AIM: Transient time is delayed and gastroesophageal reflux is common in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices. Band ligation appears to have little impact on esophageal motility and injection sclerotherapy spares the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) but data are limited. The aim of this study is to clarify such early abnormalities by measuring esophageal pH and motility after endoscopic therapy for esophageal varices (EET). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve cirrhotic patients who have no previous interventional therapy or EET were enrolled in this study. Manometric and pH monitoring measurements by Micro Digitrapper 4Mb (Sweden Synectics Medical) were performed before EET and average of 12.7 days after the eradication of varices. A solid state pressure-sensing catheter was nasally passed into the esophagus and channels were fixed at LES, 5 cm and 10 cm above LES. A monocrystalline antimony electrode of the Micro Digitrapper 4Mb was placed at 5 cm above LES. The catheter and recorder were worn by the patients for up to 24-hours. RESULTS: The esophageal contraction rates at 5 cm and 10 cm above LES were significantly decreased after EET(p<0.05) and the rate of downward peristaltic movement showed a decreasing tendency (79 vs 70%). The rate of simultaneous contraction at the 2 points on the esophageal mucosa showed an increasing tendency(21% vs 30%). The mean amplitude of the contractile wave pressure at 10 cm above LES decreased after EET (47 vs 39 mmHg). However, the mean amplitude of the contractile wave pressure at 5 cm above LES and the mean LES pressure were revealed to have no significant changes by EET (36 vs 37 and 36 vs 35, mmHg). The rate of pH 4 holding time at 5 cm above LES showed no significant difference by EET. CONCLUSIONS: EET exerts no significant impact on LES function. EET could cause esophageal stasis for cirrhotic patients as significant esophageal peristaltic dysfunction was observed after EET.