[Prevention of the 1st bleeding of esophageal varices: review of the literature and clinical experience].
The authors present a review of the literature on prophylactic sclerosis of esophageal varices in cirrhotics, taking as a starting point their personal experience. The natural history of varices and the criteria of their hemorrhagic risk are described; moreover are presented the results of the most important controlled studies of prophylactic surgery, sclerosis and beta-blocking drugs. In spite of the rather encouraging results after sclerosis at the long-term follow-up and the promising aspects of beta-blocking agents, it is not felt to recommend, according to the literature, a routine application of prophylactic sclerosis, a procedure which should be reserved to leading centers in controlled studies.
Di Lecce
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Istituto di Patologia Speciale Chirurgica e Propedeutica Clinica, Università degli Studi di Parma.
Contini
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D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D013997:Time Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists