Devascularization following endoscopic sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices: dangers and difficulties

Twenty-three patients underwent devascularization operations for acute variceal bleeding. All had received endoscopic sclerotherapy, either long-term or just before surgery. The oesophagus and peri-oesophageal tissues showed either oedematous or fibrotic reaction depending on the number and duration of sessions of sclerotherapy. These changes in the oesophagus and surrounding tissues were responsible for intraoperative oesophageal perforation and postoperative anastomotic leaks. To obviate these problems, stapling of the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach was tried and found to be safer than stapled transection of the oesophagus. During follow-up, varices reappeared in over 75 per cent of patients and were managed by further sclerotherapy. Patients who did not receive sclerotherapy had a higher incidence of rebleeding.