[Sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Indications and results]

Injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices is now firmly established. The indication and results are exemplified by the experience gained during the last 5 1/2 years at our institution. The early mortality rate within 30 days was 20% for patients needing emergency sclerotherapy during acute bleeding, and 4.4% for all other patients. The cumulative two-year survival rate of all patients was 54%. Further hemorrhage occurred in 4.8% per patient-month, mostly within the first year. Every acute esophageal hemorrhage should be treated with injection sclerotherapy. Repetition of this procedure reduces the risk of rebleeding. The indication for prophylactic sclerotherapy prior to first bleeding is not yet clearly defined. However, patients with increased risk of bleeding should have the benefit of injection sclerotherapy.