The role of therapeutic endoscopy in the management of oesophageal varices in children and adults: does it mean no more open surgery

Abstract

Oesophageal varices is the commonest cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Sri Lanka. Endoscopic sclerotherapy(EST) and rubber band ligation (RBL) have become the main treatment modalities, as they carry a lower morbidity and mortality compared to shunt surgery.