Endoscopic Sclerotherapy
Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a less invasive treatment for variceal bleeding compared to surgery. It involves injecting medicine directly into the varicose veins in the digestive tract to make them shrink and stop bleeding. This procedure is done through an endoscope inserted into the digestive tract, usually through the mouth, avoiding major abdominal incisions and leading to a faster recovery.
Endoscopic sclerotherapy is effective in preventing future bleeding by closing off the varicose veins. Overall, it is a valuable option for managing variceal bleeding, offering safety, effectiveness, and improved outcomes without surgery.
At Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our skilled team ensures a secure and comprehensive experience for each patient. With advanced technology and expertise, we provide accurate diagnoses and successfully conduct endoscopic sclerotherapy procedures.
What Happens In Endoscopic Sclerotherapy?
During an endoscopic sclerotherapy procedure, the following steps are typically performed:
- An endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera attached, is inserted into the mouth and guided down the oesophagus to visualise the varices (dilated blood vessels).
- The endoscopist identifies the varices, which are the target of the treatment.
- A sclerosing agent is injected directly into or around the varices. This agent causes irritation and scarring, leading to the closure of the varices and the prevention of bleeding.
- In some cases, the endoscope may be used to compress the varices or apply pressure to stop bleeding.
- The endoscopist evaluates the response to the initial injection and may administer additional injections if necessary to ensure complete closure of the varices.
- After the procedure, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure stability and to watch for any immediate complications.
Why Choose Endoscopic Sclerotherapy?
- Minimally Invasive: Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed entirely through an endoscope inserted into the digestive tract. Compared to surgery, it avoids the need for major abdominal incisions, resulting in reduced trauma to the body and faster recovery times.
- Effective: This procedure has been shown to be effective in controlling variceal bleeding in many cases. It can successfully induce closure of the varices, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent bleeding episodes.
- Suitable for Certain Patients: Endoscopic sclerotherapy may be preferred for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery due to underlying health conditions or other factors. It may also be chosen when other treatment options are not feasible or have failed to control bleeding effectively.
- Fewer Complications: While all medical procedures carry some risk of complications, endoscopic sclerotherapy tends to have fewer complications compared to surgical interventions. Serious complications such as oesophageal ulcers, strictures, or perforation are relatively rare.
- Cost-Effective: Endoscopic sclerotherapy may be more cost-effective compared to surgical interventions, as it typically involves shorter hospital stays and fewer resources.
Risks Associated With Endoscopic Sclerotherapy
- Endoscopic sclerotherapy can lead to complications during or after the process. While injecting the sclerosant, patients might feel discomfort behind the breastbone, which could continue after the operation.
- More severe complications, such as bleeding, strictures, or perforation of the oesophagus, may occur due to ulcers induced by the sclerosant.
- To mitigate the risk of ulcers, doctors often prescribe oral medications like sucralfate or proton pump inhibitors after sclerotherapy. These medications help protect the oesophageal lining and reduce the chances of complications.
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