Randomized, prospective study of cyanoacrylate injection, sclerotherapy, or rubber band ligation for endoscopic hemostasis of bleeding canine gastric varices

Presumptive non-cirrhotic bleeding esophageal varices in a dog

An 8‐year‐old male American Staffordshire terrier was admitted for evaluation of chronic episodes of ptyalism and hematemesis after exercise. Abnormalities were not detected on routine clinicopathological tests, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography. Endoscopic examination revealed a labyrinthine network of severely distended, hemorrhagic esophageal blood vessels. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated a network of para‐esophageal vessels that communicated with the celiac artery caudally and the brachiocephalic trunk cranially, consistent with a diagnosis of non‐cirrhotic esophageal varices. This is a report of exercise, ptyalism, and hematemesis secondary to presumptive, non‐cirrhotic, bleeding esophageal varices in a dog.

Management of rectal varices in portal hypertension

Rectal varices are portosystemic collaterals that form as a complication of portal hypertension, their prevalence has been reported as high as 94% in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. The diagnosis is typically based on lower endoscopy (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy). However, endoscopic ultrasonography has been shown to be superior to endoscopy in diagnosing rectal varices. Color Doppler ultrasonography is a better method because it allows the calculation of the velocity of blood flow in the varices and can be used to predict the bleeding risk in the varices. Although rare, bleeding from rectal varices can be life threatening. The management of patients with rectal variceal bleeding is not well established. It is important to ensure hemodynamic stability with blood transfusion and to correct any coagulopathy prior to treating the bleeding varices. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy has been reported to be more effective in the management of active bleeding from rectal varices with less rebleeding rate as compared to endoscopic band ligation. Transjugular intrahepatic portsystemic shunt alone or in combination with embolization is another method used successfully in control of bleeding. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is an emerging procedure for management of gastric varices that has also been successfully used to treat bleeding rectal varices. Surgical procedures including suture ligation and porto-caval shunts are considered when other methods have failed.

The secondary prophylactic efficacy of beta-blocker after endoscopic gastric variceal obturation for first acute episode of gastric variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The most appropriate treatment for acute gastric variceal bleeding (GVB) is currently endoscopic gastric variceal obturation (GVO) using Histoacryl®. However, the secondary prophylactic efficacy of beta-blocker (BB) after GVO for the first acute episode of GVB has not yet been established. The secondary prophylactic efficacy of BB after GVO for the first acute episode of GVB was evaluated in this study.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients at Soonchunhyang University Hospital with acute GVB who received GVO using Histoacryl® were enrolled between June 2001 and March 2010. Among these, 42 patients underwent GVO alone (GVO group) and 51 patients underwent GVO with adjuvant BB therapy (GVO+BB group). This study was intended for patients in whom a desired heart rate was reached. The rates of rebleeding-free survival and overall survival were calculated for the two study groups using Kaplan-Meyer analysis and Cox's proportional-hazards model.

RESULTS

The follow-up period after the initial eradication of gastric varices was 18.14±25.22 months (mean±SD). During the follow-up period, rebleeding occurred in 10 (23.8%) and 21 (41.2%) GVO and GVO+BB patients, respectively, and 39 patients died [23 (54.8%) in the GVO group and 16 (31.4%) in the GVO+BB group]. The mean rebleeding-free survival time did not differ significantly between the GVO and GVO+BB groups (65.40 and 37.40 months, respectively; P=0.774), whereas the mean overall survival time did differ (52.54 and 72.65 months, respectively; P=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant BB therapy after GVO using Histoacryl® for the first acute episode of GVB could decrease the mortality rate relative to GVO alone. However, adjuvant BB therapy afforded no benefit for the secondary prevention of rebleeding in GV.

[Esophageal sinus formation due to cyanoacrylate injection for esophageal variceal ligation-induced ulcer bleeding in a cirrhotic patient]

Intravariceal injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is widely used for the hemostasis of bleeding gastric varices, but not routinely for esophageal variceal hemorrhage because of various complications such as pyrexia, bacteremia, deep ulceration, and pulmonary embolization. We report a rare case of esophageal sinus formation after cyanoacrylate obliteration therapy for uncontrolled bleeding from post-endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) ulcer. A 50-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with hematemesis. Emergent esophagogastroscopy revealed bleeding from large esophageal varices with ruptured erosion, and bleeding was initially controlled by EVL, but rebleeding from the post-EVL ulcer occurred at 17th day later. Although we tried again EVL and the injections of 5% ethanolamine oleate at paraesophageal varices, bleeding was not controlled. Therefore, we administered 1 mL cyanoacrylate diluted with lipiodol and bleeding was controlled. Three months after the endoscopic therapy, follow-up endoscopy showed medium to large-sized esophageal varices and sinus at lower esophagus. Barium esophagography revealed an outpouching in esophageal wall and endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated an ostium with sinus. It is noteworthy that esophageal sinus can be developed as a rare late complication of endoscopic cyanoacrylate obliteration therapy.

A novel canine model of esophageal varices with a balloon dilatation constrictor

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The canine model of esophageal varices with an agar constrictor has been used for studies of the endoscopic treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding, but it has limitations in both stability and successful rate. This study was designed to enhance the model's efficiency and success rate by using a novel approach with a balloon dilatation constrictor.

METHODS

We used 22 adult mongrel dogs to establish the model by progressively compressing and constricting the portal vein through a rechargeable balloon dilatation constrictor in combination with side-to-side portocaval shunt and inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation to increase portal vein pressure (PVP). The rechargeable balloon dilatation constrictor was composed of a hyaline polypropylene (PP) ring, a silica gel tube with a balloon, and an injection pedestal (silica gel) in an implantable vascular access port. The effects were evaluated with pre- and post-shunt PVP measurement, weekly gastroscopy, and portocaval venography.

RESULTS

The mean PVP increased significantly from a preoperative (before side-to-side portocaval shunt and IVC ligation) 12.86 +/- 0.18 cmH(2)O to 26.75 +/- 0.39 cmH(2)O after the model had been established (P < 0.05). After the model was established, gastroscopy performed to assess esophageal varix size demonstrated four varicose veins of grade I, six of grade II, eight of grade III and four of grade IV. The portocaval angiography showed that the IVC and portal vein were completely blocked, that the anastomosis stoma was unobstructed and that the blood flow through esophageal varices via splenetic and gastric veins was blocked.

CONCLUSION

The novel canine model developed with a rechargeable balloon dilatation constrictor is feasible and reliable for modeling esophageal varices.

Long-term outcomes of acute gastric variceal bleeding in 48 patients following treatment with cyanoacrylate

OBJECTIVES

(1) Study the effectiveness of intravariceal injection of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate to treat acute gastric variceal (GV) bleeding and (2) study the impact of the type of GV and hepatic function on endoscopic hemostasis and mortality outcomes.

METHODS

Fourty-eight patients with acute GV bleeding underwent intravariceal injection of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and were followed until death or study conclusion (12-52 months).

RESULTS

Primary hemostasis (no re-bleeding within 48 h) was accomplished in 42 patients (87.5%). Appearance of the bleeding site at the time of initial endoscopy, grade of cirrhosis and location of GV were not significant predictors of immediate hemostasis. Early re-bleeding (48 h to 6 weeks) occurred in 20.5% of patients and late re-bleeding (beyond 6 weeks) in 20.5% of patients. While the Child-Pugh score was predictive of re-bleeding and mortality, the type of GV and stigmata at initial endoscopy were not significant predictors of re-bleeding and mortality. Over a mean follow-up of 18 months, mortality rates were 43.9% and bleeding was the commonest cause of death.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic injection of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is effective and safe for treating bleeding GV. Patients with poor hepatic function are at higher risk of re-bleeding and death after acute gastric variceal bleed.

Endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding gastric varices treated by combination of variceal ligation and sclerotherapy with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate

BACKGROUND

Bleeding from esophagogastric varices is a serious complication of portal hypertension. The aim of the present study was to determine whether endoscopic sclerotherapy with injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate combined with variceal ligation was useful for hemostasis of bleeding gastric varices.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with bleeding gastric varices underwent endoscopic treatment with variceal ligation followed by sclerotherapy with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate from November 1995 to November 2000. Patients underwent endoscopic variceal ligation only for the bleeding spot just before sclerotherapy. Injection was continued until varices were engorged. After these therapies, patients were followed for at least for 5 years. Retreatment was applied as necessary.

RESULTS

Among these patients, 11 had active bleeding and 16 had recent bleeding within 24 h with white or red plaques on gastric varices. All varices presented as nodular or tumorous forms. The hemostasis rate at 1 week after treatment with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was 88.9% (24/27). Among the patients achieving hemostasis at 1 week, 33.3% (8/24) experienced recurrent bleeding between 5 and 53 months after the initial treatment. Five patients with rebleeding were treated with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, and the other three patients were treated by other procedures. The final hemostasis rate was 81.5% (22/27). The 5-year survival rate after initial hemostasis was 63.0% (17/27).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that endoscopic variceal ligation combined with sclerotherapy might become a recommended choice for effective treatment of bleeding gastric varices.

An improved reproducible canine model of esophagogastric varices

AIM: To improve canine model of esophago-gastric varices.

METHODS: A total of 26 canines were used to establish the models of esophagogastric varices with different methods. In group A, nine models of esophagogastric varices were established with two silk in portal vien.In group B, a side-to-side portocaval shunt was performed in 17 canines, with the inferior vena cava ligated, and the portal vein was gradually constricted by a balloon constrictor in order to increase portal vein pressure. The portal pressure, esophagogastric varices grades, coronary venography, and esophageal pathologic changes were examined in both groups.

RESULTS: The mean portal pressure was significantly higher in group B than that in group A (20.7 ± 2.4 cm H₂O vs 16.3 ± 2.5 cm H₂O, P < 0.05). The esophagogastric varices grades (P = 0.026), numbers (2.7 ± 1.0 vs 4.1 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and diameters (1.4 ± 0.3 mm vs 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, P < 0.05) of varicose veins were also significant different between group A and B.

CONCLUSION: The portocaval shunt with a balloon constrictor is feasible and reliable for the induction of esophagogastric varices.

Simulator training in endoscopic hemostasis

Simulation of upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage provides the opportunity to practice endoscopic hemostasis without the risk of patient harm and time limitations. Various models have been developed to simulate an acute bleeding source in the upper GI tract to evaluate the feasibility of new endoscopic devices or to practice interventional techniques in a calm and controlled environment. Increasingly available ex vivo models provide this opportunity without the ethical concerns involved with live-animal courses. Validation studies have proven acceptance of ex vivo models and improved clinical performance by repetitive training using these models.

Bleeding gastric varices: results of endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gastric varices injection with cyanoacrylate in patients with gastric variceal bleeding.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (15 males, 9 females) with gastric variceal bleeding underwent endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate injection. Successful hemostasis, rebleeding rate, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Followed up endoscopy was performed and repeat cyanoacrylate injection was given until gastric varices were obliterated.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients achieved definite hemostasis. Of these, 14 patients had primary success after initial endoscopic therapy. Ten patients developed recurrent bleeding. Repeated cyanoacrylate injection stopped rebleeding in three patients. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was performed to control rebleeding in one patient which occurred after repeat endoscopic therapy. Six patients died (three from uncontrolled bleeding, two from sepsis, and one from mesenteric vein thrombosis). Minor complications occurred in 11 patients (six epigastric discomfort and five post injection ulcers). Cyanoacrylate embolism developed in two patients. One of these patients died from mesenteric vein thrombosis. The other had pulmonary embolism which resolved spontaneously. Advanced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were major risk factors for uncontrolled bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic treatment for bleeding gastric varices with cyanoacrylate injection is effective for immediate hemostasis. Repeat cyanoacrylate injection has a lower success rate than the initial injection. Cyanoacrylate embolism is not a common serious complication.

Randomized study comparing banding and propranolol to prevent initial variceal hemorrhage in cirrhotics with high-risk esophageal varices

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Standard care for prevention of first esophageal variceal hemorrhage is beta-blockade, but this may be ineffective or unsafe. Our purpose was to compare endoscopic banding with propranolol for prevention of first variceal hemorrhage.

METHODS

In a multicenter, prospective trial, 62 patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices were randomized to propranolol (titrated to reducing resting pulse by > or =25%) or banding (performed monthly until varices were eradicated) and were followed up on the same schedule for a mean duration of 15 months. The primary end point was treatment failure, defined as the development of endoscopically documented variceal hemorrhage or a severe medical complication requiring discontinuation of therapy. Direct costs were estimated from Medicare reimbursements and fixed or variable charges for services up to treatment failure.

RESULTS

Background variables of the treatment groups were similar. The trial was stopped early after an interim analysis showed that the failure rate of propranolol was significantly higher than that of banding (6/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 19.4%; P = .0098; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 6.4%-37.2%). Significantly more propranolol than banding patients had esophageal variceal hemorrhage (4/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 12.9%; P = .0443; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 0.8%-29%), and the cumulative mortality rate was significantly higher in the propranolol than in the banding group (4/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 12.9%; P = .0443; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 0.8%-29%). Direct costs of care were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices and no history of variceal hemorrhage, propranolol-treated patients had significantly higher failure rates of failure, first esophageal varix hemorrhage, and cumulative mortality than banding patients. Direct costs of medical care were not significantly different.

Pulmonary embolization of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate after endoscopic injection therapy for gastric variceal bleeding

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, a tissue adhesive that polymerizes on contact with weak bases such as blood, is being used widely outside the United States to obliterate gastric varices. Embolization of this material can occur via portosystemic shunts. We report a case of pulmonary embolization of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (an analogue of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) that occurred after endoscopic injection therapy for gastric variceal bleeding. Cyanoacrylate embolism is difficult to diagnose with computed tomographic angiography because radiopaque emboli are masked by the contrast material. It is important to distinguish these emboli from conventional thromboemboli because "glue emboli" require only symptomatic treatment. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for embolism in the setting of tachycardia, chest pain, or hypoxia after a patient undergoes endoscopic injection therapy with cyanoacrylate glue for gastric variceal bleeding. The radiologist should be alerted so that the appropriate radiographic settings are used to make the diagnosis.

Randomized double-blind studies of polysaccharide gel compared with glue and other agents for hemostasis of large veins and bleeding canine esophageal or gastric varices

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (p-GlcNAc) gels were compared with standard agents in three different dog studies to assess abdominal venous collaterals, bleeding esophageal varices, and bleeding gastric varices.

METHODS

Adult dogs with prehepatic portal hypertension and large abdominal venous collaterals, esophageal varices, or gastric varices were studied.

RESULTS

Significantly higher sclerosis rates were seen with F2 or F4 p-GlcNAc gels and standard sclerosants. F2 and F4 gels had high rates of permanent hemostasis, low rates of secondary ulceration, and significant reductions in esophageal and gastric variceal size. These results were either equivalent to or significantly better than the most commonly used gastric varix hemostatic agent (glue) or other sclerosing agents.

CONCLUSION

F2 and F4 poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gels are promising therapeutic agents for venous and variceal hemostasis.

Endoscopic use of human thrombin in bleeding gastric varices

OBJECTIVE

The management of gastric variceal hemorrhage remains a clinical challenge. Bovine thrombin has been reported to be effective in two small series. We report our experience with human thrombin in the treatment of bleeding gastric varices.

METHODS

We reviewed the case records of 12 patients presenting over a 2-yr period with gastric variceal bleeding requiring endoscopic injection of human thrombin. Ten were male and the mean age was 52 yr (range = 26-83). The underlying diagnoses were cirrhosis in nine, portal vein thrombosis in two, and liver metastasis in one. The majority had fundal gastric varices, and none were thought to have bled from their esophageal varices. Eight received thrombin as primary treatment, whereas four had thrombin only after failing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Patients received one to four sessions (mean = 1.9) of thrombin with a mean total dose of 1833 U (range = 800-4000). Mean follow-up was 17.8 months for those still alive (range = 7-33).

RESULTS

Hemostasis in the acute setting was successful in nine patients all of whom received thrombin within 48 hours of the bleed. In the longer term, nine of the 12 had no further bleeding. Of these, five patients did well with thrombin alone, one died of cancer, and the other three went on electively to more definitive shunt procedures. Three patients rebled from their gastric varices of which one was successfully retreated with thrombin. Only one death was related to variceal bleeding (8%). No adverse reactions were noted.

CONCLUSION

Our experience demonstrates that endoscopic therapy with thrombin appears safe and can be effective in the management of gastric variceal bleeding.

Efeitos do etil-cianoacrilato na parede venosa, de cães

Substâncias químicas têm sido empregadas no tratamento de varizes esofagogástricas na prevenção de hemorragia digestiva e no seu tratamento pela esclerose ou obliteração venosa, como uma alternativa ao tratamento cirúrgico. O adesivo sintético, etil-cianoacrilato, mostrando rápida polimerização, baixo custo, disponibilidade comercial e boa fluidez para a injeção intravenosa, é útil neste propósito. OBJETIVO: Estudar os efeitos do etil-cianoacrilato na parede venosa de cães. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 42 cães, sem raça definida, adultos, machos, com peso variando entre 10 a 13 kg, distribuídos de modo aleatório, em três grupos: grupo 1, avaliados após 7 dias, grupo 2 , 14 dias e grupo 3 , 21 dias. O procedimento foi realizado em duas fases. A primeira constou da injeção de 1 ml de etil-cianoacrilato, por punção única, na veia cefálica do membro torácico do cão. A segunda, realizada 7, 14 e 21 dias após, constou da retirada da peça operatória, contendo o polímero no seu interior e da veia contralateral, sem o mesmo, como controle. Para estudo histológico utilizou-se o método da hematoxilina-eosina. Variáveis estudadas: obliteração, reações inflamatórias: aguda e crônica, tecido de granulação e lesão de parede das veias. RESULTADOS: A obliteração ocorreu em todos cães estudados, nos períodos de 7, 14 e 21 dias. A reação inflamatória surgiu no período de 7 dias e foi encontrada em todos animais aos 14 e 21 dias. O tecido de granulação após 21 dias. A lesão de parede venosa ocorreu em todas veias estudadas. CONCLUSÃO: O etil-cianoacrilato em contato com a parede interna de veia superficial provoca obliteração da veia e lesão da parede venosa de cães.

Gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy

Gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) are an important complication of both generalized and segmental portal hypertension. The natural history and risk factors for bleed from GV are not extensively studied as that for esophageal varices. Recently, effective therapy for gastric variceal bleed in form of tissue adhesives, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices (BRTO) has been developed. Further advances are still needed regarding natural history, risk factors, bleeding, and mechanism of GV rupture.

Review article: current endoscopic therapeutic options in the management of variceal bleeding

Variceal bleeding is a frequent and life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. The first episode of variceal bleeding is not only associated with a high mortality, but also with a high recurrence rate in those who survive. Therefore, many studies and randomized clinical trials have focused on different therapeutic strategies aiming to prevent the first episode of variceal bleeding (primary prophylaxis), to control haemorrhage during the acute bleeding episode (emergency treatment), and to prevent re-bleeding (secondary prophylaxis). These strategies involve pharmacological, endoscopic, surgical, and interventional radiological modalities. This review concentrates on the clinical aspects of the endoscopic modalities used to treat oesophageal variceal haemorrhage, including variceal injection sclerotherapy, variceal band ligation, and the use of tissue adhesives (glue) and their substitutes. We also draw conclusions from the available literature regarding the use of endoscopic modalities in primary prophylaxis, emergency treatment, and secondary prophylaxis of variceal re-bleeding. The management of gastric varices and variceal bleeding during pregnancy is also addressed.

Endoscopic treatment of bleeding gastric varices by N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) injection: long-term efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

The long-term efficacy and safety of the endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) were evaluated to define its role as the initial treatment for bleeding gastric varices.

METHODS

Ninety patients with bleeding gastric varices underwent endoscopic injections of Histoacryl for hemostasis within a 6-year period. Histoacryl was injected intravariceally as a 1:1 mixture with Lipiodol. Among the 90 patients, 5 had active bleeding and 85 had recent bleeding. Most of the varices were large (F2 or F3, 85 cases). The most common locations were the fundus and the posterior wall of the proximal body (94.4%). After Histoacryl injection, patients were followed endoscopically with retreatment as necessary.

RESULTS

The rate of hemostasis at 1 week was 94.4%. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 23.3% of the patients from 3 days to 16 months after the initial injection. Recurrent bleeding was stopped with reinjections of Histoacryl in 16.7% of the patients. The rate of definitive hemostasis was 93.3% (84 of 90). The treatment failure-related mortality rate was 2.2% (2 of 90). To date, 35 patients have died, mostly as a result of malignancy or liver failure, and 55 are still alive. The determining factor for long-term survival was the underlying disease leading to portal hypertension. There were few long-term complications except for Histoacryl cast extrusion-related mucosal defects.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic injection of Histoacryl is highly effective for the treatment of bleeding gastric varices, with rare complications both acutely and long term. This treatment modality is appropriate as the first choice for bleeding gastric varices.

Endoscopic injection of bleeding esophageal varices with a poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel formulation in the canine portal hypertension model

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that poly-N-acetyl glucosamine produces rapid hemostasis by stimulating erythrocyte aggregation. Endoscopic injection of this substance may be effective in the treatment of bleeding varices.

METHODS

In eight heparinized dogs with a bleeding esophageal varix greater than 2 mm in diameter, 2.5% to 3.5% poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel was injected intravariceally and paravariceally. Endoscopy, endosonography, and histopathology were performed at 1, 7, 21, and 90 days after injection.

RESULTS

In all cases, the variceal hemorrhage was stopped with three to four injections of a mean total gel volume of 1.9 mL. No recurrence of bleeding, ulceration, or stricture formation occurred. Through replacement of the gel by connective tissue, the varix was permanently obliterated in its whole course in five cases and in more than 70% of its length in three cases. No embolization and no poly-N-acetyl glucosamine antibodies were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic injection of bleeding esophageal varices in this animal model with the use of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel was an effective and safe method for stopping the hemorrhage and inducing permanent varix obliteration.

Randomized controlled studies of injection Gold Probes compared with monotherapies for hemostasis of bleeding canine gastric ulcers

BACKGROUND

There is a significant interest in combination therapy using endoscopic epinephrine injection and thermal coagulation for nonvariceal hemostasis. The purpose of the study was to compare the relative effectiveness, ease of use, and safety of new Injection Gold Probes to other hemostasis techniques in three randomized, controlled laboratory studies of bleeding canine gastric ulcers.

METHODS

Fifteen dogs with prehepatic portal hypertension were heparinized and bleeding gastric ulcers were induced with jumbo biopsy forceps. Three different prototypes of Injection Gold Probes were compared with monotherapy (thermal, electrocoagulation, or epinephrine injection alone), control, or combination therapy with separate injector and thermal probes. The treatment times, total number of pulses or injections, volume of epinephrine injected, and ease of applications were recorded. Gastric ulcer size, ulcer healing, and complications were evaluated at 1 and 4 weeks.

RESULTS

All endoscopic treatments were effective for acute hemostasis compared with control. Thermal coagulation alone was the fastest treatment to perform. The performance of the first Injection Gold Probe prototype was restricted by its small-gauge needle. The second and third Injection Gold Probe prototypes had a larger-gauge needle and irrigation channel which made them faster and easier to use than separate injection catheters and thermal probes.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of Injection Gold Probes were the ability to irrigate, inject, and coagulate without probe removal. Combination therapy did not increase treatment-related complications compared with monotherapies.

Emergency endoscopic ligation of actively bleeding gastric varices with a detachable snare

BACKGROUND

Bleeding gastric varices (BGV) is a challenging condition whose management remains controversial and often empirical.

METHODS

Over the past 6 months, emergency ligation of BGV was performed in seven cirrhotic patients (five men, two women; age range 47 to 70 years) using a detachable snare. Child's grade was B in two and C in five patients. Two patients had a concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Three patients had been previously treated with either balloon tamponade or injection sclerotherapy for bleeding esophageal varices.

RESULTS

Hemostasis was achieved in all patients. Morbidity consisted of fever in one case. Six snares passed spontaneously, one was removed from the stomach on follow-up examination. Post-ligation ulcers were detected in all patients after treatment (mean diameter 7.4+/-2.1 mm) with no stigmata of recurrent hemorrhage. No early rebleeding was observed during hospital stay. On a mean follow-up of 3.8 months (range 2 to 6 months), no digestive hemorrhage was recorded. Ligated gastric varices were significantly 'reduced in size in four patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency ligation with detachable snare is feasible and may be an alternative life-saving method of endoscopic hemostasis in BGV.

Management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the patient with chronic liver disease

This article reviews the management of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the patient with chronic liver diseases. The initial assessment, diagnostic work-up, and treatment options for variceal and nonvariceal bleeding are discussed. The role of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for esophagogastric varices is reviewed with special emphasis on new endoscopic techniques including variceal band ligation and cyanoacrylate injection. Various pharmacologic, surgical, and radiologic treatment options for variceal bleeding also are discussed. In addition, nonvariceal causes of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding are reviewed including peptic ulcer diseases, Mallory-Weiss tear, portal hypertensive gastropathy, and gastric antral vascular ectasia.

Sclerotherapy in bleeding gastric varices of hepatic schistosomiasis

We report the results of sclerotherapy in 20 patients with bleeding gastric varices due to hepatic schistosomiasis. In an endemic area, patients with hepatic schistosomiasis, and bleeding gastric varices seen on endoscopy to be inferior extension of esophageal varices, were treated with emergency endoscopic injection just proximal to the cardia. Hemostasis was achieved in 17. Obliteration of varices was achieved in all patients with sclerotherapy, combined with surgery. Thirteen patients who had not been operated on in the past and consented to surgery underwent esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy. Surgery was carried out as an emergency in the three patients who did not respond to sclerotherapy and electively in 10 patients after control of bleeding. After surgery, sclerotherapy was required for remnant varices. One patient with Child-Pugh grade C cirrhosis died of hepatic encephalopathy after control of the bleed. During a median follow-up of 9 months (range, 1-25 months), recurrence of bleeding in one patient and recurrent varices in two others were controlled with sclerotherapy. One patient had a fatal hemorrhage at home. We conclude that sclerotherapy effectively controls acutely bleeding type 1 gastric varices. Combined with esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy, long-term results may be encouraging in patients with hepatic schistosomiasis.

Randomized, controlled study of various agents for endoscopic injection sclerotherapy of bleeding canine gastric varices

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative efficacy and technical ease of use of eight different agents for endoscopic hemostasis and obliteration of bleeding gastric varices in a canine model, as no comparative data are available on gastric variceal sclerotherapy. Large bleeding gastric varices in 20 heparinized dogs were randomized to endoscopic injection treatment with one of the following agents: cyanoacrylate; a 1:1:1 mixture of sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3%, ethanol 98%, and normal saline solution; ethanolamine oleate 5%; sodium morrhuate 5%; sodium tetradecyl sulfate 1.5%; polidocanol 1%; normal saline solution with epinephrine 1:10,000; or normal saline solution (control). The number and volume of injections and the time required to achieve complete hemostasis were evaluated; follow-up endoscopy was performed at 1 month to assess gastric variceal obliteration. Cyanoacrylate was the best agent overall in terms of immediate efficacy, low volume requirement, time required for initial hemostasis, and reduction of gastric variceal size. Cyanoacrylate, tetradecyl sulfate, and polidocanol were the most effective agents for reducing gastric variceal size. Epinephrine was effective for controlling induced or secondary bleeding caused by puncture of the gastric varices with the sclerotherapy needle during intravariceal injections. Ongoing studies are evaluating combinations of agents with different mechanisms of action, such as epinephrine (for vasoconstriction to minimize secondary bleeding) plus alcohol, and/or tetradecyl sulfate (for variceal thrombosis and sclerosis).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)