Abstract

the first EVL was associated with rebleeding (p=0.01); whereas, age, Child class, grade and extent of varices, presence of gastric varices and/or portal hypertensive gastropathy, total number of bands and sessions for successful EVL were not (p ＞0.05). Persistence of esophageal ulcer at 2 weeks after the first EVL was associated with rebleeding also in multivariate analysis (relative risk 5.87, p=0.01). 3) In univariate analysis, grade (p=0.01) and extent (p=0.01) of varices were related to recurrence; whereas, age, Child class, presence of gastric varices and/or portal hypertensive gastropathy, total number of bands and sessions for successful EVL were not (p ＞0.05). In multivariate analysis, grade of varices was the only risk factor associated with recurrence (relative risk 3.76, p=0.01). Conclusions: 1) Persistence of esophageal ulcer at second week after the first EVL was associated with rebleeding. 2) Frequent follow-up endoscopic examinations are necessary in patients who present with high grade of varices since risk of recurrence is high even after successful EVL. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 19: 1 ∼8, 1999)

• Keywords: Esophageal varices, Endoscopic variceal ligation, Rebleeding, Recurrence