Trial of Monthly Versus Bi-weekly Endoscopic Variceal Ligation for the Prevention of Esophageal Variceal Rebleeding
Trial of Monthly Versus Bi-weekly Endoscopic Variceal Ligation for the Prevention of Esophageal Variceal Rebleeding
Many physicians suggest repeating EVL every 1-2 weeks until esophageal varices are
 obliterated to prevent variceal rebleeding， however, the evidences supporting the efficacy of
 EVL intervals of 1-2 weeks are insufficient.This randomized controlled study was conducted in
 order to compare the long-term results of EVL when performed at two different results from
 monthly and bi-weekly treatments.
Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a safe and simple procedure now being used on a
 widening scale. A lot of patients who undergo endoscopic treatment for esophageal varices
 eventually require additional treatment for recurrent varices. Many physicians suggest
 repeating EVL every 1-2 weeks until esophageal varices are obliterated to prevent variceal
 rebleeding， however, the evidences supporting the efficacy of EVL intervals of 1-2 weeks are
 insufficient.This randomized controlled study was conducted in order to compare the long-term
 results of EVL when performed at two different results from monthly and bi-weekly treatments.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. acute or recent bleeding from esophageal varices;

 2. portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis;

 3. age between 18 and 80 yr.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. history of endoscopic, pharmacological, interventional or surgical treatment of
 esophageal varices;

 2. presence of liver failure with a serum total bilirubin concentration greater than 3
 mg/dL;

 3. presence of hepatocellular carcinoma or other malignancy;

 4. an association with a cerebral vascular accident, uremia, acute coronary syndrome, or
 other severe illness;

 5. history of gastric variceal bleeding;

 6. encephalopathy of stage II or worse;

 7. failure to control initial variceal bleeding;

 8. death within 48 h of admission;

 9. refusal to participate in the trial.