Efficacy of Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy for Rectal Varices

Abstract

AIM: The study's aim was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) in treating rectal varices. METHODS: Data from 32 consecutive patients who underwent EIS for rectal varices were analyzed the clinical outcomes, including complications related to EIS. EIS was performed weekly using 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol, which was injected to rectal varices intermittently under fluoroscopy. RESULTS: In all 32 patients, EIS was performed weekly 2 to 5 times (mean, 2.7), and the total amount of sclerosant ranged from 3.2 to 12.0 mL (mean, 5.3 mL). After EIS, colonoscopy revealed shrinkage of the rectal varices in all 32 patients. There were no serious complications such as portal thrombosis and peritonitis. Colonoscopy revealed oozing bleeding from ulcers after EIS, however, no additional treatments were required. The recurrence rate for rectal varices was 6 of 25 (24.0%) receiving EIS, over a 1-year follow-up period. The recurrence of bleeding was only one patient. CONCLUSION: EIS is useful and safety treatment for rectal varices with regard to effectiveness and complications.