Endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic tissue adhesive injection in the treatment of gastric varices:Which is better?

The combination of endoscopic ultrasound with endoscopic treatment of type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage may improve the robustness and generalizability of the findings in future studies.Moreover,the esophageal varices should also be included in the evaluation of treatment efficacy in subsequent studies to reach a more convincing conclusion.

Percutaneous transsplenic embolization of esophageal and gastrio-fundal varices in 18 patients

AIM: Clinical application and potential complication of percutaneous transsplenic varices embolization (PTSVE) of esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal vein cancerous thrombosis (PVCT).METHODS: 18 patients with HCC complicated with PVCT and esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices who underwent PTSVE were collected. The rate of success, complication, mortality of the procedure and postoperative complication were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS: PTSVE were successfully performed in 16 of 18cases, and the rate of success was 89%. After therapy erythrocyte counts decreased in all of the natunts. 5 of patients needed blood transfusion, 2 patients requiredsurgical intervention because of and 11 patients with ascites were alleviated by diuresis. Among these 18patients, the procedure-related mortality was 11% (2/18),one died of acute hepatic failure on the forth day after procedure, another died of acute renal failure on the fifth day. The patients were follow up for 112 mon exceptone. 13of them died of their tumors but none of them experienced variceal bleeding.CONCLUSION: PTSVE is a relatively safe and effective method to treat esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in HCCpatients with PVCT when percutaneous transhepatic varices embolization (PTHVE) of varices is impossible.

Prognosis of hepatic cirrhosis patients with esophageal or gastric variceal hemorrhage: multivariate analysis

Objective: To study the effect of bacterial infection, use of antibiotics, active bleeding at endoscopy, and the severity of liver disease as prognostic factors in hepatic cirrhotic patients during the first 5 days after the episode of esophageal or gastric variceal hemor- rhage. Methods: Seventy-six hepatic cirrhosis patients with esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding were enrolled. Bleeding was managed in a standardized protocol u- sing octreotide and vasopressin in sclerotherapy or band ligation for active bleeding at endoscopy. The screening protocol for bacterial infection consisted of chest radiograph; blood, urine and ascitic fluid cul- tures; the severity of liver disease shown by Child- Pugh score. Results: Active bleeding was observed at endoscopy in 40 patients (53%). Failure to control bleeding Within 5 days occurred in 36 patients (45%). Empir- ical antibiotic treatment was used in 53 patients (67%), whereas bacterial infections were documen- ted in 43 patients (57%). Multivariate analysis showed that proven bacterial infection (P<0.01) or antibiotic use (P<0.05) as well as active bleeding at endoscopy (P<0.01) and Child-Pugh score (P< 0.01) were independent prognostic factors of failure to control bleeding. Conclusion: Bacterial infection is associated with fai- lure to control esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding in hepatic cirrhotic patients.

Could there be light at the end of the tunnel? Mesocaval shunting for refractory esophageal varices in patients with contraindications to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Cirrhotic patients with recurrent variceal bleeds who have failed prior medical and endoscopic therapies and are not transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt candidates face a grim prognosis with limited options. We propose that mesocaval shunting be offered to this group of patients as it has the potential to decrease portal pressures and thus decrease the risk of recurrent variceal bleeding. Mesocaval shunts are stent grafts placed by interventional radiologists between the mesenteric system, most often the superior mesenteric vein, and the inferior vena cava. This allows flow to bypass the congested hepatic system, reducing portal pressures. This technique avoids the general anesthesia and morbidity associated with surgical shunt placement and has been successful in several case reports. In this paper we review the technique, candidate selection, potential pitfalls and benefits of mesocaval shunt placement.

New methods for the management of gastric varices

Bleeding from gastric varices has been successfully treated by endoscopic modalities. Once the bleeding from the gastric varices is stabilized, endoscopic treatment and/or interventional radiology should be performed to eradicate varices completely. Partial splenic artery embolization is a supplemental treatment to prolong the obliteration of the veins feeding and/or draining the varices. The overall incidence of bleeding from gastric varices is lower than that from esophageal varices. No studies to date have defi nitively characterized the causal factors behind bleeding from gastric varices. The initial episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices or gastric varices without prior treatment may be at least partly triggered by a violation of the mucosal barrier overlying varices. This is especially likely in the case of varices of the fundus. In view of the high rate of hemostasis achieved among bleeding gastric varices, treatment should be administered in selective cases. Among untreated cases, steps to prevent gastric mucosal injury confer very important protection against gastric variceal bleeding.

Triplex operation for portal hypertension with esophageal variceal bleeding:report of 140 cases

BACKGROUND:Portal hypertension is a common dis ease. The surgical therapy of this disease focuses on the re sultant upper digestive tract bleeding, which can imperi patients' life directly. This study was to evaluate the effect of triplex operation ( mesocaval C shunt with artificia graft, ligation of the coronary vein and splenic artery) on portal hypertension and its associated upper digestive tract bleeding. METHODS: A retrospective study was made on clinical da- ta of 140 patients undergoing triplex operation, who had suffered from portal hypertension and upper digestive tract bleeding. RESULTS: Postoperative portal pressure was 25-43 cmH2 O ( preoperative portal pressure 27-45 cmH2 O ) with the average reduction of 10 cmH2O. One patient (0.7%) died of cerebrovascular disease. Five patients (3.5%) suffered from mild hepatic encephalopathy, which was ameliorated through conservative treatment. Lymphatic fistula occurred in 3 patients (2.1% ) who recovered without treatment 5, 10 days and 3 months after operation respectively. One hundred patients were followed up for 1 month to 6 years without recurrent hemorrhage or hepatic encephalopathy. Hypersplenism and ascites disappeared in 70 patients (70% ) and 80 patients (80% ) respectively. A significant reduction of ascites was seen in 12 patients(12% ). The arti- ficial vessels remained unblocking detected by B type ultra- sonography and Doppler sonography in 95 patients (95% ). CONCLUSION: Triplex operation is suitable for patients with the following portal hypertensions; portal hyperten- sion caused by simple occlusion of the hepatic vein (a patho- logical type of Budd-Chiari syndrome); thrombosis of the portal vein or prehepatic portal hypertension because of cavernous transformation; intrahepatic portal hypertension with rebleeding after splenectomy or non-operation, and those patients with liver function in grade A or B according to the Child-Pugh classification.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure is independently associated with higher mortality for cirrhotic patients with acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage:Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage(AEVH)is a common complication of cirrhosis and might precipitate multi-organ failure,causing acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).AIM To analyze if the presence and grading of ACLF as defined by European Society for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure(EASL-CLIF)is able to predict mortality in cirrhotic patients presenting AEVH.METHODS Retrospective cohort study executed in Hospital Geral de Caxias do Sul.Data from medical records from 2010 to 2016 were obtained by searching the hospital electronic database for patients who received terlipressin.Medical records were reviewed in order to determine the diagnosis of cirrhosis and AEVH,including 97 patients.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for univariate analysis and a stepwise approach to the Cox regression for multivariate analysis.RESULTS All-cause mortality for AEVH patients was 36%,40.2%and 49.4%for 30-,90-and 365-day,respectively.The prevalence of ACLF was 41.3%.Of these,35%grade 1,50%grade 2 and 15%grade 3.In multivariate analysis,the non-use of non-selective beta-blockers,presence and higher grading of ACLF and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores were independently associated with higher mortality for 30-day with the addition of higher Child-Pugh scores for 90-day period.CONCLUSION Presence and grading of ACLF according to the EASL-CLIF criteria was independently associated with higher 30-and 90-day mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted due to AEVH.

Is there an alternative therapy to cyanoacrylate injection for safe and effective obliteration of bleeding gastric varices?

TO THE EDITORWe read with interest the article entitled ＂Bleeding gastric varices： Results of endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital＂ by Noophun et al. They performed n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate （CA） injection therapy for bleeding gastric varices in twentyfour patients, and hemostasis was achieved in seventeen （71%） patients. They concluded that CA injection therapy was effective and safe for bleeding gastric varices. However, we disagreed with the author＇s conclusion.

Update on the management of gastrointestinal varices

Cirrhosis of liver is a major problem in the western world. Portal hypertension is a complication of cirrhosis and can lead to a myriad of pathology of which include the development of porto-systemic collaterals. Gastrointestinal varices are dilated submucosal veins, which often develop at sites near the formation of gastroesophageal collateral circulation. The incidence of varices is on the rise due to alcohol and obesity. The most significant complication of portal hypertension is life-threatening bleeding from gastrointestinal varices, which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. In addition, this can cause a significant burden on the health care facility. Gastrointestinal varices can happen in esophagus, stomach or ectopic varices. There has been considerable progress made in the understanding of the natural history, pathophysiology and etiology of portal hypertension. Despite the development of endoscopic and medical treatments, early mortality due to variceal bleeding remains high due to significant illness of the patient. Recurrent variceal bleed is common and in some cases, there is refractory variceal bleed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the management of gastrointestinal varices with an emphasis on endoscopic interventions, strategies to handle refractory variceal bleed and newer endoscopic treatment modalities. Early treatment and improved endoscopic techniques can help in improving morbidity and mortality.

Comparison of embolic agents for varices during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for variceal bleeding: Tissue gel or coil?

Purpose:We aimed to compare treatment efficacy,safety and material cost between tissue gel and coil regarding variceal embolization during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).Materials&Methods:This retrospective study including cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding treated with TIPS combined with variceal embolization between January 2016 and August 2017.Patients were divided into three groups according to embolic agents used in variceal embolization:tissue gel group(Group A),combination group(Group B),and coil group(Group C).The primary endpoint was 1-year rebleeding rate after TIPS creation.The secondary endpoints included shunt dysfunction,overt hepatic encephalopathy,liver function,and embolic agents-related expense.Results:A total of 60 patients(30,10,and 20 in Group A,B,and C)were included.Variceal rebleeding occurred in3(10%),0(0%),and 4(20%)patients within one year after TIPS creation in Group A,B,and C,respectively.Stent dysfunction occurred in 2(3.3%)patients and 9(15.0%)patients experienced overt hepatic encephalopathy.No significant differences were observed between three groups regarding primary and secondary endpoints except embolic agents-related expense,with a significantly lower cost in Group A when compared to the other two groups.Stent dysfunction occurred in two patients,with one patient in Group A developed acute occlusion caused by thrombus and another patient in Group C underwent stent stenosis during follow-up.Conclusions:Compares to coil alone or combines with coil,tissue gel has similar treatment efficacy and safety,but with significantly lower cost for variceal bleeding during TIPS.

Preliminary research of the therapeutic efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided selective varices devascularization for the treatment of esophagogastric varices(with video)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided selective varices devascularization (EUS-SVD) for the treatment of esophagogastric varices.Methods A total of 43 cases of liver cirrhosis with esophageal and gastric varices at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from February to December 2021 were included in a retrospective cohort study.

Role of self-expanding metal stents in the management ofvariceal haemorrhage:Hype or hope?

Despite the advances of medical,endoscopic and radiological therapy over recent years the mortality rates of acute variceal haemorrhage are still 16%-20% and the medium term outcome has not improved in the last 25 years. Early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has proved to be an effective therapy for selected groups of patients with a high risk of re-bleeding and moderate liver disease. However,there is an unmet need for a therapy that can be applied in patients with a high risk of re-bleeding and advanced liver disease either as definitive therapy or as a bridge to permanent therapy. Selfexpanding metal stents can be placed without the need for endoscopic or fluoroscopic control and,once in place,will provide effective haemostasis and allow a route for oral fluids and nutrition. They can remain in place whilst liver function recovers and secondary prophylaxis is initiated. We review the results of 6 case series including a total of 83 patients and the first randomised controlled trial of self-expanding metal stents vs balloon tamponade(BT) in the management of refractory variceal haemorrhage. We report that self-expanding metal stents provide effective haemostasis and perform better than BT in refractory bleeding,where they are associated with fewer complications. Whilst the most effective place for self-expanding metal stents in the management algorithm needs to be determined by further randomised controlled trials,currently they provide an effective alternative to BT in selected patients.

A new technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation for variceal bleeding

AIM: To develop a technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation (ESL) in which both techniques of endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) can be optimally used.METHODS: ESL was performed in 10 patients (age 46.4±7.9;9 males, 1 female) with cirrhosis of liver using sclerotherapy needle and Speedband, Superview multiple band ligater (Boston Scientific, Microvasive, Watertown, MA). A single band was placed 5-10 cm proximal to the gastro-esophageal junction over each varix from proximal to distal margin,followed by intravariceal injection of 1.5 % ethoxysclerol (4 ml each) 2 to 3 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction on the ligated varices distal to deployed band. EVL was then performed at the injection site. Similarly other varices were also injected and ligated from distal to proximally. In the subsequent sessions, ES alone was performed to sclerose small varices at the gastroesophageal junction.RESULTS: ESL was successfully performed in all patients.A median of 3 (ESL 1, ES 2) sessions (ranged 1-4) were required to eradicate the varices in 9 (90 %) of 10 patients.Recurrence of varices without bleed was seen in 1 patient during a mean follow-up of 10.3 months (ranged 6-15).Two patients died of liver failure. None died of variceal bleeding. None of the patients had procedure related complications.CONCLUSION: ESL may be useful in the fast eradication of esophageal varices. However, randomised controlled trials are required to find out its relative efficacy and impact on variceal recurrence in comparison to ES or EVL.

Preoperative trans-jugular porto-systemic shunt for oncological gastric surgery in a cirrhotic patient

Abdominal surgery in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension is associated with high incidence ofdisease and mortality.In these patients,oncological gastric procedures with lymph-nodes dissection show much higher complication rates than in normotensive portal vein patients.Thus,normalization of portal vein pressure may be a favorable determinant factor to reduce complications.We report a case of a patient with hepatitis C virus-related hepatic cirrhosis,esophageal varices,portal hypertension and gastric cancer.We demonstrated the efficacy of a preoperative trans-jugular porto-systemic shunt to perform oncological radical resection more safely.We retained preoperative the trans-jugular porto-systemic shunt in the patients with elevated portal pressure and gastric cancer to perform a gastrectomy more safely and to decrease morbidity and mortality of these cases.

Acute variceal bleeding:general management

TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR ACUTE VARICEAL BLEEDINGBackgoundAcute variceal bleeding has a significant mortality which ranges form 5% to 50% in patients with cirrhosis[1].Overall survival is probably improving,because of new therapeutic approaches,and improved medical care.However,mortality is still closely related to failure to control hacmorrhage or carly rebleeding,which is a distinct characteristic of portal hypertensive bleeding and occures in as many as 50% of patients in the first days to 6 weeks after admission et al[2].

Percutaneous transhepatic intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for variceal bleeding: A series of six cases and literature review

Objectives:To present a case series of modified transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(TIPS) and percutaneous transhepatic intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(PTIPS) in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding(VB).In addition,the scientific literature pertaining to PTIPS was reviewed.Methods:This retrospective clinical case series included six cirrhotic patients with VB who were treated with PTIPS after the failure of endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy combined with vasoactive drugs.The treatment was conducted between January 2017 and June 2019 at a single institution.Three patients suffered from severe atrophy of the right or left lobar of the liver as well as the main right or left branch of the portal vein.The remaining three patients showed severe atrophy of the whole liver and portal vein,resulting in widening of the liver fissure.A paired t-test was used to compare the changes in portal pressure gradient between before and after the PTIPS operation.The rebleeding rate,treatment efficacy,complications,and technical success rate were all assessed during follow-up.Results:All six PTIPS procedures were performed successfully,with no severe procedural-related complications observed.None of the patients experienced VB during a mean follow-up of 22.8(range,18.0-28.0) months.The mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from 28.3 ± 4.3 mmHg pre-procedure to 12.3 ± 2.6 mmHg immediately post-procedure(P <0.001).At follow-up,one patient was found to have developed grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy thrice during the first year,according to the West Haven criteria.However,this was resolved following medical treatment.Conclusions:When the patient’s portal venous anatomy is unconducive to the performance of TIPS using the transjugular approach,PTIPS can be considered as a safe,effective complementary surgical approach for patients with VB.

Curative effect and prognosis of endoscopic tissue glue + lauromacrogol therapy for patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding

Objective:To study the curative effect and prognosis of endoscopic tissue glue + lauromacrogol therapy for patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding.Methods: Patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding who underwent endoscopic hemostasis in the First Hospital of Yulin between March 2015 and February 2018 were retrospectively studied and divided into the observation group who accepted endoscopic hemostasis by lauromacrogol - tissue glue - lauromacrogol solution and the control group who accepted endoscopic hemostasis by lipiodol - tissue glue - lipiodol solution according to the history data. After treatment, the hemostasis time was observed, and the differences in blood routine indicators, stress-related hormones, oxidation-related mediators and inflammation-related mediators were compared.Results: The mean hemostasis time of observation group was shorter than that of control group, hemoglobin and hematokrit after 24 h of treatment were higher than those of control group, and serum GAS, AT-II, NE, E, Cor, MDA, LPO, NO, iNOS, p38MAPK, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were lower than those of control group.Conclusion: Endoscopic tissue glue combined with lauromacrogol therapy is better than tissue glue combined with lipiodol therapy in hemostasis, and can also relieve the oxidative stress response and inflammatory response.

门脉高压性胃病患者中医证型分布特点及其与胃镜下黏膜病变的相关性

目的:明确门脉高压性胃病(portal hypertension gastropathy,PHG)患者中医证型分布特点,探究PHG中医证型与胃镜下黏膜病变特点之间的相关性。方法:采用临床调查方式对符合标准的180例PHG患者中医证型、胃黏膜病变特点等资料进行统计学分析。结果:PHG患者中医证型主要为湿热蕴结证、瘀血阻络证;胃黏膜糜烂、充血、水肿、出血以湿热蕴结证患者多见,瘀血阻络证以PHG重度患者多见;肝气郁结证及瘀血阻络证与肝肾阴虚证、水湿内阻证及脾肾阳虚证相比,食管静脉曲张发病率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:PHG中医证型与胃黏膜病变相关,湿热、瘀血是其主要病理因素。

金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗合并胃肾分流的肝硬化胃静脉曲张患者的效果初探

目的探讨金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗合并胃肾分流的胃静脉曲张患者的效果及安全性。方法纳入2023年2月—2023年6月因肝硬化伴胃静脉曲张于首都医科大学附属北京地坛医院就诊,证实存在胃肾分流(GRS),并接受金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗的患者。主要的评价指标是术后曲张静脉减轻或消失情况,次要评价指标为手术完成情况及并发症。结果共11例合并GRS的胃静脉曲张患者纳入研究,男7例,女4例;中位年龄55岁;肝功能Child-Pugh A级1例,Child-Pugh B级7例,Child-Pugh C级3例;分流道最大直径(中位)8 mm,最小直径(中位)4 mm。治疗前靶血管血流中位流速11 cm/s,金属夹阻断后靶血管中位流速5 cm/s;中位组织胶使用量2 mL,聚桂醇使用量均为1 mL。所有患者手术结束后血流信号100%消失,手术成功率100%。随访6周患者均无再出血发生。术后1个月复查胃镜示静脉曲张根除或基本消失9例,静脉曲张改善2例。结论对于合并GRS的胃静脉曲张肝硬化患者,金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗是一种可行,安全,有效的方法。

Experience in sclerotherapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) for esophagogastric variceal bleeding.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 1010 patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding who underwent sclerotherapy, among whom there were 834 patients with cirrhosis, 160 with hepatocarcinoma, 12 with Budd-Chiari syndrome and 4 with congenital liver fibrosis. Totally, 3203 sessions of sclerotherapy were performed, including 602 sessions of emergency sclerotherapy and 2601 of selective surgery. The average number of sessions of sclerotherapy for the initial treatment in 710 cirrhosis patients who received continuous sclerotherapy was 3.2±1.1 times. Follow-up was done in 579 cirrhosis patients for 3-157 months, with an average period of 42.5±32.8 months.Results The rate of emergency hemostasis in the whole group was 97.0%. The rate of complications was 13.4%, and the mortality rate was 1.8%. The rate of complete eradication and basically complete eradication of esophagogastric varices in cirrhosis patients was 84.1%. The late rebleeding rate was 23.7%, and the survival rates were 95.8%±0.8%, 86.1%±1.6%, 74.5%±2.4%, 53.6%±3.8% at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis.Conclusion EVS is an important method for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding.