Esophageal Varices In Cirrhosis Research Articles

Screening for exclusion of high-risk bleeding features of esophageal varices in cirrhosis through CT and MRI

Background & aimEsophageal varices (EV) screening guidelines have evolved with improved risk stratification to avoid unnecessary esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in individuals with low bleeding risks. However, uncertainties persist in the recommendations for certain patient groups, particularly those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or receiving non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) without prior endoscopy. This study assessed the efficacy of imaging in ruling out EVs and their high-risk features associated with bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and with HCC. We also evaluated the impact of NSBB on the detection of these characteristics. MethodsA total of 119 patients undergoing EGD with CT and/or MRI within 90 days of the procedure were included. 87 patients had HCC. A new imaging grading system was developed utilizing the size of EVs and the extent of their protrusion into the esophagus lumen. The negative predictive value (NPV) of EVimaging(−) versus EVimaging (+) (grades 1–3) in ruling out the presence of EV and/or high-risk features by EGD was calculated. The predictive performance of imaging was determined by logistic regression. ResultsThe NPV of imaging for detecting EV and high-risk features was 81 % and 92 %, respectively. Among HCC patients, the NPV for EV and high-risk features was 80 % and 64 %, respectively. Being on NSBB didn't statistically impact the imaging detection of EV. Imaging was a better predictor of high-risk EGD findings than Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores. ConclusionsOur results suggest that imaging can effectively rule out the presence of EV and high-risk features during EGD, even in patients with HCC and/or receiving NSBB.

Correlation of Platelet Count with Grading of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Background/Aims: Cirrhosis represents a late stage of progressive hepatic fibrosis and is generally considered to be irreversible in its advanced stages. Esophageal varix is a complication of liver cirrhosis and is the consequence of portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the severity of thrombocytopenia and the presenting of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patient. Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective, descriptive, analytic and monocentric study, which was carried out at Gastroenterology Department, Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was conducted from 1st September 2020 to 31st January 2021. All patients were diagnosed as liver cirrhosis by clinic, biology and ultrasound. Patients’ data were noted in standardized questionnaire with information such as age, sex, address, laboratory result, and the result of endoscopic finding. All data were registered into a data set and then analyzed by SPSS program version 23. Results: 1445 patients were enrolled for gastroscopy. Only 303 patients (21%) were suggested for variceal screening after the exclusions. Male was predominant with sex ratio F/M (1/2.03). Patients’ age varied between 21 and 80 years old, with the mean age of 55 ± 11 years old. 199 patients (66%) were found with EVs, while EVs grade 1 and 2 without red signs were predominated, accounting to 22.8% and 19.5% respectively. The majority of the patients with platelet count between 50 - 99 giga/l had EVs vs platelet count > 150 giga/l had no EVs (p < 0.0001). The cut-off level of platelet with EVs was 123 giga/l with 75% sensitivity and 65% specificity and with large varices was 105 giga/l with 70% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a non-invasive parameter with high accuracy for the prediction of EVs in cirrhosis. The severity of thrombocytopenia increased as the grading of EVs increased. Thus, it can assist in triaging cirrhotic patients for endoscopy to identify EVs.

Splenic Stiffness Measurement with Dedicated 100 Hz Probe compared with Baveno Algorithms to predict High Risk Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study

Splenic Stiffness Measurement with Dedicated 100 Hz Probe compared with Baveno Algorithms to predict High Risk Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study

Correlation of Ultrasonographically Measured Splenic Size with Endoscopic Grading of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis of Liver

Background: Cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease, resulting in formation of fibrous tissue, derangement of liver architecture and ultimately results in portal hypertension and its complication. Objective: To find out the correlation between splenic size and endoscopic grading of esophageal varices in diagnosed cases of cirrhosis of liver. Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Radiology and Imaging in collaboration with GHPD, BIRDEM, Dhaka. 110 liver cirrhosis patients with or without esophageal varices diagnosed by endoscopy of UGIT referred to the department of Radiology and Imaging were included in this study on the basis of selection criteria. Result: The following observations and results were obtained in this study the mean age was 44.81 (±14.42) years, minimum age was 18 years and maximum age was 65 years. Majority 69% were male and 31% were female. Esophageal variceal grading of the study population majority 47(42.73%) were grade I, 24(21.82%) were grade II, 16(14.55%) were grade III, 12(10.91%) were grade IV and 11(10%) were no varices. Splenic size by ultrasonography, majority 66(60%) were 12-14.9 cm, 37(33.64%) were ≥15 cm and 07(6.36%) were &lt; 12 cm. In splenic size ≤ 15 cm, grading of esophageal varices, 15.07% had no varices, 60.27% had grade I, 20.55% had grade II, 2.74% had grade III and 1.37% had grade IV. In splenic size ≥ 15 cm grading of esophageal varices, 8.11% had grade I, 24.32% had grade II, 37.84% had grade III and 29.73% had grade IV. That means there is a positive correlation between ultrasonographically measured splenic size and endoscopic grading of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients. Conclusion: Positive correlation was found between ultrasonographically measured splenic size with endoscopic grading of esophageal varices. Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2022; 10 (1): 57-61

Doppler hemodynamic liver index and hepatic elastic modulus: Advanced ultrasonographic techniques for non-invasive prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhosis.

Currently esophagoscopy is the gold standard for assessment of esophageal varices in cirrhosis. Predicting the presence of esophageal varices, varices needing treatment (VNT) and variceal grade by advanced ultrasonographic techniques using a combination of Doppler hemodynamic liver index (HDLI) (quantifying portal hypertension) and hepatic elastic modulus (quantifying hepatic fibrosis) would be a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to routine endoscopy. Our cross-sectional study consisted of cirrhotic patients diagnosed using clinical features and laboratory parameters. Portal venous Doppler and liver sonoelastography were performed in selected subjects for obtaining measurements of HDLI (portal vein diameter/mean velocity) and hepatic elastic modulus respectively. Within 3 days of ultrasound, the subjects underwent upper GI endoscopy for assessment of presence, VNT and grade (F1, F2, F3) of varices. Subjects were divided into two groups (without and with varices) and data analyzed using XLSTAT. A total of 60 subjects (26 without and 34 with varices) were evaluated. Mean Doppler HDLI of subjects with varices was significantly higher (0.72 vs. 0.59, p <0.0001) with progressive increase in values with variceal grade, being highest in grade-F3 (mean 0.77). Likewise, mean hepatic elastic modulus was also higher in subjects with varices (28.9 vs. 12.6kPa, p <0.0001) and showed progressive increase with grade (51.1kPa for F3). For predicting presence of varices, maximum accuracy of elastic modulus was at cut-off of 14.5kPa (sensitivity, specificity 83% and 84.6%) and Doppler HDLI was at 0.66 (66% and 92.3%). Good inter-rater agreement was present (κ 0.66). Combination of Doppler HDLI and hepatic elastic modulus is an excellent non-invasive method for predicting the presence, VNT, and variceal grade and may obviate need for routine endoscopic screening in cirrhosis.

Non-invasive tools for the prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhosis: Can advanced ultrasound techniques spare endoscopy?

Non-invasive tools for the prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhosis: Can advanced ultrasound techniques spare endoscopy?

A Study on Platelet Count/ Spleen Diameter Ratio and AST/ALT Ratio as a Marker for Detection of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

A Study on Platelet Count/ Spleen Diameter Ratio and AST/ALT Ratio as a Marker for Detection of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННОЙ ЛАПАРОСКОПИЧЕСКОЙ ЭЗОФАГОГАСТРАЛЬНОЙ ДЕВАСКУЛЯРИЗАЦИИ

Background. Transabdominal gastroesophageal devascularization is a technically feasible backup operation for most general surgeons in case of failure of endoscopic prophylaxis of bleeding from esophageal varices. There is an emerging trend in the development of laparoscopic technologies in the surgical correction of complications of portal hypertension. Purpose. Assessment of the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification. Material and methods. In the period from 2009 to 2020, the results of treatment of 31 patients were studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups by the method of simple randomization. In the control group, surgery was performed in a standard way, in the main group - in the modification we proposed. Results. The use of our proposed technological methods when performing the stage of transection of the abdominal esophagus during laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification reduced the frequency of technical difficulties at this stage, which caused conversions, anastomotic leakage and other intra and postoperative complications. In the long-term period, there was a decrease in the degree of esophageal varices, a decrease in the frequency of recurrent bleeding and mortality, as well as an improvement in the quality of life in patients after a modified operation in comparison with the standard technique. Laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in our modification shows better results as a method of secondary prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis of the liver in patients with a high risk of recurrence than the use of endoscopic sclerosis of esophageal varices, is characterized by a lower incidence of repeated episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices and less lethality. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the immediate and long-term results of the use of laparoscopic esophagogastric devascularization in its own modification in the clinic, it should be noted the reproducibility of the surgical intervention, its effectiveness and safety.

Hepatosplenic shear wave elastography for prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhosis: a promising future?

Hepatosplenic shear wave elastography for prediction of esophageal varices in cirrhosis: a promising future?

Efficacy of Octreotide Versus Terlipressin along with Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (EVL) in Preventing Re-bleeding and Mortality in Acute Bleeding Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis: A Randomized Prospective Study

Background: Octreotide and terlipressin are two pharmacologic drugs used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of acute esophageal variceal bleeding. Large enough clinical trial data is not available, in comparing the efficacy of octreotide versus terlipressin as an adjunct to EVL for control of variceal bleed. Still, there is a scarcity of data on which is the better efficient drug amongst terlipress in and octreotide to control 5 days rebleeding.&#x0D; Aim: To compare efficacy of octreotide versus terlipressin in preventing the 6 weeks mortality (primary outcome) and 5 days rebleeding (secondary outcome) in cases of acute esophageal variceal bleeding.&#x0D; Method: All the patients of cirrhosis of liver presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding admitted in the Medicine Intensive Care Unit(MICU) at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH) will be enrolled. In this Randomized Prospective study ,patients presenting with acute esophageal variceal bleed, after diagnostic endoscopy during a period of one year (august 2020 to july 2021) will be randomised into two group by simple randomisation with chits: Group A will receive Terlipressin while Group B will receive Octreotide for 5 days combined with esophageal variceal ligation. These two groups will be compared in terms of hemodynamic effects, child pugh score, MELD (Model for End stage Liver Disease) score to predict 6 weeks mortality as primary outcome and 5 day treatment failure as secondary outcome according to Bavino VI consensus statement.&#x0D; Expected results: From our study we are anticipating that both octreotide and terlipressin will be equally efficacious in controlling the EVB when given along with EVL therapy and also there will be no difference in both the drugs in preventing 6 weeks mortality and 5 days rebleeding.&#x0D; Conclusion: There will be no significant difference between Terlipressin and Octreotide in preventing 6 week mortality and 5 day rebleeding in bleeding esophageal varices when given along with EVL therapy.

Nonsurgical Secondary Prophylaxis of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nonsurgical secondary prophylaxis interventions for esophageal varices (EV) rebleeding in cirrhotic patients using network meta-analysis. Secondary prophylaxis of EV rebleeding in cirrhosis is searched on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. The quality of literatures was extracted by 2 independent investigators according to the requirements of Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Version 5.0.0. Meta-analysis was performed on Review Manager 5.3 software for the incidence of cirrhosis EV rebleeding, rebleeding-related mortality, and overall mortality; and STATA 15.1 software was used for network meta-analysis. In all, 57 randomized controlled trials were reviewed. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL)+argon plasma coagulation has not been recommended by guidelines, and it is rarely used; the number of existing studies and the sample size are small. Considering poor stability of the combined results, these studies were excluded; 55 literatures were included. In terms of reducing the incidence of rebleeding, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) (94.3%) was superior to EBL+endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) (84.4%), EIS+β-blockers (77.9%), EBL (59.8%), EBL+β-blockers+isosorbide-5-mononitrate (52.7%), EBL+β-blockers (51.4%), EIS (34.2%), β-blockers+isosorbide-5-mononitrate (23.7%), β-blockers (20.8%), and placebo (0.8%). In reducing rebleeding-related mortality, TIPS SUCRA (87.2%) was more efficacious than EBL+EIS (83.5%), EIS (47.9%), EBL+β-blockers (47.4%), β-blockers (41.8%), EBL (34.5%), and placebo (7.6%). In reducing overall mortality, TIPS SUCRA (81.1%) was superior to EBL+EIS (68.9%), EIS+β-blockers (59.2%), EBL+β-blockers (55.4%), EIS (48.8%), EBL (48.7%), β-blockers (34.2%), placebo (3.6%). TIPS was more effective in reducing the incidence of cirrhosis EV rebleeding, rebleeding-related mortality, and overall mortality in cirrhosis. Combined with the above results, TIPS is more likely to be recommended as a secondary prophylaxis intervention for EV in cirrhosis.

Predictive Values of Platelets Count and Spleen Diameter in the Diagnosis of Esophageal Varices in Black African Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage from ruptured esophageal varices is of concern in Africa where gastrointestinal fibroscopy for diagnosis is lacking. Purpose: To determine the performance of the length of the spleen, of the platelet count in the diagnosis of esophageal varices (OVs) by specifying the diagnostic thresholds in order to facilitate the prophylaxis of varicose hemorrhages in black African cirrhotic patients. Material and Method: This was a prospective study with a descriptive and analytical aim on cirrhotic patients hospitalized at the university hospital of Bouake (Ivory Coast) from 2017 to 2019. The patients included in the study were the cirrhotic of black race hospitalized having carried out an abdominal ultrasound with measurement of the spleen diameter (SD), an eso-gastro-duodenal endoscopy, and a blood count with platelet count (PC). The first primary endpoint was the diagnosis of esophageal varices in cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was retained by the combination of clinical, biological, ultrasound and endoscopic arguments. The OVs were distributed according to size and the presence of red signs. The platelet count, and the measurement of the spleen to calculate the PC/SD ratio were the second endpoint. The secondary endpoints studied were, the viral and ethyl etiologies of the cirrhosis, the Chlid-Pugh prognostic score. Performance was assessed using the ROC curve. The difference was significant for p less than 0.05. Results: The study included 101 patients; they were 79 men (78.2%) and 22 women (21.8%). The mean age of the cirrhotic patients was 48 ± 14. Esophageal varices were present in (n = 93; 92%) of cases. The different etiologies were hepatitis B virus (HBV) (n = 65; 78.3%), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n = 21; 25, 3%), and alcohol (n = 6; 7.2%). Platelet count (PC) 130 mm) and PC/SD ratio 102 mm predicted 75% of OVs (AUROC = 0.797). CP with a cutoff 129 mm predicted large OVs. Conclusion: Platelet count, spleen diamater, and PC/SD ratio were all performant for the diagnosis of OVs in our setting with better diagnostic performance for PC/SD. This report could help initiate prophylactic treatment for OVs rupture in cirrhotic patients in health centers where gastrointestinal endoscopy is lacking.

Evaluation of non-invasive marker of esophageal varices in cirrhosis of liver.

Introduction:Esophageal varices develop as a consequence of portal hypertension (PHT) in patients with chronic liver disease. Hence, screening of all cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to detect the presence of significant esophageal varices implies a number of unnecessary endoscopies and has its limitation where such facilities are not available, especially in the rural part of country.Method:Patients with either sex, aged between 18 and 60 years with diagnosis of cirrhosis were studied. Detailed history, physical examination along with relevant investigations were recorded and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done within 2–3 days of investigation. Esophageal varices were graded as I-IV, using the Paquet grading system and patients were classified dichotomously either as having large esophageal varices (LEV) group A (Grade III-IV) and no varices group B (grade I-II).Result:A total of 50 patients with cirrhosis of liver were recruited in the study. Among hematological markers, only low platelet count was significantly associated with the presence of LEV (P value <0.05). None of the biochemical markers were found to be significantly associated with LEV. All the ultrasonographic parameters, i.e. spleen size, splenic vein size, portal vein size, and the presence of portosystemic collaterals were found to be significantly associated with the presence of LEV (P value <0.05).Conclusion:Though upper gastrointestinal endoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients,those patients at high risk of having LEV can be screened by using clinical, hematological, biochemical, and radiological markers.

Development and Validation of an Noninvasive Model for Predicting High Risk Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

Development and Validation of an Noninvasive Model for Predicting High Risk Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

Point Shear Wave Elastography of the Spleen in Predicting the Presence of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis: Liver Stiffness vs. Spleen Stiffness

Objective: To determine the diagnostic ability of the spleen and liver stiffness in predicting the presence of esophageal varices (EVs). Methods: A sample of cirrhotic patients, diagnosed with sonography, was recruited. The cohorts’ liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) were measured with the Philips’ Elast PQ technique. Platelet count and spleen size were also documented. The endoscopic report was used as the diagnostic gold standard. Singular and combined parameters were assessed to determine the presence of EV using an independent variable t test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and multilogistic regression analysis statistical tests. Results: In predicting the presence of EV, there was a statistically significant difference in means of SS (2.13 ± 0.69 m/s vs. 3.23 ± 1.32 m/s) and LS (2.33 ± 1.20 m/s vs. 3.05 ± 1.4 m/s), as well as discriminating between groups of patients, with and without EV. The ability to diagnostically classify EV with SS and LS was fair while the remaining parameters were deemed poor, using a SS cutoff value of 1.99 m/s. Conclusion: Despite the difference in means, none of the assessed parameters demonstrated a better classification ability than endoscopy. LS and SS were equal in the prediction of EV in these patients. The LS estimate of fibrosis would have grossly predicted the presence of varices. However, the addition of SS, for the estimation of varices, provided no significant benefit.

A novel therapeutic strategy for esophageal varices using endoscopic treatment combined with splenic artery embolization according to the Child-Pugh classification.

Variceal hemorrhage may cause high rebleeding and mortality rates. Preventing the first episode of variceal bleeding is mandatory in patients with high-risk esophageal varices (EV). This study aimed to identify factors that predict the recurrence of EV after endoscopic treatment (ET), and to develop a reasonable therapeutic strategy for EV in cirrhosis. From January 2012 to December 2014, 45 patients with cirrhosis and high-risk EV underwent ET, including sclerotherapy and/or ligation. Statistical analyses identified factors associated with the recurrence of EV after ET, and the Kaplan-Meier method determined the cumulative variceal recurrence rates. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative posttreatment recurrence rates for EV were 13.3%, 29.5%, and 32.2%, respectively. No significant differences were evident between the patients with and without variceal recurrences at 1-year posttreatment. The multivariate regression analyses identified a history of partial splenic embolization (PSE) and the pretreatment Child-Pugh classification as independent predictors of variceal recurrences at 2 years (p < 0.05) and 3 years (p < 0.05) posttreatment. While EV did not recur after ET and splenic artery embolization in cases with Child-Pugh class A, the overall posttreatment variceal recurrence rates were 0% and 66.7% when PSE was performed before and after ET, respectively, in those with Child-Pugh class B or C. Splenic artery embolization significantly reduced the hepatic venous pressure gradient and markedly lowered the Child-Pugh score in 15 patients. Adjunctive PSE and pretreatment Child-Pugh class A could be independently associated with reduced cumulative recurrence rates of EV post-ET. From the perspectives of portal hemodynamics and hepatic function, splenic artery embolization before or after ET could prevent posttreatment variceal recurrence in patients with Child-Pugh class A, and PSE before ET could achieve the long-term eradication of EV following ET in those with Child-Pugh class B or C.

Emergency sclerotherapy or band ligation combined with vasoactive drugs for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis

Emergency sclerotherapy or band ligation combined with vasoactive drugs for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis

Liver Stiffness Detected by Shear Wave Elastography Predicts Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients.

Ultrasound elastography has become a promising noninvasive approach for assessing liver fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis ability of liver stiffness detected by shear wave elastography (SWE) for predicting the presence of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patients. Four hundred sixty-eight cirrhotic patients were enrolled consecutively. Liver stiffness and EVs were detected by SWE and endoscopy, respectively. The baseline characteristics were recorded, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were used to compare the diagnosis accuracy. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors for EVs in cirrhosis. The mean liver stiffness was 18.4 kPa with a range of 6.8 to 52.5 kPa. Two hundred seventy-one patients had no EVs (57.9%), 139 patients had F1 EVs (29.7%), and 58 patients had high-risk EVs (12.4%). The optimal cutoff values of SWE for predicting EVs and high-risk varices were 18.5 and 20.4 kPa, respectively. The AUROCs for predicting the incidence of EVs were 0.792 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.884-0.842), 0.814 (95% CI, 0.658-0.875), and 0.895 (95% CI, 0.813-0.918) for platelet, platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio, and liver stiffness, respectively. For predicting the presence of high-risk varices, liver stiffness again had the highest AUROC. Multivariate analysis identified liver stiffness and platelet count-to-spleen diameter ratio as independent predictive factors for EVs in cirrhosis. Liver stiffness measured by SWE is an effective diagnostic tool for predicting EVs with greater accuracy, and SWE value is an independent factor for predicting high-risk EVs.

Novel endoscopic treatment strategy for early esophageal cancer in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices.

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and radiofrequency ablation for early esophageal cancer (EEC) in cirrhotic patients has not been thoroughly investigated to date. The present study aimed to establish a standard treatment strategy for EEC in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices. Six cirrhotic patients with early flat-type EECs (high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) on or adjacent to esophageal varices were enrolled. Esophageal varix ligation (EVL) or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) were used for the initial management of esophageal varices. Follow-up endoscopy was performed two months following the initial procedure. The mean longitudinal length of the lesions was 4.3 cm (range, 2-6 cm). The average procedure time was 72.8 min (range, 34-135 min) and the average longitudinal length of the resected specimens was 45.6 mm (range, 30-90 mm). One case had a tumor-positive lateral margin with lymphovascular infiltration. Both complete and curative resection rates were 80% (4/5 lesions). Large intraoperative bleeding was detected in patients undergoing EVL compared with TIPS prior to the ESD procedure. No severe complications or mortality-associated events, including massive postoperative bleeding, perforation or hepatic failure, were observed. No recurrence and metastasis were observed during the follow-up period. The current study suggested a novel treatment strategy for EECs complicated by esophageal varices in cirrhosis with good treatment results, no neoplastic progression and an acceptable adverse event profile.

Outcome of Esophageal Variceal Ligation in Cirrhotic Patients: Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka

Background: Bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis is an emergency condition. Esophageal varices band ligation has shown better results in terms of variceal obliteration as well as having fewer side effects like ulceration, perforation and stricture formation.&#x0D; Methods: This observational study was conducted at the gastroenterology department of BIRDEM general hospital, from September 2014 to March 2015. Subjects were eligible if they had a diagnosis of cirrhosis based on history, physical examination, biochemical parameters and presence of esophageal varices in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. All patients were tested to determine the cause of liver cirrhosis. All patients under-went upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after consent. Esophageal variceal ligation was done at appropriate situation and patients were followed up later on. SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: The sample size was 69. The cumulative mean age was 55.58±14.462 years (range: 20-90), with gender-based mean age of 54.76±15.704 years for males and 57.22±11.739 years for female. Mild portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) was found 31 (44.9%) patient and severe PHG 36 (52.2%). Patients were followed up for mean period of 8.52±3.6 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 25 (36.2%) patients, while 06 (8.7%) cases developed re-bleeding during the study period and this type of patients were managed by other modalities or combination therapies. Recurrence of varices occurred in 13 (18.8%). 25 (36.2%) patients reduction of varix size occured after esophageal variceal ligation (EVL), 32 (46.4%) required second session and 12 (17.4%) required more than second session (Table-2). Thirty nine (56.5%) patients experienced minor adverse events like GI discomfort (retrosternal pain or dysphagia), while severe adverse events were noticed in 13 (18.8%) patients. Fundal varix was found among 8 (11.6%) patient on follow up endoscopy and GAVE found in 6 (8.69%) patients. All patient developed PHG during follow up endoscopy.&#x0D; Conclusion: Band ligation eradicates esophageal varices with less complications and a lower re-bleeding rate, but at the same time eradication is associated with more frequent development of PHG and fundal varices.&#x0D; Birdem Med J 2019; 9(1): 63-69