Oesophageal perforation following endoscopic variceal ligation and balloon tamponade

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) related complication is rarely reported. A case is presented of a 74 year old man with oesophageal variceal bleeding who developed oesophageal perforation following EVL and balloon tamponade. An oesophageal wall defect was induced by EVL and tissue repair was hindered by decompensated liver reserve and shock status; concomitant balloon tamponade precipitated oesophageal perforation. The case is reported to draw attention to oesophageal perforation after concurrent use of balloon tamponade and EVL.