| Theme |
Treatment for Portal Hypertension : Update |
| Title |
Endoscopic Therapy for Esophageal Varices in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients |
| Author |
Naoya Murashima |
Department of Gastroenterology, Mishuku Hospital |
| Author |
Kenichi Takashima |
Department of Gastroenterology, Mishuku Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
The incidence of esophageal varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is two times higher than in those without them. Endoscopic ligation cannot efficiently prevent bleeding from esophageal varices in patients with advanced hepatoma, such as portal vein invasion. Additional sclerotherapy or argon-plasma laser coagulation is necessary in these cases. Prophylactic endoscopic therapy for esophageal varices in the early stages is a more effective strategy. Sorafenib, a multikinase-inhibitor is another potent therapy for hepatoma with portal invasion. |