[Prospective study of gastroesophageal reflux after esophageal variceal band ligation]

In recent years, variceal ligation has been introduced as an alternative treatment to endoscopic sclerotherapy.

To evaluate the occurrence of excess gastroesophageal reflux in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices eradicated by band ligation.

Twenty-six cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices underwent band ligation until variceal eradication. pH monitoring was carried out in all patients before inclusion in the eradication program and again at the end. The results were evaluated according to De Meester's criteria.

Five patients presented excess gastroesophageal reflux before the beginning of treatment. A further six patients developed excess gastroesophageal reflux after endoscopic treatment. The only factor implicated in the development of excess gastroesophageal reflux was the use of sclerosant at the end of treatment to ensure complete eradication: five of the eight who needed sclerosant developed excess gastrophageal reflux, while only two of the 16 treated without sclerosant did so (p < 0.01).

Esophageal variceal band ligation does not significantly provoke excess gastroesophageal reflux if sclerosant is not used in the endoscopic technique.