Endoscopic Band Ligation(Esophageal Band Ligation)
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionEsophageal 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.
Reasons for Procedure TOPThis procedure is done to prevent or treat bleeding from esophageal varices. Possible Complications TOPProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect TOPPrior to Procedure
Anesthesia
Description of the Procedure TOPFor 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? TOPTypically, less than 1 hour Will It Hurt? TOPYou 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 TOPAt the Care CenterYou 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 HomeAfter 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 TOPContact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:
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 |
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