[Primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients]

Abstract

During 2004 and 2005 we selected ten motivated and well informed patients affected by hepatic cirrhosis and medium-large esophageal varices; we performed endoscopic band ligation to prevent the first bleeding episode in these patients because not eligible for non selective beta-blockers full dose therapy. After over 3 years' follow-up we have no found fatal or not varices related complications. Five patients died from hepatic failure. Recent literature highlights endoscopic band ligation usefulness because of favourable cost-effectiveness ratio and good quality of life in well selected patients treated by a skilled endoscopic team.