[Clinical evaluation of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) using an intensive ligation method]

Endoscopic variceal ligation using an intensive ligation method, or intensive EVL, as we call it, was performed in 17 cases of esophageal varices, from August 1993 to November 1994. Intensive EVL involves making as many ligations as possible from just above the esophago-gastric junction at every session for the complete eradication of varices (F0 and negative Red color sign). Our success rate for the complete eradication of varices was 82.4% (14 out of 17 cases) with the mean number of sessions at 2.2 +/- 0.5 times. The total number of rubber bands used was 20.2 +/- 8.4, with 14.1 +/- 6.0 being used in the initial session alone. The rate of recurrence in complete eradicated cases was 50% (7 out of 14 cases) and the period to recurrence was 6.3 +/- 0.7 months. Although EVL using the intensive ligation method is useful for complete eradication of varices, a high incidence of recurrence in the short term is a concern. We conclude therefore that it is difficult to achieve long term complete eradication of varices with EVL alone, and that additional therapy is needed for long term control.