Colonic variceal hemorrhage after endoscopic injection sclerosis of esophageal varices: a report of three cases

Abstract

Three of 119 patients (2.5%) bled from rectosigmoidal varices after endoscopic injection sclerosis of esophageal varices. All three patients had cirrhosis with portal hypertension. A mean of four injection procedures were performed before colonic variceal hemorrhage which followed a mean duration of 8 wk. Mean transfusion requirement was 4 U per patient. Colonoscopy and mesenteric angiography were useful in confirming the presence of rectosigmoidal varices and all patients survived with conservative therapeutic measures. No rebleeding from colonic varices was observed over a maximum 24-month follow-up period.