EMERGING ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC VARICEAL BAND LIGATION IN THE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL-VARICES

Bleeding from esophageal varices is the most catastrophic complication of portal hypertension. The associated high morbidity and mortality h ave necessitated the development of safe and efficacious therapeutic m odalities. In recent years, endoscopic band ligation of esophageal var ices has proved to be a useful tool in the control of acute variceal b leeding and the prevention of recurrent bleeding. This endoscopic tech nique is faster than sclerotherapy in obliterating esophageal varices, and is associated with significantly lower local esophageal complicat ions. In the forthcoming years, endoscopic band ligation is expected t o gain wider popularity as a definitive therapy for bleeding varices.