OUTCOME OF ENDOSCOPIC BAND LIGATION FOR OESOPHAGEAL VARICEAL BLEED IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

Background: Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to esophageal varices is a common emergency in gastroenterology unit. The treatment of choice is endoscopic band ligation. The purpose of this study was to see the outcome of endoscopic band ligation in controlling acute oesophageal variceal bleeding and the number of sessions required for complete eradication of varices. Material Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, from April 2011 to August 2012. We included consecutive 113 patients, admitted to this department and underwent endoscopic band ligation for oesophageal varices. All patients had follow-up sessions at two weeks interval and subsequent band ligation was done until complete eradication of oesophageal varices. The outcome was measured in terms of control of bleeding, rebleeding, number of sessions and number of bands required for complete eradication of oesophageal varices and complications. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 10. Results: Out of 113 patients, majority had Child class B 55(48.67%), followed by C 39(34.51%), and A 19(16.81%). Grade 3 oesophageal varices were the most common 78(69.02%), followed by grade 4 25(22.12%). Hemostasis was achieved in 110(97.34%) patients. In majority 69(61.05%) complete eradication was achieved in first 3 sessions. No complication was seen during follow-up. Conclusion: Endoscopic variceal band ligation is an effective modality of treatment for control of acute oesophageal variceal bleeding as well as eradication of oesophageal varices, with fewer complications