Endoscopic Variceal Banding (EVL)

ENDOSCOPIC VARICEAL BANDING (EVL)

Endoscopic Variceal Banding (EVL) is a medical procedure used to treat esophageal varices, which are enlarged veins in the esophagus caused by liver disease, typically due to portal hypertension. The procedure helps prevent or control bleeding from these varices, a life-threatening complication of conditions such as liver cirrhosis.

Indications:

1.Prevention of bleeding in patients with high-risk esophageal varices.
2.Treatment of actively bleeding esophageal varices.
3.Recurrent variceal bleeding despite medical management.

Procedure:

1.Preparation:

1.The patient is given sedation or general anesthesia.
2.A flexible endoscope with a banding device attached is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus.

2.Banding Process:

1.The endoscope visualizes the varices.
2.A suction mechanism pulls the varix into the banding device.
3.A small elastic band is placed around the base of the varix, cutting off its blood supply.
4.The banded varix eventually sloughs off and is replaced by scar tissue, reducing the risk of rebleeding.

3.Post-Procedure Care:

1.The patient is monitored for complications such as bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing.
2.Acid suppression therapy (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) may be prescribed to aid healing.
3.Follow-up endoscopy is scheduled for additional banding sessions if needed.

Endoscopic variceal banding (EVL) is a procedure that treats and prevents esophageal varices from bleeding. It’s a standard treatment for acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. 

ENDOSCOPIC VARICEAL BANDING (EVL)

ENDOSCOPIC VARICEAL BANDING (EVL)

Outcomes and Prognosis:

EVL is an effective and relatively safe procedure for preventing and managing esophageal variceal bleeding. However, patients with underlying liver disease require ongoing monitoring and treatment to manage portal hypertension and prevent recurrence.