BALLOON-OCCLUDED RETROGRADE TRANSVENOUS OBLITERATION FOR GASTRIC VARICES - A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of balloon-occluded retr ograde transvenous obliteration (BORTO) for gastric varices. Methods: BORTO was performed in 14 patients with gastric varices due to liver c irrhosis. The gastric varices were confirmed by endoscopy, and their f eeding and draining veins were identified by contrast-enhanced compute d tomography (CT) and angiography. A 6 Fr Simmons-shaped balloon cathe ter was inserted into the gastrorenal shunt, The balloon was inflated, and 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol was infused slowly through the c atheter. Patients were followed up with endoscopy and enhanced CT at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure and every 6 months there after. Results: The gastric varices completely disappeared in 12 of 14 patients and was partially resolved in the remaining 2 patients, Neit her a recurrence nor an aggravation of gastric varices were found. No major complications were experienced. Conclusion: BORTO is a safe and effective treatment for gastric varices.