Esophageal varices are abnormal blood vessels (veins) that develop in the esophagus. They have abnormally thin walls, and the blood pressure within them is very high. This combination makes esophageal varices very dangerous, because they can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.
Endoscopic band ligation is the use of elastic bands to treat the varices. It is done as part of an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy .
This procedure is done to treat esophageal varices (enlarged veins). If left untreated, varices could rupture and bleed severely.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an endoscopic band ligation, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
For this procedure, you will lie on your left side. A mouthpiece will be placed to help keep your mouth open. An assistant will be in the room to monitor your breathing and heart beat. You may also be given oxygen through your nose. A suction tube will be used to clear the saliva and other fluids from your mouth.
A lubricated endoscope will be placed into your mouth. It will be passed down your throat and into your esophagus. The scope will have a small light and a camera. The doctor will watch the images on a video monitor. Air will be passed through the scope to help your doctor see your esophagus. The doctor will be able to locate the enlarged vein.
Instruments will be passed through the scope. The enlarged tissue will be sucked into the device’s chamber. One or more bands will be placed around the tissue to clamp off the blood supply.
Typically, less than one hour
You will usually feel some pressure and discomfort, but not pain, during the procedure. After the procedure, your throat may feel irritated and sore.
You will be taken to a recovery area until the effects of your medicines have worn off. In most cases, you will be observed for about an hour. If you feel well, you can then go home.
After returning home, you should do the following:
In the days or weeks after your procedure, the tissue that was banded will slough off.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
http://www.asge.org/
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
http://www.cag-acg.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Endoscopic hemostatic devices. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: http://www.asge.org/nspages/practice/patientcare/technology/hemostatdevices.cfm. Accessed April 18, 2007.
Upper GI endoscopy. UCSF Gastroenterology Division website. Available at: http://gi.ucsf.edu/proc_upperEndo.html. Accessed April 18, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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