| [ Summary ] |
In the endoscopic treatment of varices, which represents a great advance, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) was initially performed using ethanolamineoleate (EO), and was followed by the development of other methods with various other drugs [e.g., EO, aethoxysklerol (AS), ethanol (ET) and cyanoacrylate]. With respect to endoscopic treatment not involving the use of any drugs, endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) has been introduced and represents a new advance in the treatment of varices. Nowadays, an appropriate treatment method can be selected from among the array of treatment methods available for the treatment of varices depending on the patient's condition. Therefore, the requirements for the treatment method of varices include not only the safety and efficacy of the procedure but also improvement in the quality of life (QOL) of the patient. For this purpose, instead of persisting with one particular method, it is important to choose and combine the appropriate treatment methods depending on the patient's physical condition, the severity of hepatic dysfunction and the portal circulation. |