Endoscopic band ligation of Dieulafoy-like lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Background and Study Aims: Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is currently cons idered to be the treatment of choice for esophageal variceal bleeding. This study reports on the efficacy and safety of EBL in patients v-vith Dieulaf oy-like bleeding lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Patients and Methods: Between December 1994 and February 2000, 23 patients with upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage (median age 58, range 28-75) w ere treated using EBL. EBL was used as a rescue therapy in four patients an d as the initial treatment in 19 patients. Results: The site of bleeding was the stomach in 10 patients, Billroth II a nastomosis in 10, the first part of the duodenum in one, the second part of the duodenum in one, and the jejunum in one patient. Endoscopic band ligat ion was successful in 22 of the 23 patients. The remaining patient, a young man with a Dieulafoy-like lesion in the jejunum, had recurrent bleeding on day 5 after EBL and underwent elective surgery. Conclusions: Endoscopic band ligation is an effective and safe endoscopic t reatment for Dieulafoy-like lesions. It is easy to use and relatively inexp ensive.