Efficacy Of Endoscopic Band Ligation Research Articles

Efficacy of different endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundThere are no direct comparisons across different endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to evaluate the relative effects of different endoscopic therapies in GERD. MethodsFive databases were searched until August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL), Stretta, endoscopic fundoplication (transoral incisionless fundoplication [TIF], endoscopic full-thickness plication [EFTP], and EndoCinch plication procedure [EndoCinch, CR BARD, Billerica, Mass., USA]), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/sham procedure for GERD. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 19 trials comprising 1181 patients were included. EBL (mean difference [MD], −7.75; 95% credible interval [CrI], −13.90 to −1.44), Stretta (MD, −9.86; 95% CrI, −19.05 to −0.58), and TIF (MD, −12.58; 95% CrI, −20.23 to −4.91) all significantly improved patients’ health-related quality of life score with equivalent efficacy compared with PPIs. TIF and EBL achieved equivalent efficacy in reducing PPIs utility (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; 95% CrI, 0.40–1.05) and both were significantly superior to other endoscopic interventions (Stretta, EFTP, and EndoCinch). Besides, EBL and TIF also could significantly decrease the esophagitis incidence compared with PPIs (EBL [RR, 0.34; 95% CrI, 0.22–0.48] and TIF [RR, 0.38; 95% CrI, 0.15–0.88]). In terms of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, only TIF could significantly increase the LES pressure (MD, 6.53; 95% CrI, 3.65–9.40) to PPIs. In contrast, TIF was inferior to PPIs in decreasing esophageal acid exposure (MD, 2.57; 95% CrI, 0.77–4.36). ConclusionCombining the evidence, EBL and TIF may have comparable efficacy and both might be superior to Stretta, EFTP, or EndoCinch in GERD treatment.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation in the treatment of bleeding from mild to moderate gastric varices type 1.

According to practice guidelines, endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and endoscopic tissue adhesive injection (TAI) are recommended for treating bleeding from esophagogastric varices. However, EBL and TAI are known to cause serious complications, such as hemorrhage from dislodged ligature rings caused by EBL and hemorrhage from operation-related ulcers resulting from TAI. However, the optimal therapy for mild to moderate type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage (GOV1) has not been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to discover an individualized treatment for mild to moderate GOV1. To compare the efficacy, safety and costs of EBL and TAI for the treatment of mild and moderate GOV1. A clinical analysis of the data retrieved from patients with mild or moderate GOV1 gastric varices who were treated under endoscopy was also conducted. Patients were allocated to an EBL group or an endoscopic TAI group. The differences in the incidence of varicose relief, operative time, operation success rate, mortality rate within 6 wk, rebleeding rate, 6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate, complication rate and average operation cost were compared between the two groups of patients. The total effective rate of the two treatments was similar, but the efficacy of EBL (66.7%) was markedly better than that of TAI (39.2%) (P < 0.05). The operation success rate in both groups was 100%, and the 6-wk mortality rate in both groups was 0%. The average operative time (26 min) in the EBL group was significantly shorter than that in the TAI group (46 min) (P < 0.01). The rate of delayed postoperative rebleeding in the EBL group was significantly lower than that in the TAI group (11.8% vs 45.1%) (P < 0.01). At 6 wk after the operation, the healing rate of operation-related ulcers in the EBL group was 80.4%, which was significantly greater than that in the TAI group (35.3%) (P < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was similar. The average cost and other related economic factors were greater for the EBL than for the TAI (P < 0.01). For mild to moderate GOV1, patients with EBL had a greater one-time varix eradication rate, a greater 6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate, a lower delayed rebleeding rate and a lower cost than patients with TAI.

The use of endoscopic band ligation in the primary prevention of bleeding in patients with ascites listed in the liver transplantation waiting list

Background. Saving lives and preventing patients from dropping out of the waiting list for liver transplantation due to the progression of portal hypertension and the development of complications is an urgent task of transplantology in conditions of a donor organ shortage, which causes long waiting times for this operation. Aim. To study the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation versus no intervention in the primary prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and assess the impact on survival of patients with ascites listed in the liver transplantation waiting list. Material and methods. A retrospective comparative study was conducted in patients with decompensated liver diseases with severe ascites and varicose veins, without a history of bleeding, when included in the waiting list for liver transplantation. Primary prevention of bleeding from varices was carried out in patients by means of endoscopic ligation of varicose veins (n=92, group 1); this intervention was not performed in other patients (n=89, group 2). Results. The compared groups were comparable in demographics, clinical parameters, MELD and Child-TurcottePugh scores, or the incidence of severe ascites. The study groups of patients did not have significant differences in the numbers of medium-size and large varices. The incidence of bleeding was significantly lower in the group of patients with endoscopic band ligation as a method of primary prevention than in the group of patients without this intervention (23.9% and 78.7%, respectively, p=0.0001). Patient survival was significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent endoscopic band ligation than in the group of patients without interventions, which was established using the Kaplan-Meier method (Log Rank=0.0001). Conclusion. Primary prevention of bleeding from the upper digestive tract through endoscopic band ligation is an effective method of saving lives and preventing patients with ascites from dropping out of the liver transplantation waiting list in conditions of a donor organ shortageб which causes a long waiting period for surgery.

Efficacy of Endoscopic band ligation versus argon plasma coagulation inGastric Antral Vascular Ectasia management

Efficacy of Endoscopic band ligation versus argon plasma coagulation inGastric Antral Vascular Ectasia management

Efficacy of Endoscopic Band Ligation in the Treatment of Acute Esophageal Varicose Bleeding

Objective: To determine the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) on rebleeding and mortality in the treatment of esophageal varices bleeding.&#x0D; Methods: Fifty cirrhosis patients who applied to the emergency department with acute esophageal variceal bleeding between 2018 and 2020 and were treated with EBL within the first 12 hours were evaluated retrospectively.&#x0D; Results: Twenty-seven (54%) patients were male and 23 (46%) were female. The mean hospital stay of the patients was 6.45.6 days, and the mean blood transfusion requirement was 3.62.7 units. Re-bleeding was observed within 30 days in 5 (10%) patients and within 1 year in 7 (14%) patients. Ten (20%) patients died within 30 days, and 11 (22%) patients died within 1 year. The need for blood transfusion was higher in patients with grade 3 varicose veins (4.93.1) than in patients with grade 2 varicose veins (2.51.5) (p=0.001). Mortality rate within 30 days and 1 year was significantly higher in patients with grade 3 varicose veins (p=0.001). Although the rate of bleeding within 30 days and 1 year was higher in patients with grade 3 varicose veins than in patients with grade 2 varices, the difference was not significant (p=0.087).&#x0D; Conclusion: EBL is an endoscopic treatment method to be preferred in patients with acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage due to its low risk of re-bleeding and low mortality rate.

Endoscopic band ligation versus argon plasma coagulation in management of bleeding from gastric antral vascular ectasia in patients with portal hypertension

Background Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) may cause recurrent hemorrhage, and thus, chronic anemia, in patients with portal hypertension. Treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an effective and safe method in adults but requires multiple sessions of endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) was found to be a good alternative for APC as a treatment for GAVE, especially in refractory cases. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EBL, as compared with APC, in treating nonvariceal upper GI bleeding GAVE in patients with portal hypertension. Patients and methods A total of 40 patients with bleeding from GAVE were prospectively randomized to endoscopic treatment with either EBL or APC, every 4 weeks, until complete obliteration was accomplished. Hemoglobin level was obtained before and after treatment; then they were followed up endoscopically after 6 months, with documentation of the recurrence of the lesion, if that occurred. Results We found that EBL significantly decreased the number of sessions required for complete obliteration of the lesions (1.85 ± 0.81 sessions compared with 4.15 ± 1.22 sessions in the APC group; P Conclusion We concluded that GAVE could be safely and successfully managed by EBL or APC. Our study revealed that EBL is more effective, more time saving, and is comparable in safety to APC, in treating nonvariceal upper GI bleeding GAVE in patients with portal hypertension.

Endoscopic management of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objective: Despite the therapeutic and surgical interventions for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), yet the high cost and the post-operative complications had led to a significant socioeconomic burden. The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in the management of refractory GERD.Methods: A total of 150 patients with refractory GERD were assigned to an EBL group (banding was done at four quadrants just at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (n = 75) or to a control group (optimized dose of PPI, n = 75). Follow-up for both groups by upper GI endoscopy to evaluate the site of the Z line from the incisors, the width of the GEJ and the coaptation of GEJ around the endoscope on retroflection. PH monitoring was performed every 3 months with GERD- QoL assessment monthly for 1 year.Results: In EBL group; 58 patients (77.3%) needed 1 session, 17 patients (22.7%) needed 2 sessions. 4 rubber bands were utilized in 44 patients (58.7%), 3 rubber bands in 31 patients (41.3%). Follow-up for 1 year revealed a highly significant improvement of the GERD- QoL score, the site of Z line with significant reduction of reflux episodes and symptom index when compared to the medical treatment group. In EBL group; there were no major adverse events including bleeding, post band ulcers, stenosis at one year follow up.Conclusion: The current study provides a novel endoscopic intervention to treat refractory GERD, which is safe, cost-effective, with no major adverse effects at one year follow up.

大腸憩室出血に対するEndoscopic Band Ligationの有用性

大腸憩室出血に対するEndoscopic Band Ligationの有用性

Endoscopic band ligation without resection in selected patients for small and superficial upper gastrointestinal tract lesions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in carefully selected patients who would benefit from this method of resection. Patients with early upper gastrointestinal and small (< 15 mm) lesions treated with EBL (Duette® Multi-Band Mucosectomy) were prospectively recruited and retrospectively analyzed between 2010 and 2015. All cases were discussed in a multidisciplinary cancer committee and it was concluded that, owing to patient conditions, surgery was not possible and that not conducting histology would not change the clinical management. A first endoscopic control with biopsies was planned at 4-8 weeks. If there was no persistence of the lesion, new controls were programmed at 6 and 12 months. The group (n = 12) included 5 esophagus lesions (adenosquamous carcinoma, n = 1; carcinoma squamous, n = 2; adenocarcinoma, n = 2); 4 gastric lesions (high grade dysplasia, n = 1; adenocarcinoma, n = 2; neuroendocrine tumor [NET], n = 1), and 3 duodenal lesions (NETs) (n = 3). The mean tumor diameter was 9.6 ± 2.8 mm (range 4-15). Only one minor adverse event was described. At first follow-up (4-8 weeks), there was 91.6% and 75% of endoscopic and histological remission, respectively. At 6-month follow-up there was 70% of both endoscopic remission and negative biopsies. And at 12 months, there was 100% and 75% of endoscopic and histological remission, respectively. Persisting lesions were T1 cancers. The median follow-up was 30.6 months. EBL without resection is an easy and safe technique that should be considered in patients with multiple morbidities and small superficial UGI lesions.

Randomized controlled study of endoscopic band ligation and argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of gastric antral and fundal vascular ectasia.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by mucosal and submucosal vascular ectasia causing recurrent hemorrhage and thus, chronic anemia, in patients with cirrhosis. Treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an effective and safe method, but requires multiple sessions of endoscopic therapy. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) was found to be a good alternative for APC as a treatment for GAVE, especially in refractory cases. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EBL, as compared to APC, in the treatment of GAVE and gastric fundal vascular ectasia (GFVE). A total of 88 cirrhotic patients with GAVE were prospectively randomized to endoscopic treatment with either EBL or APC, every 2 weeks until complete obliteration was accomplished; then they were followed up endoscopically after 6 months, plus they had monthly measurement of hemoglobin levels during that period. We describe the presence of mucosal and submucosal lesions in the gastric fundal area that were similar to those found in GAVE in 13 patients (29.5%) of the EBL group and 9 patients (20.5%) of the APC group; we named this GFVE. In these cases, we treated the fundal lesions with the same techniques we had used for treating GAVE, according to the randomization. We found that EBL significantly decreased the number of sessions required for complete obliteration of the lesions (2.98 sessions compared to 3.48 sessions in the APC group (p < 0.05)). Hemoglobin levels increased significantly after obliteration of the lesions in both groups, compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05), but with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05); however, the EBL group of patients required a significantly smaller number of units of blood transfusion than the APC group of patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in adverse events nor complications between the two groups (p > 0.05). This study described and histologically proved the presence of GFVE occurring comcomitantly with GAVE in cirrhotic patients. We showed that GFVE can be successfully managed by EBL or APC. Our study revealed that EBL is more effective and is comparable in safety to APC, in the treatment of GAVE and GFVE in cirrhotic patients.

Endoluminal Closure of Colon Perforation with Endoscopic Band Ligation: Technical Feasibility and Safety in an In Vivo Canine Model.

Background/Aims:Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is an accepted method in the management of variceal bleeding; however, there is little evidence on the safety and feasibility of EBL for the closure of bowel perforation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of EBL in iatrogenic colon perforation by using a canine model.Methods:We established an iatrogenic colon perforation model by using seven beagle dogs. Longitudinal 1.5- to 1.7-cm colon perforations were created with a needle knife and an insulated-tip knife, and the perforation was subsequently closed with EBL. During a 2-week follow-up period, the animals were carefully monitored and then euthanized for pathologic examination.Results:The EBL of iatrogenic colon perforations was successful in all dogs. The mean procedure time for EBL closure with one to three bands was 191.7 seconds, and there were no immediate complications. One animal was euthanized after 3 days because of peritonitis. There were no clinical and laboratory features of sepsis or peritonitis in the remaining six animals. On necropsy, we did not find any fecal peritonitis, pericolonic abscess formation, or transmural dehiscence at the perforation site. Histopathology demonstrated inflamed granulation tissue and scar lesions replaced by fibrosis.Conclusions:EBL might be a feasible and safe method for the management of iatrogenic colon perforations in an in vivo model.

Comparison of endoscopic band ligation and endoclip closure of colonic perforation: Technical feasibility and efficacy in an ex vivo pig model

Recent reports have indicated several instances of successful treatment of bowel perforation by using endoscopic band ligation (EBL) when treatment with endoclipping is unsuccessful, but this salvage method has not been investigated in any prospective model. Herein we aimed to compare the technical feasibility and efficacy of EBL and endoclip use in intraluminal closure of colon perforation, in an ex vivo model. Standardized colonic perforations were created using fresh porcine colon and subsequently closed by full-thickness interrupted sutures, endoclip (QuickClip2(TM)), or EBL. Each closure site was tested with compressed air by using a digital pressure monitor for evaluating leak pressure. No significant differences were noted between the endoclip and EBL in leak pressures. Mean (± SD) pressures for air leakage from the perforations closed using the different devices were as follows: normal colon samples, 52.0 ± 13.2 mmHg; perforations closed with hand-sewn sutures, 32.3 ± 8.3 mmHg; perforations closed with endoclipping, 53.5 ± 22.7 mmHg; and perforations closed with EBL, 50.4 ± 12.5 mmHg. Time taken for closure by EBL was significantly less than that for closure by endoclipping (3.2 ± 1.7 min vs 6.8 ± 1.3 min, P < 0.01). Further, the number of devices used to achieve complete closure in the EBL group was lower than that with endoclipping (1.6 ± 0.5 vs 3.7 ± 0.8, P < 0.01). Endoluminal closure of a 1.5-cm colon perforation with EBL decreased procedure time and was not inferior in leak pressure compared with endoclipping in this ex vivo porcine model.

Endoscopic band ligation for bleeding lesions in the small bowel.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for bleeding lesions in the small bowel. This is a retrospective study evaluating EBL in six consecutive patients (three males, three females, 46-86 years of age) treated between May 2009 and February 2014: duodenal vascular ectasia; 1, jejunal bleeding diverticulum; 1, ileal Dieulafoy's lesion; 1 and ileal bleeding diverticula; 3. The success of the initial hemostasis was evaluated, and patients were observed for early rebleeding (within 30 d after EBL), and complications such as perforation and abscess formation. Follow-up endoscopies were performed in four patients. Initial hemostasis was successfully achieved with EBL in all six patients. Eversion was not sufficient in four diverticular lesions. Early rebleeding occurred three days after EBL in one ileal diverticulum, and a repeat endoscopy revealed dislodgement of the O-band and ulcer formation at the banded site. This rebleeding was managed conservatively. Late rebleeding occurred in this case (13 and 21 mo after initial EBL), and re-EBL was performed. Follow-up endoscopies revealed scar formation and the disappearance of vascular lesions at the banded site in the case with a duodenal bleeding lesion, and unresolved ileal diverticula in three cases. Surgery or transarterial embolization was not required without any complications during the median follow-up period of 45 (range, 2-83) mo. EBL is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment for hemostasis of bleeding lesions in the small bowel.

Endoscopic Band Ligation Versus Pharmacological Therapy for Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis

To conduct a meta-analysis of published, full-length, randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) versus pharmacological therapy for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Eighteen randomized clinical trials that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further pooled into a meta-analysis. Among 1023 patients in 12 trials comparing EBL with beta-blockers for primary prevention, there was no significant difference in gastrointestinal bleeding (RR 0.79 [95% CI 0.61 to 1.02]), all-cause deaths (RR 1.06 [95% CI 0.86 to 1.30]) or bleeding-related deaths (RR 0.66 [95% CI 0.38 to 1.16]). There was a reduced trend toward significance in variceal bleeding with EBL compared with betablockers (RR 0.72 [95% CI 0.54 to 0.96]). However, variceal bleeding was not significantly different between the two groups in high-quality trials (RR 0.84 [95% CI 0.60 to 1.17]). Among 687 patients from six trials comparing EBL with beta-blockers plus isosorbide mononitrate for secondary prevention, there was no effect on either gastrointestinal bleeding (RR 0.95 [95% CI 0.65 to 1.40]) or variceal bleeding (RR 0.89 [95% CI 0.53 to 1.49]). The risk for all-cause deaths in the EBL group was significantly higher than in the medical group (RR 1.25 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.55]); however, the rate of bleeding related deaths was unaffected (RR 1.16 [95% CI 0.68 to 1.97]). Both EBL and beta-blockers may be considered first-line treatments to prevent first variceal bleeding, whereas betablockers plus isosorbide mononitrate may be the best choice for the prevention of rebleeding.

Microwave coagulation versus sclerotherapy after band ligation to prevent recurrence of high risk of bleeding esophageal varices in Child-Pugh’s A and B patients

The combination of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) with either endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) or thermal therapy has been shown to reduce recurrence of esophageal varices compared to EBL alone. The aim of this prospective trial was twofold: 1) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EBL used in association with microwave coagulation (MC), a thermal endoscopic therapy method, for treating esophageal varices and preventing recurrence; and 2) to compare these results to the joint application of EBL and EIS. Seventy cirrhotic patients with bleeding esophageal varices were treated with EBL until only thin vessels remained. Thirty-six randomly selected patients received EIS (group A) and 34 received MC (group B) until complete eradication had been achieved. Endoscopic follow-up was performed to detect recurrence. The effectiveness of the treatment was measured using variceal recurrence, rebleeding, intervention complications, and recurrence factors. During follow-up evaluations averaging 34.9 +/- 11.4 months, no significant differences were found between groups A and B in variceal recurrence (27.7 vs. 17.6%, P = 0.31) or rebleeding (8.3 vs. 0%, P = 0.23). Complications were rare, with no difference detected between groups. The presence of gastric varices influenced recurrence with an odds ratio of 3.9 (95% CI 1.14-13.1, P = 0.029). Application of MC to esophageal varices after band ligation is safe. The post-MC recurrence rate may be comparable to that observed following the combined treatment of EBL and EIS. The presence of gastric varices increases the risk of esophageal variceal recurrence.

Endoscopic band ligation could decrease recurrent bleeding in Mallory–Weiss syndrome as compared to haemostasis by hemoclips plus epinephrine

Mallory-Weiss syndrome (MWS) with active bleeding at endoscopy may require endoscopic haemostasis the modalities of which are not well-defined. To compare the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation vs. hemoclip plus epinephrine (adrenaline) in bleeding MWS. From 2001 to 2008, 218 consecutive patients with a MWS at endoscopy were hospitalized in our Gastrointestinal Bleeding Unit. In 56 patients (26%), an endoscopic haemostasis was required because of active bleeding. Band ligation was performed in 29 patients (Banding group), while hemoclip application plus epinephrine injection was performed in 27 patients (H&E group). Treatment efficacy and early recurrent bleeding were retrospectively compared between the two groups. Primary endoscopic haemostasis was achieved in all patients. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 0% in Banding group vs. 18% in H&E group (P = 0.02). The use of hemoclips plus epinephrine (OR = 3; 95% CI = 1.15-15.8) and active bleeding at endoscopy (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.04-5.2) were independent predictive factors of early recurrent bleeding. Haemostasis by hemoclips plus epinephrine was an independent predictive factor of rebleeding. This result suggests that band ligation could be the first choice endoscopic treatment for bleeding MWS, but requires further prospective assessment.

Nadolol plus isosorbide mononitrate alone or associated with band ligation in the prevention of recurrent bleeding: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Background and aims:Previous clinical trials suggest that adding non-selective beta-blockers improves the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in the prevention of recurrent bleeding, but no study has evaluated whether...

The Effect of Endoscopic Band Ligation for Symptomatic Internal Hemorrhoids

Background: Recently, endoscopic band ligation is increasingly used for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids such as bleeding or rectal prolapse. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic band ligation for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Methods: Endoscopic band ligation was performed in 16 patients (Goligher classification of internal hemorrhoid, 7, stage I; 7, stage II; 2, stage III) who had anal bleeding or rectal prolapse. The band ligation was performed with retroflexed endoscopic view (n = 12) or forward view (n = 4). Symptoms were graded by association with defecation (0, none; 1, sometimes at defecation; 2, at each defecation; 3, irrespective of defecation). Range and form of hemorrhoids was evaluated in accordance with the endoscopic classification of esophageal varices. Range, the circumferential distribution of hemorrhoids, was classified into 5 scores (0, none; 1, <1/4 of circumference; 2, 1/2 of circumference; 3, <3/4 of circumference; 4, the entire circumference). Form, the size of the largest hemorrhoid, was classified into 3 scores (0, none; 1, <12 mm; 2, >12 mm). The diameter of the colonoscope, 12 mm, was used as a reference. The red color sign was defined as a change in the color of the surface of the rectal column, including telagiectasia, red wale marking, and hematocystic spots. Prophylactic antibiotics were used for 3 days after procedure to prevent procedure associated infection. Results: After endoscopic band ligation, symptoms improved in 15 among 16 patients (93.7%). During the mean follow up of 2.7 ± 2.1 months, the mean score for bleeding was decreased after therapy from 1.63 to 0.44 and the mean scores for prolapse, from 1.78 to 0.22. The endoscopic finding of internal hemorrhoids also was improved (mean score for the range; from 3.25 to 1.81, for the form; from 1.81 to 0.81). RCS disappeared after therapy in 10 among 12 patients. Three patients were treated in a single session, 4 in two sessions, 8 in three sessions. A mean of 2.9 bands were placed in each session. No major complication, such as massive bleeding or pelvic sepsis was noted. 3 patients suffered from anal pain for several days and one patient from transient fever for 2 days, but subsided consevatively. Conclusion: Endoscopic band ligation is one of the effective and safe methods for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, and may provide an alternative to surgical treatment. Further study with a larger number of patients and a longer follow up is warranted.

A randomized trial of endoscopic treatment of acute gastric variceal hemorrhage: N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate injection versus band ligation

Progression of gastric variceal hemorrhage (GVH) is poorer than esophageal variceal bleeding. However, data on its optimal treatment are limited. We designed a prospective study to compare the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (GVL) and endoscopic N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection (GVO). Liver patients with cirrhosis with or without concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients presenting with acute GVH were randomized into two treatment groups. Forty-eight patients received GVL, and another 49 patients received GVO. Both treatments were equally successful in controlling active bleeding (14/15 vs. 14/15, P = 1.000). More of the patients who underwent GVL had GV rebleeding (GVL vs. GVO, 21/48 vs. 11/49; P = .044). The 2-year and 3-year cumulative rate of GV rebleeding were 63.1% and 72.3% for GVL, and 26.8% for both periods with GVO; P = .0143, log-rank test. The rebleeding risk of GVL was sustained throughout the entire follow-up period. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that concomitance with HCC (relative hazard: 2.453, 95% CI: 1.036-5.806, P = .041) and the treatment method (GVL vs. GVO, relative hazard: 2.660, 95% CI: 1.167-6.061, P = .020) were independent factors predictive of GV rebleeding. There was no difference in survival between the two groups. Severe complications attributable to these two treatments were rare. In conclusion, the efficacy of GVL to control active GVH appears not different to GVO, but GVO is associated with a lower GV rebleeding rate.

Endoscopic band ligation in the treatment of portal hypertension

The evidence that endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has greater efficacy and fewer side effects than endoscopic injection sclerotherapy has renewed interest in endoscopic treatments for portal hypertension. The introduction of multishot band devices, which allow the placement of 5-10 bands at a time, has made the technique much easier to perform, avoiding the use of overtubes and their related complications. EBL sessions are usually repeated at 2 week intervals until varices are obliterated, which is achieved in about 90% of patients after 2-4 sessions. Variceal recurrence is frequent, with 20-75% of patients requiring repeated EBL sessions. According to current evidence, nonselective beta-blockers are the preferred treatment option for prevention of a first variceal bleed, whereas EBL should be reserved for patients with contraindications or intolerance to beta-blockers. Nonselective beta-blockers, probably in association with the vasodilator isosorbide mononitrate, and EBL are good treatment options to prevent recurrent variceal rebleeding. The efficacy of EBL might be increased by combining it with beta-blocker therapy. Patients who are intolerant, have contraindications or bled while receiving primary prophylaxis with beta-blockers must be treated with EBL. In the latter situation, EBL should be added to rather than replace beta-blocker therapy. EBL, in combination with vasoactive drugs, is the recommended form of therapy for acute esophageal variceal bleeding; however, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy can be used in the acute setting if EBL is technically difficult.