Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus, which can cause life-threatening bleeding if they rupture. At Tricity Clinic, we offer advanced treatments, including esophageal band ligation and sclerotherapy, to effectively manage and prevent complications associated with esophageal varices.
What is Esophageal Band Ligation?
Esophageal band ligation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat esophageal varices. During the procedure, small rubber bands are placed around the base of the enlarged veins, cutting off their blood supply. This causes the varices to shrink and eventually fall off, reducing the risk of bleeding.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is another treatment option for esophageal varices. In this procedure, a sclerosing agent is injected directly into the varices, causing them to collapse and form scar tissue. This scar tissue helps reduce the risk of future bleeding by blocking the blood flow to the varices.
Conditions Treated
Esophageal band ligation and sclerotherapy are primarily used to treat:
- Esophageal Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus, often resulting from liver disease or portal hypertension.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Acute or chronic bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract due to ruptured varices.
Procedure Details
Esophageal Band Ligation
- Consultation and Diagnosis:
- Thorough evaluation by our experienced gastroenterologists.
- Diagnostic endoscopy to assess the severity and location of the varices.
- Preparation:
- Patients may need to fast before the procedure.
- Specific instructions provided based on individual health conditions.
- Procedure:
- Performed under sedation or anesthesia for patient comfort.
- An endoscope with a banding device is inserted through the mouth to reach the esophagus.
- Rubber bands are placed around the base of the varices to cut off their blood supply.
- Post-Procedure Care:
- Monitoring in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.
- Instructions on diet, activity, and medications to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.
- Follow-up appointments to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential complications.
Sclerotherapy
- Consultation and Diagnosis:
- Comprehensive evaluation by our medical team.
- Diagnostic endoscopy to identify the varices and determine the appropriate treatment.
- Preparation:
- Patients may need to fast before the procedure.
- Specific instructions provided based on individual health conditions.
- Procedure:
- Performed under sedation or anesthesia for patient comfort.
- An endoscope with a sclerotherapy needle is inserted through the mouth to reach the esophagus.
- A sclerosing agent is injected directly into the varices, causing them to collapse and form scar tissue.
- Post-Procedure Care:
- Monitoring in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.
- Instructions on diet, activity, and medications to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.
- Follow-up appointments to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential complications.
Benefits of Esophageal Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy at Tricity Clinic
- Minimally Invasive: Both procedures avoid the need for open surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain.
- Effective Management: These treatments effectively reduce the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices.
- Experienced Team: Our highly skilled gastroenterologists have extensive experience in performing these procedures.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, we provide a seamless and patient-centered approach to care.
