Endoscopic injection of bleeding esophageal varices with a poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel formulation in the canine portal hypertension model

Background: It has been shown that poly-N-acetyl glucosamine produces rapid hemostasis by stimulating erythrocyte aggregation. Endoscopic injection of this Substance may be effective in the treatment of bleeding varices. Methods: In eight heparinized dogs with a bleeding esophageal varix greater than 2 mm in diameter, 2.5% to 3.5% poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel was inje cted intravariceally and paravariceally, Endoscopy, endosonography, and his topathology were performed at 1, 7, 21, and 90 days after injection. Results: In all cases, the variceal hemorrhage was stopped with three to fo ur injections of a mean total gel volume df 1.9 mL. No recurrence of bleedi ng, ulceration, or stricture formation occurred. Through replacement of the gel by connective tissue, the varix was permanently obliterated in its who le course in five cases and in more than 70% of its length in three cases. No embolization and no poly-N-acetyl glucosamine antibodies were detected. Conclusions: Endoscopic injection of bleeding esophageal varices in this an imal model with the use of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel was an effective a nd safe method for stopping the hemorrhage and inducing permanent varix obl iteration.