Endoscopic variceal ligation caused massive bleeding due to laceration of an esophageal varicose vein with tissue glue emboli

Endoscopic variceal obturation of gastric varices with tissue glue is considered the first choice for management of gastric varices, and is usually safe and effective. However, there is still a low incidence of complications and some are even fatal. Here, we present a case in which endoscopic variceal ligation caused laceration of the esophageal varicose vein with tissue glue emboli and massive bleeding after 3 mo. Cessation of bleeding was achieved via variceal sclerotherapy using a cap-fitted gastroscope. Methods of recognizing an esophageal varicose vein with tissue glue plug are discussed.

Procedure-related complications in gastric variceal obturation with tissue glue

AIM To focus on procedure-related complications,evaluate their incidence,analyze the reasons and discuss the solutions.METHODS Overall,628 endoscopic gastric variceal obturation(EGVO) procedures(case-times) with NBC were performed in 519 patients in the Department of Endoscopy of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2011 to December 2016. The clinical data of patients and procedure-related complications of EGVO were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In the 628 EGVO procedures,sticking of the needle to the varix occurred in 9 cases(1.43%),including 1 case that used lipiodol-diluted NBC and 8 cases that used undiluted NBC(P = 0.000). The needle was successfully withdrawn in 8 cases. Large spurt bleeding occurred in one case,and hemostasis was achieved by two other injections of undiluted glue. The injection catheter became blocked in 17 cases(2.71%) just during the injection,and 4 cases were complicated with the needle sticking to the varix. Large glue adhesion to the endoscope resulted in difficulty withdrawing the endoscope in 1 case. Bleeding from multiple sites was observed in the esophagus and gastric cardia after the endoscope was withdrawn. Hemostasis was achieved by 1% aethoxysklerol injection and intravenous somatostatin. The ligation device stuck to the varices in two cases during the subsequent endoscopic variceal ligation. In one case,the ligation device was successfully separated from the esophageal varix after all bands were released. In another case,a laceration of the vein and massive bleeding were observed. The bleeding ceased after 1% aethoxysklerol injection.CONCLUSION Although EGVO with tissue glue is usually safe and effective,a series of complications can occur during the procedure that may puzzle endoscopists. There is no standard operating procedure for addressing these complications. The cases described in the current study can provide some reference for others.

Update on gastric varices

Although less common than oesophageal variceal haemorrhage, gastric variceal bleeding remains a serious complication of portal hypertension, with a high associated mortality. In this review we provide an update on the aetiology, classification and management of gastric varices, including acute bleeding, prevention of rebleeding and primary prophylaxis. We describe the optimum management strategies for gastric varices including drug, endoscopic and radiological therapies, focusing on recent published evidence.