Safety of variceal band ligation in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Anticoagulant therapy has been recommended in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis especially in candidates for liver transplantation. These patients are also likely to need variceal band ligation. This study aimed to assess the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after elective variceal band ligation in patients with cirrhosis receiving anticoagulant therapy for portal vein thrombosis. Patients with cirrhosis and nontumoral portal vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy undergoing elective variceal band ligation were retrospectively included. We recorded upper gastrointestinal bleeding events occurring within two weeks after variceal band ligation. Postvariceal band ligation bleeding was defined as active bleeding on at least one site of previous ligation at endoscopy. Between 2014 and 2017, 32 patients with cirrhosis had scheduled variceal band ligations while on anticoagulant therapy [men 75%; median age 59 years; aetiology of cirrhosis: alcohol (50%), viral (34%), alcohol and viral (16%); and Child-Pugh score: A (31%), B (44%), and C (25%)]. Three (9%) patients presented postvariceal band ligation bleeding during the follow-up. None of these events led to haemorrhagic shock or death. Factors associated with postvariceal band ligation bleeding included variceal band ligation performed as secondary prophylaxis (P = 0.05) and previous decompensation of cirrhosis (P = 0.03). In this small group of patients under anticoagulation therapy undergoing variceal band ligation, only a minority presented postendoscopic bleeding of minor importance. Nevertheless, particular attention should be paid to patients with previous decompensation of cirrhosis.