ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENTS FOR PORTAL-HYPERTENSION

Endoscopic treatments for bleeding gastro-oesophageal varices include injection sclerotherapy, variceal obturation with tissue adhesives and variceal rubber band ligation. Today, endoscopic treatments are not r ecommended for the primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Acute inj ection sclerotherapy remains a quick and simple technique for the cont rol of active bleeding from oesophageal varices. Its efficacy may be i mproved by the early administration of vasoactive drugs. Banding ligat ion is the optimal endoscopic treatment for the prevention of rebleedi ng from oesophageal varices. The use of tissue adhesives and thrombin as injectates to treat bleeding fundal gastric varices and oesophageal varices not responding to vasoactive drugs or sclerotherapy is promis ing but needs further assessment by means of randomized controlled tri als.