics with high-risk esophageal varices

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Standard care for prevention of first esophageal variceal hemorrhage is beta-blockade, but this may be ineffective or unsafe. Our purpose was to compare endoscopic banding with propranolol for prevention of first variceal hemorrhage. METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective trial, 62 patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices were randomized to propranolol (titrated to reducing resting pulse by > or =25%) or banding (performed monthly until varices were eradicated) and were followed up on the same schedule for a mean duration of 15 months. The primary end point was treatment failure, defined as the development of endoscopically documented variceal hemorrhage or a severe medical complication requiring discontinuation of therapy. Direct costs were estimated from Medicare reimbursements and fixed or variable charges for services up to treatment failure. RESULTS: Background variables of the treatment groups were similar. The trial was stopped early after an interim analysis showed that the failure rate of propranolol was significantly higher than that of banding (6/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 19.4%; P = .0098; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 6.4%-37.2%). Significantly more propranolol than banding patients had esophageal variceal hemorrhage (4/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 12.9%; P = .0443; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 0.8%-29%), and the cumulative mortality rate was significantly higher in the propranolol than in the banding group (4/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 12.9%; P = .0443; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 0.8%-29%). Direct costs of care were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices and no history of variceal hemorrhage, propranolol-treated patients had significantly higher failure rates of failure, first esophageal varix hemorrhage, and cumulative mortality than banding patients. Direct costs of medical care were not significantly different.     

内镜组织黏合剂注射联合套扎序贯治疗食管胃静脉曲张疗效观察

背景：临床上对胃静脉随张（GV）合并食管静脉曲张（EV）的内镜治疗方法和治疗时机选择尚未统一。目的：探讨内镜组织黏合剂注射联合套扎序贯治疗食管胃静脉曲张的疗效及其最佳时机。方法：2007年1月。2009年6月南京医科大学第一附属医院56例内镜检查确诊为GV活动性出血合并中重度EV者纳人研究,其中26例于GV组织黏合剂注射1周后行EV套扎（A组）,30例注射后立即行EV套扎（B组）。回顾性分析两组患者的止血率、治疗相关并发症发生情况、治疗后1个月内和6个月内再出血率以及食管胃静脉曲张改善有效率。结果：A组与B组问止血率（96．2％对96．7％）和食管胃静脉曲张改善总有效率（GV：72．7％对72．0％;EV：81．8％对84．0％）无明显差异,A组治疗后1个月内和6个月内再出血率均显著高于B组（1个月内：26．1％对10．3％,P〈0．05;6个月内：45．5％对32．O％,P〈0．05）。两组均无明显治疗相关并发症发生。结论：内镜GV组织黏合剂注射后立即行EV套扎序贯治疗食管胃静脉曲张安全、有效．值得在临床上推广应用。     

The treatment of gastric fundal varices--endoscopic therapy versus interventional radiology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is an effective method for treating gastric fundal varices. The present retrospective study was performed to determine the clinical efficacy for gastric fundal varices associated with endoscopic therapy, surgery, and interventional radiology including balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. METHODOLOGY: We classified 26 patients to a surgery group, an endoscopic therapy group, and an interventional radiology group according to initial treatment and subsequent treatment, and we compared the rates of hemostasis, eradication, and bleeding in these groups. RESULTS: Interventional radiology was successful in arresting acute hemorrhage in 100% of cases, while endoscopic therapy was successful in only 50% of cases. The rate of eradication was 100% in the Surgery group, 66.7% in the Endoscopic Therapy group, and 50% in the Interventional Radiology group. The cumulative bleeding rate at 5 years was 0% in the Surgery group, 0% in the Endoscopic therapy group, and 11.1% in the Interventional Radiology group. No significant difference was observed between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment-of-choice for gastric fundal variceal hemorrhage is endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and ligation, with interventional radiology as the back-up procedure in case endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and ligation is unsuccessful. Interventional radiology is the treatment-of-choice for elective treatment of gastric fundal varices.     

Management of esophageal varices: An update from Digestive Disease Week and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 2003

Esophageal varices are a commonly encountered complication of cirrhosis. beta-blockers are a well-established cornerstone of the treatment of portal hypertension and primary and secondary prophylaxis for prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding. However, not all patients tolerate this type of therapy. Moreover, the exact role of esophageal variceal band ligation alone or in combination with beta-blocker therapy in the management of patients with esophageal varices remains to be defined. This summary report presents a number of recent studies addressing these important issues.