Endoscopic variceal banding
Also called EVL, Variceal ligation, Oesophageal varices banding
Endoscopic variceal banding (EVL) treats oesophageal varices, swollen veins in the food pipe caused by cirrhosis or portal hypertension. During an endoscopy, small elastic bands are placed around the veins to stop bleeding or prevent it. It needs no surgery and is often repeated over a few sessions.
At a glance
- Typical duration
- 15–30 minutes
- Sedation
- Yes
- Sessions
- Often repeated every few weeks until varices are gone
What it involves
Varices can bleed suddenly and heavily. Banding is the standard endoscopic treatment both in an emergency and to lower the risk of a first or repeat bleed.
Banding is combined with medicines and ongoing liver care through the clinic's liver service.
When it is recommended
- Varices found during screening endoscopy in cirrhosis
- Vomiting blood or black stools in someone with liver disease
- Prevention of repeat bleeding after a variceal bleed
After the procedure
- Soft, cool foods for a day or two.
- Mild chest discomfort when swallowing is common and settles.
Questions patients ask
Vomiting blood with liver disease: what should I do?
Treat it as an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, then contact the clinic.
Related care
- Liver cirrhosisAdvanced scarring of the liver from long-term damage, which needs regular specialist care.
- Upper GI endoscopyA camera look at the food pipe, stomach and duodenum, with biopsy or treatment in the same sitting.
- Endoscopic treatment of bleeding ulcersStopping bleeding from ulcers and vessels during endoscopy, with injection therapy and other techniques.
Ask about Endoscopic variceal banding
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