Acute treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices. A retrospective study of 88 patients
Joelsson, B.; Börjesson, B.; Carlsson, C.; Gustafson, I.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 16(1): 81-85
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-5521 PMID: 6972085 Document Number: 181871
The records of 88 patients bleeding 140 times from esophageal varices were retrospectively evaluated. The treatment consisted mainly of i.v. vasopressin and balloon tamponade. Percutaneous transhepatic and transesophageal sclerotherapy were used as additional treatments. Operation was avoided as long as possible. With this conservative attitude the hospital mortality was 24%. A high mortality was correlated with low serum albumin, initial unconsciousness, high blood transfusion demand and alcoholism. The 1st bleeding episode of the patient had a higher mortality than the following ones. This experience with a conservative attitude in stopping bleeding from esophageal varices has made it possible to construct an outline for treatment which can be followed in most of these patients.