Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation in the treatment of bleeding from mild to moderate gastric varices type 1

BACKGROUND According to practice guidelines,endoscopic band ligation(EBL)and endoscopic tissue adhesive injection(TAI)are recommended for treating bleeding from esophagogastric varices.However,EBL and TAI are known to cause serious complications,such as hemorrhage from dislodged ligature rings caused by EBL and hemorrhage from operation-related ulcers resulting from TAI.However,the optimal therapy for mild to moderate type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage(GOV1)has not been determined.Therefore,the aim of this study was to discover an individualized treatment for mild to moderate GOV1.AIM To compare the efficacy,safety and costs of EBL and TAI for the treatment of mild and moderate GOV1.METHODS A clinical analysis of the data retrieved from patients with mild or moderate GOV1 gastric varices who were treated under endoscopy was also conducted.Patients were allocated to an EBL group or an endoscopic TAI group.The differences in the incidence of varicose relief,operative time,operation success rate,mortality rate within 6 wk,rebleeding rate,6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate,complication rate and average operation cost were compared between the two groups of patients.RESULTS The total effective rate of the two treatments was similar,but the efficacy of EBL(66.7%)was markedly better than that of TAI(39.2%)(P<0.05).The operation success rate in both groups was 100%,and the 6-wk mortality rate in both groups was 0%.The average operative time(26 min)in the EBL group was significantly shorter than that in the TAI group(46 min)(P<0.01).The rate of delayed postoperative rebleeding in the EBL group was significantly lower than that in the TAI group(11.8%vs 45.1%)(P<0.01).At 6 wk after the operation,the healing rate of operation-related ulcers in the EBL group was 80.4%,which was significantly greater than that in the TAI group(35.3%)(P<0.01).The incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was similar.The average cost and other related economic factors were greater for the EBL than for the TAI(P<0.01).CONCLUSION For mild to moderate GOV1,patients with EBL had a greater one-time varix eradication rate,a greater 6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate,a lower delayed rebleeding rate and a lower cost than patients with TAI.

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.

Endoscopic band ligation and endoscopic hemoclip placement for patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome and active bleeding

AIM: To compare the hemostatic efficacy and safety of two mechanical endoscopic methods: endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and endoscopic hemoclip placement (EHP) in patients with actively bleeding Mallory-Weiss syndrome (MWS). METHODS: A prospective randomized study to compare the efficacy and safety of EHP with EBL was performed from January 2002 to August 2005. Forty-one patients with active bleeding from MWS were treated with EHP (n = 21) or EBL (n = 20). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups with respect to clinical and endoscopic characteristics. The mean number of hemoclips applied was 3.2 ± 1.5 and the mean number of bands applied was 1.2 ± 0.4. Primary hemostasis was achieved in all patients. Recurrent bleeding was observed in one patient from the EHP group and two from the EBL group. Patients with recurrent bleeding were treated by the same modality as at randomization and secondary hemostasis was achieved in all. There were no significant differences between the two groups in total transfusion amount or duration of hospital stay. No complications or bleeding-related death resulted. CONCLUSION: EHP and EBL are equally effective and safe for the management of active bleeding in patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, even in those with shock or comorbid diseases.

Efficacy of β-adrenergic blocker plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate and endoscopic band ligation for prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding:A meta-analysis

AIM: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of β-adrenergic blocker plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate (BB + ISMN) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of BB + ISMN and EBL on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding were gathered from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trial Registry and China Biological Medicine database between January 1980 and August 2007. Data from five trials were extracted and pooled. The analyses of the available data using the Revman 4.2 software were based on the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria. In comparison with BB + ISMN with EBL in prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding, there was no significant difference in the rate of rebleeding [relative risk (RR), 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62-1.00; P = 0.05], bleeding-related mortality (RR, 0.76; 95% CI: 0.31-1.42; P = 0.40), overall mortality (RR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.61-1.08; P = 0.15) and complications (RR, 1.26; 95% CI: 0.93-1.70; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION:In the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding, BB + ISMN are as effective as EBL. There are few complications with the two treatment modalities. Both BB + ISMN and EBL would be considered as the first-line therapy in the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding.

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids:A case report

BACKGROUND Rubber band ligation(RBL) using rigid anoscope is a commonly recommended therapy for grade Ⅰ-Ⅲ symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Severe complications of RBL include pain, hemorrhage and sepsis. Flexible endoscopic RBL(ERBL) is now more commonly used in RBL therapy but few severe complications have been reported. Here we report on a case of massive bleeding after ERBL.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old female was admitted to the department of gastroenterology with a chief complaint of discontinuous hematochezia for 2 years. No previous history, accompanying diseases or drug use was reported. Physical examination and colonoscopy showed grade Ⅱ internal hemorrhoids. The patient received ERBL therapy. Five days after ligation, the patient presented with mild hematochezia. On days 7 and 9 after ligation, she presented with a large amount of rectal bleeding, dizziness and weakness. Emergency colonoscopy revealed active bleeding and an ulcer in the anal wound. The patient received two sessions of hemoclipping on days 7 and 9 to treat the bleeding. No further bleeding was reported up to day 15 and she was discharged home. Although the hemorrhoid prolapse disappeared after ERBL, she was dissatisfied with the subsequent complications.CONCLUSION ERBL therapy is an effective treatment for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids with satisfactory short and long-term recovery. Pain and anal bleeding are the most frequently reported postoperative complications. Coagulation disorders complicate the increased risk of bleeding. Although rarely reported, our case reminds us that those patients without coagulation disorders are also at risk of massive life-threatening bleeding and need strict follow-up after ligation.

Role of platelet-albumin-bilirubin score in predicting re-bleeding after band ligation for acute variceal hemorrhage

Platelet-albumin-bilirubin(PALBI)score was proposed by Roayaie et al with modification of previously studied albumin-bilirubin score to include platelet as an indicator of portal hypertension in 2015.Predictive value of this score was recently tested by Elshaarawy et al for re-bleeding in patients presenting with acute variceal hemorrhage.We did a similar study at our center(n=170)to look at incidence of re-bleeding after band ligation defined as drop in 2 units of hemoglobin and witnessed melena or hematemesis within 2 wk of the procedure.We calculated PALBI scores for all patients based on lab values prior to the procedure.Of 25.3%had re-bleeding episodes,area under receiver operating characteristic curve for PALBI as predictor of re-bleeding was 0.601(95%confidence interval:0.502-0.699).PALBI score showed moderate accuracy at predicting re-bleeding in our population.

Can 5-aminosalicylic acid suppository decrease the pain after rectal band ligation?

AIM: To investigate the effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) suppositories on rectal band ligation-induced pain. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized into two treatment groups. RESULTS: Our results showed that there was no difference between 5-ASA suppository group and the control group for pain control. CONCLUSION: 5-ASA may be an alternative treatment for hemorrhoids; however, it does not affect the rectal band ligation-induced pain.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for the treatment of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids:A prospective,multi-center,randomized study

BACKGROUND Endoscopic rubber band ligation(ERBL)is a nonsurgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids but is limited by recurrence and post-procedural pain.AIM To evaluate satisfaction,long-term recurrence,and post-procedural pain in managing internal hemorrhoids using a combination of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy and ERBL.METHODS This was a prospective,multicenter,randomized study.A total of 195 consecutive patients diagnosed with grade II-III internal hemorrhoids were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals and randomly divided into a cap-assisted endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding(EFSB)or an ERBL group.All patients were followed-up for 12 months.Symptom-based severity and post-procedural pain were assessed using a hemorrhoid severity score(HSS)and a visual analog scale(VAS).Continuous variables were reported as medians and interquartile range.RESULTS One hundred and ninety-five patients were enrolled,with 98 in the EFSB group.HSS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL group at 8 weeks[4.0(3.0-5.0)vs 5.0(4.0-6.0),P=0.003]and 12-month[2.0(1.0-3.0)vs 3.0(2.0-3.0),P<0.001]of follow-up.The prolapse recurrence rate was lower in the EFSB group at 12 months(11.2%vs 21.6%,P=0.038).Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that EFSB treatment[B=-0.915,95%confidence interval(CI):−1.301 to−0.530,P=0.001]and rubber band number(B=0.843,95%CI:0.595-1.092,P<0.001)were negatively and independently associated with the VAS score 24 hours post-procedure.The median VAS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL[2.0(1.0-3.0)vs 3.0(2.0-4.0),P<0.001].CONCLUSION Cap-assisted EFSB provided long-term satisfaction and effective relief from the recurrence of prolapse and pain 24 hours post-procedure.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for the treatment of Grade II-III internal hemorrhoids:The focus of clinical practice

We have read the article by Qu et al with great interest,as it presents an inte-gration of endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerotherapy with rubber band ligation in patients with Grade II-III internal hemorrhoids.The authors conducted a prospective,multicenter,randomized study to evaluate the long-term sympto-matic and endoscopic efficacy of this combined intervention.In this discussion,we focus on the procedural steps of this combined strategy and suggest potential avenues for future research.

Redefining hemorrhoid therapy with endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding

Hemorrhoids are a common and painful condition,with conventional treatments such as endoscopic rubber band ligation(ERBL)and injection sclerotherapy often falling short due to high recurrence rates and significant post-operative pain.A clinical trial by Qu et al introduces a novel approach called endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding(EFSB).This multicenter randomized trial involved 195 patients with grade II and III internal hemorrhoids and demonstrated that EFSB significantly reduced recurrence rates and post-procedural pain while improving symptom relief and patient satisfaction compared to ERBL.The study's strengths include its robust design,comprehensive outcome evaluation,and patient-centered approach.Despite limitations such as the single-blind design and relatively short follow-up period,the findings suggest that EFSB could enhance clinical practice by offering a more effective and patient-friendly treatment option.Further research is needed to validate these results and explore the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of EFSB.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for treatment of internal hemorrhoids:A novel outpatient procedure

In the study,we comment on the article by Qu et al.Internal hemorrhoids are the most common anorectal disorders worldwide with bleeding,prolapse,and difficulty in defecation.Endoscopic rubber band ligation(ERBL)is a safe,convenient,quick,and economical outpatient procedure.The main goal of ERBL is to alleviate prolapse,but the high incidence of recurrence and post-procedural pain are of clinical concern.Polidocanol foam as a local hemostatic and anesthetic agent could reduce the rates of post-procedural pain and bleeding.Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding(EFSB)is a novel approach that could lift the mucosa for easy ligation and promote increased scarring in the submucosal tissue which translates into long-term relief from prolapse recurrence and reduced 24-h postprocedural pain.The study by Qu et al is a novel multi-center prospective randomized study to compare ERBL and EFSB in patients with grades II and III internal hemorrhoids with one-year follow-up.Results showed that EFSB is a novel therapy for internal hemorrhoids,but future studies with a larger sample,multiple treatment sessions,and long-term follow-up are required to confirm these findings.

Navigating the controversy regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in acute variceal bleeding

Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding is part of the standard of care according to most clinical guidelines.However,with recent evidence arguing against antibiotic prophylaxis,the role of this intervention has become less clear.

Primary prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis

Variceal bleeding is a life threatening situation with mortality rates of at least 20%. Prophylactic treatment with non-selective beta blockers(NSBBs) is recommended for patients with small varices that have not bled but with increased risk for bleeding. The recommended treatment strategies on primary prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with medium and largesized varices are NSBBs or endoscopic band ligation. Nitrates, shunt surgery and sclerotherapy are not recommended in this setting. In this review, the most recent data on prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding are presented. Available data derived from randomized-controlled trials suggest both treatment strategies, and according to Baveno V consensus in portal hypertension "the choice of treatment should be based on local resources and expertise, patient preference and characteristics, side-effects and contra-indications".

Unpacking the challenge of gastric varices: A review on indication, timing and modality of therapy

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from oesophageal or gastric varices is an important medical condition in patients with portal hypertension.Despite the emergence of a number of novel endoscopic and radiologic therapies for oesophagogastric varices,controversy exists regarding the indication,timing and modality of therapy.The aim of this review is to provide a concise and practical evidence-based overview of these issues.

Successful treatment of refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia by distal gastrectomy:A case report

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon and often neglected cause of gastric hemorrhage. The treatments for GAVE include surgery, endoscopy and medical therapies. Here, we report an unusual case of GAVE. A 72-year-old man with a three-month history of recurrent melena was diagnosed with GAVE. Endoscopy revealed the classical &#x0201c;watermelon stomach&#x0201d; appearance of GAVE and complete pyloric involvement. Melena reoccurred three days after argon plasma coagulation treatment, and the level of hemoglobin dropped to 47 g/L. The patient was then successfully treated with distal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis. We propose that surgery should be considered as an effective option for GAVE patients with extensive and severe lesions upon deterioration of general conditions and hemodynamic instability.

Benefit of combination β-blocker and endoscopic treatment to prevent variceal rebleeding: A meta-analysis

AIM: To determine whether the association of β-blockers with endoscopic treatment is superior to endoscopic treatment alone for the secondary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials comparing sclerotherapy (SCL) with SCL plus β-blockers (BB) or banding ligation (BL) with BL plus BB were identif ied.Main outcomes were overall and 6, 12 and 24 mo rebleeding rates, as well as overall and 6, 12 and 24 mo mortality. Two statistical methods were used: Yusuf-Peto, and Der Simonian and Laird. Inter-trial heterogeneity was systematically taken into account. RESULTS: Seventeen randomised controlled trials were included, 14 with SCL and 3 with BL. Combination β-blocker and endoscopic treatment signif icantly reduced rebleeding rates at 6, 12 and 24 mo and overall [odds ratio (OR): 2.20, 95% conf idence interval (CI): 1.69-2.85, P<0.0001] compared to endoscopic treatment alone. Mortality at 24 mo was signif icantly lower for the combined treatment group (OR: 1.83, 95% CI:1.16-2.90, P= 0.009), as well as overall mortality (OR: 1.43, 95% CI:1.03-1.98, P= 0.03). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy should thus be recommended as the fi rst line treatment for secondary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding.

Recent advances in the management of variceal bleeding

Acute haemorrhage from ruptured gastroesophageal varices is perhaps the most serious consequence of uncontrolled portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.It represents a medical emergency and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality.In those who survive the initial bleeding event,the risks of further bleeding and other decompensated events remain high.The past 30 years have seen a slow evolution of management strategies that have greatly improved the chances of surviving a variceal haemorrhage.Liver cirrhosis is a multi-staged pathological process and we are moving away from a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach.Instead there is an increasing recognition that a more nuanced approach will yield optimal survival for patients.This approach seeks to risk stratify patients according to their disease stage.The exact type and timing of treatment offered can then be varied to suit individual patients.At the same time,the toolbox of available therapy is expanding and there is a continual stream of emerging evidence to support the use of endoscopic and pharmacological therapies.In this review,we present a summary of the treatment options for a variety of different clinical scenarios and for when there is failure to control bleeding.We have conducted a detailed literature review and presented up-to-date evidence from either primary randomized-controlled trials or meta-analyses that support current treatment algorithms.