What is Endoscopic Sclerotherapy?
Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat bleeding esophageal varices by injecting a chemical solution directly into the enlarged veins to stop bleeding and prevent future episodes. The procedure involves using an endoscope to visualize and access the varices.
Procedure Details
- Performed under sedation or local anesthesia
- Uses specialized sclerosing agents to cause vein closure
- Takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete
- May require multiple sessions for optimal results
Clinical Effectiveness
- Success rates of 87.5% in controlling acute bleeding episodes
- Rebleeding occurs in approximately 43.8% of patients within one year
- Complications observed in about 18.8% of cases
Post-procedure Management
- Regular monitoring of vital signs
- Gradual resumption of oral intake
- Pain management as needed
- Follow-up endoscopy to assess healing
Potential Complications
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Esophageal ulceration
- Stricture formation
Long-term Follow-up
- Regular endoscopic surveillance
- Monitoring for recurrence of varices
- Management of underlying liver disease
- Assessment of portal hypertension