What is Esophageal Band Ligation?

In variceal banding, an endoscopy loaded with an elastic rubber band is passed through an overtube directly into the varix or varices to be banded. After suctioning the bleeding varix into the tip of the endoscope, the rubber band is slipped over the tissue, causing necrosis, ulceration and eventual sloughing of the varix. It is comparable to sclerotheraphy in effective control of bleeding.

Indication for Esophageal Band Ligation: To treat esophageal varices (bleeding).

Possible Complications:

  • Includes superficial ulceration and dysphagia
  • Transient chest discomfort
  • Bleeding
  • Accidental perforation of the esophagus
  • Aspiration
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Reduced breathing rate or depth
  • Adverse reaction to sedatives

Preparation for Esophageal Band Ligation:

  • The night before the procedure, eat only light meal and do not eat or drink after midnight.
  • You will be asked to have some blood test to be done like Full Blood Count (FBC) and Coagulation Profile.
  • Arrange to have someone to drive you home after the procedure.

How is Esophageal Band Ligation performed?

  • Patient will be given a local anesthetic to numb the throat.
  • Next, the patient will be given medication through an intravenous line to help the patient relax and treat any during the procedure.
  • Patient will lay on his/her left side and vital sign will be monitored, like blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse rate and ECG.
  • A supportive device will be put on the patients mouth during the procedure, a suction tube will be use to clear the saliva and other fluids from the patients mouth.
  • The doctor will then place scope into the patient’s mouth down to the throat and into the esophagus. Once the varix has been located the scope will be removed and then a banding device will be attached to the end of the scope.

The scope will then be re pass into the esophagus and suck the enlarged vein into the device chamber and place one or more bands around it.

After the procedure you will be taken to the recovery room.  Here you will be monitored until the effects of the medications have worn off. After the days or weeks of your procedure, the tissue that was banded will slough off. Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs such as; persistent pain, bleeding, bloody bowel movement, difficulty of swallowing and nausea and vomiting.