Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a new alternative to sclerothera
py in the treatment of esophageal variceal hemorrhage, which results i
n strangulation, necrosis and scar formation of varices without system
ic or local adverse effect. From May 1, 1991 through July 1, 1992, EVL
was performed in 78 consecutive patients, in 35 of them it was perfor
med during active massive bleeding, and active bleeding was controlled
by the initial session in 31 patients. With repeated EVL treatment, 3
2 patients had their varices obliterated. The varices had reduced in s
ize in other patients. No ligation-related complications were observed
. This procedure is a safe, effective and rather simple method to trea
t esophageal varices, especially in patients with poor liver function
and recurrent bleeding after devascularization or shunt surgery.