Esophageal banding, or variceal band ligation, is a procedure performed to manage bleeding from esophageal varices or abnormally swollen veins in the esophagus. These varices are a common complication in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, caused by increased pressure in the veins connected to the liver (portal hypertension). If left untreated, bleeding from varices can be life-threatening.
Let’s discuss what esophageal banding includes and who requires this important procedure.
What Are Esophageal Varices and Why Do They Bleed?
In patients with cirrhosis, the liver’s normal blood flow is obstructed due to scarring, leading to increased pressure in the portal veins. This pressure forces blood to reroute through smaller veins in the esophagus. Eventually, these veins swell and may be at risk of bursting, leading to severe bleeding.
Symptoms of bleeding esophageal varices include:
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
If a patient is at risk of such bleeding or has already experienced it, esophageal banding is often recommended.
Who Needs Esophageal Banding?
Esophageal banding is performed in the following situations:
To Treat Bleeding Varices
For patients experiencing active bleeding from esophageal varices, banding is an effective way to stop the bleeding and prevent recurrence of the same.
To Prevent Bleeding in High-Risk Varices:
Patients with cirrhosis and large varices detected during endoscopy and other screening processes are advised to undergo banding to prevent further bleeding.
How Is Esophageal Banding Performed?
Esophageal banding is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light, and a camera. Here’s what the process involves:
Preparation
- The patient is asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Sedation or light anesthesia is given to ensure comfort.
Band Placement
- An endoscope is gently inserted through the patient’s mouth and guided down to the esophagus.
- A unique device on the endoscope is used to place tiny elastic bands around the varices.
- These bands cut off blood flow to the swollen veins, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.
Post-Procedure Care
- After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a few hours to ensure that there is no bleeding and the pain can be managed at home with medications, etc.
- Mild throat discomfort is common, but it typically subsides quickly.
At Vitadell Healthcare, the best daycare treatment in Kolkata, this procedure is conducted safely with same-day discharge for patients. Patients can return home the same day, making it convenient for those seeking the best daycare treatment.
Recovery and Follow-Up
The recovery from esophageal banding is generally quick, but patients need to follow specific aftercare guidelines:
- Eat soft, non-irritating foods for the first few days.
- Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed medications that may worsen liver or stomach conditions.
- Attend follow-up endoscopies to ensure the varices are fully treated.
Patients usually need repeat sessions of banding if the varices persist or if new ones develop.
Risks and Other Factors to Consider
Like any medical procedure, esophageal banding may also come with some risks, including:
- Temporary throat discomfort
- Rarely, bleeding or infection at the banding site
- Risk of variceal recurrence if liver disease is not managed effectively.
To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to undergo the procedure at our well-equipped multi-specialty surgical daycare hospital with experienced doctors.
Conclusion
Esophageal banding is a lifesaving procedure for patients with cirrhosis who develop esophageal varices. It effectively manages and prevents variceal bleeding, improving patient outcomes.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with esophageal varices, consult with a trusted doctor at Vitadell Healthcare, offering the best daycare treatment in Kolkata.
