Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a procedure in which an enlarged vein or a varix (the plural is varices) in the esophagus is tied off or ligated by a rubber band delivered via an endoscope. It is also called rubber band ligation.
What happens to varices after banding?:
Banding the vein will cut off blood flow through the vein. The banded tissue develops into a small ulceration that quickly heals after several days or a few weeks. Variceal banding can be done several times to control enlarged varices and prevent bleeding.
What is the prognosis for esophageal varices?:
Cirrhosis is the late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused
Bleeding esophageal varices is life-threatening condition and can be fatal in up to 50% of patients. People who have had an episode of bleeding esophageal varices are at risk for bleeding again. Treatment with variceal ligation is effective in controlling first-time bleeding episodes in about 90% of patients.