Effect of esophageal variceal sclerotherapy on hemorrhoids, anorectal varices and portal colopathy

Background and Study Aims: Endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) results in an inc rease in the prevalence of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), However, the effects of sclerotherapy on hemorrhoids, anorectal or colonic varices a nd portal hypertensive colopathy are not known. The aim of this study was t o investigate these effects. Patients and Methods: A total of 39 patients with portal hypertension were studied, Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and full-length colonoscopy were carried out before the patients underwent EST for esophageal varices, and a fter obliteration of the varices following sclerotherapy, Results: The obliteration of esophageal varices by EST did not significantl y affect the prevalence of hemorrhoids (32 % before and after), anorectal v arices (45 % before and after) or portal hypertensive colopathy (60.5 % bef ore and 66 % after, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Obliteration of esophageal varices does not affect the prevalen ce of hemorrhoids, anorectal varices, or portal hypertensive colopathy.