A Prospective Randomized Trial of Sclerotherapy Versus Ligation in the Elective Treatment of Bleeding Esophageal Varices

Abstract

While the two techniques are equally effective, ligation treatment shows greater advantages in the short-term follow-up, but is associated with more frequent recurrence of varices in the longer term. These two aspects should be considered for evaluation in the cost-benefit ratio and quality of life analysis. All patients should have frequent endoscopic evaluations (every three or four months) throughout the first year of follow-up.