ENDOSCOPIC INJECTION SCLEROSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL-VARICES IN CHILDREN - INDICATIONS AND TECHNIQUES

Endoscopic injection sclerosis (EIS) of esophageal varices is a valuable alternative treatment of recurrent variceal hemorrhage in childhood, since derivative treatment is not always possible; the spontaneous regression of varices occurring in some cases could also be promoted by EIS. A modified technique using a specially designed silicone rubber tube around the pediatric-type fiberscope in order to compress the injected varix is described. Eight children between ages 15 mo. and 12 yr were treated with this method and 2-4 varices were sclerosed at each procedure using the Olympus NM3K injector. A constant reduction of the volume of the treated varices was observed, and the risks of variceal bleeding diminished significantly.