ESOPHAGEAL-PERFORATION FOLLOWING ENDOSCOPIC VARICEAL LIGATION AND BALLOON TAMPONADE

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) related complication is rarely repo rted. A case is presented of a 74 year old man with oesophageal varice al bleeding who developed oesophageal perforation following EVL and ba lloon tamponade. An oesophageal wall defect was induced by EVL and tis sue repair was hindered by decompensated liver reserve and shock statu s; concomitant balloon tamponade precipitated oesophageal perforation. The case is reported to draw attention to oesophageal perforation aft er concurrent use of balloon tamponade and EVL.