Sclerosants for variceal sclerotherapy: a critical appraisal.
Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a well-accepted technique for the treatment of variceal bleeding. It is carried out by injecting a sclerosant into or around a varix. Sclerosants are oily or aqueous chemicals which produce sclerosis, depending on their necroinflammatory and thrombotic properties. The safety and efficacy of various sclerosants has been evaluated in experimental and human studies. However, due to the presence of a large number of variables, conflicting results have been reported. Based primarily on anecdotal experiences, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, ethanolamine oleate, polidocanol, and alcohol appear to be potent and safe sclerosants. There is great need to perform double-blind trials to identify ideal sclerosant(s) with optimum thrombogenic and minimum necroinflammatory properties.
Department of Gastroenterology, G. B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India.
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Sarin
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Kumar
D000818:Animals; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000628:therapy*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015911:Sclerotherapy
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions