Retrospective analysis of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for rectal varices compared with band ligation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The study's aim was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) compared with endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in treating rectal varices. METHODS Data from 34 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatments for rectal varices were analyzed. The clinical outcomes, including complications, related to EIS or EBL retrospectively. RESULTS In 25 of the 34 patients, EIS was performed weekly 2-5 times (mean, 2.7), and the total amount of sclerosant ranged from 3.2 to 12.0 mL (mean, 5.2 mL). After EIS, colonoscopy revealed shrinkage of the rectal varices in all 25 patients, with no complications reported. In 9 of the 34 patients, EBL was performed weekly 1-3 times (mean, 2.2), and bands were placed on the varices at 2-12 sites (mean, 8.0). After EBL, colonoscopy revealed ulcers and shrinkage of the rectal varices in all nine patients, eight of whom experienced no operative complications. The overall recurrence rate for rectal varices was 10 of 24 (41.7%), including 5 of 9 (55.6%) receiving EBL and 5 of 15 (33.3%) receiving EIS, over a 1-year follow-up period (n = 24). All four patients with recurrence of bleeding were EBL cases, versus no EIS cases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION EIS appears superior to EBL with regard to effectiveness and complications after endoscopic treatment of rectal varices.