LONG TERM FOLLOW UP OF ESOPHAGEAL VARICES PATIENTS' AFTER ENDOS COPIC BAND LIGATION PLUS ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION: 3 YEARS FOLLOW - UP

Background : Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is an established maneuver for secondary prevention of variceal bleeding. However, recurrence of varic es and postbanding ulcers are frequent problems. This is the first retrospective study that determined the the long - term re - bleeding rate in patients with esophageal varices who had done endoscopic Argon plasma photocoagulation (APC) after endoscopic band ligation. Aim : To determine the long - term re - bleeding rate of APC after endoscopic band ligation versus endoscopic band ligation alone for eradication of esophageal varices. Methods : Two hundred patients with cirrhosis, and had performed endoscopic band li gation for eradication of varices were randomized to either argon plasma coagulation after band ligation or observation. Endoscopy was performed every 3 months to check for recurrence of varices in both groups. If varices were unremarkable twice, patients were moved to every six months throughout the whole period of the study. Results : The 1 - year, 2 - year and 3 - years rebleeding rates in the group of APC were 1%, 3% and 3%, respectively. While, rebleeding rates in the control group were 26%, 29% and 29% at 1 - year, 2 - years and 3 - years respectively. Conclusions : The present study confirms the effectiveness of APC in significantly reducing the rate of rebleeding after endoscopic band ligation.