Does coil deployment improve outcomes in GOV1 gastroesophageal varices? A retrospective case-control study

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coil deployment is widely used for fundal gastric varices and is associated with a higher variceal obliteration rate and reduced cyanoacrylate volume. However, its benefit in type 1 gastroesophageal varices (GOV1) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether deploying coil has privilege in GOV1 gastroesophageal varices.

Based on retrospectively collected data, cirrhotic patients receiving EUS-guided coil and cyanoacrylate injection for GOV1 varices were enrolled in the case group, and patients treated with cyanoacrylate injection under straight-view endoscopy comprised the control group. Variceal obliteration rate, cyanoacrylate glue volume, rebleeding rate, and other clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

A total of 42 patients with GOV1 varices were enrolled in the final analysis (21 patients in the case group and 21 in the control group). The complete variceal obliteration rate was 100.0% in the case group and 55.0% in the control group. Less cyanoacrylate glue was required in the case group than in the controls (1.67 mL vs. 2.52 mL, p < 0.01). The case group showed a trend toward a lower 3-month rebleeding rate than the control group, with no significant difference (4.8% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.093).

Deployment of coils under EUS guidance appears to be beneficial in patients with GOV1 varices.