Sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

Sclerotherapy is an effective early treatment for bleeding esophageal varices. The procedure can be performed without general anesthesia and can be used to stabilize the situation until a decision is reached regarding long-term therapy. Sclerotherapy has a failure rate of up to 30 percent. Portacaval shunt is recommended if either acute or long-term sclerotherapy fails. Prophylactic sclerotherapy is not recommended.