Medical Condition Library

Information Centers

Wellness Centers

Helpful Resources

Endoscopic Band Ligation

(Esophageal Band Ligation)

by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

Esophageal varices are abnormal blood vessels (veins) that develop in the esophagus. They have abnormally thin walls, and the blood pressure within them is very high. This combination makes esophageal varices very dangerous, because they can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Endoscopic band ligation is the use of elastic bands to treat the varices. It is done as part of an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.

Banded Blood Vessel

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to prevent or treat bleeding from esophageal varices.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Painful swallowing
Bleeding
Esophageal damage
Infection

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Alcohol use disorder
Bleeding disorder
Active bleeding
Increased age
Heart or lung problems
Use of certain medications
Smoking

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Do not eat for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
If you have diabetes, discuss your medications with your doctor.
Arrange for transportation after the procedure.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

Local—You may be given an anesthetic solution to gargle, or your throat may be sprayed with a numbing anesthetic.
You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.
Moderate sedation —You may be given medications through an IV. Other medications will be given to treat any pain you feel during the procedure.
General anesthesia —If you are having the procedure due to uncontrolled bleeding you may need to have general anesthesia. You will be asleep during the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

For this procedure, you will lie on your left side. If you are not intubated a mouthpiece will be placed to help keep your mouth open. An assistant will be in the room to monitor your breathing and heartbeat. You may also be given oxygen through your nose. A suction tube will be used to clear the saliva and other fluids from your mouth.

A lubricated endoscope will be placed into your mouth. It will be passed down your throat and into your esophagus. The scope will have a small light and a camera. The doctor will watch the images on a video monitor. Air will be passed through the scope to help view the esophagus. The doctor will be able to locate the enlarged vein.

Instruments will be passed through the scope. The enlarged tissue will be sucked into the device’s chamber. One or more bands will be placed around the tissue to clamp off the blood supply.

How Long Will It Take?

Typically, less than 1 hour

Will It Hurt?

You will usually feel some pressure and discomfort, but not pain, during the procedure. After the procedure, your throat may feel irritated and sore.

Postprocedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be taken to a recovery area until the effects of your medications have worn off. In most cases, you will be observed for about an hour. If you feel well, you can then go home.

At Home

After returning home, follow your doctor's instructions.

In the days or weeks after your procedure, the tissue that was banded will slough off.

Follow-up with you doctor as directed. You may need additional procedures.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Bleeding from the mouth
Increasing pain
Nausea and vomiting
Bloody vomit
Difficulty swallowing
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Lightheadedness or weakness
Bloody or dark black stools
Severe abdominal pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org

The American College of Gastroenterology
http://patients.gi.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Asge Technology Committee; Conway JD, Adler D, et al. Endoscopic hemostatic devices. Gastrointest Endosc. 2009;69(6):987-996.

Baron TH, Wong Kee Song LM. Endoscopic variceal band ligation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 May;104(5):1083-1085.

Poza Cordon J, Froilan Torres C, et al. Endoscopic management of esophageal varicies. World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2012;4(7):312-322.

Upper GI endoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated July 2017. Accessed February 12, 2018.

Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 7/18/2014

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.