title: Esophageal perforation after fiberoptic variceal sclerotherapy.
abstract: Our experience and review of the literature suggests that perforation follows fiberoptic sclerotherapy at an incidence of 1-6% per patient. Perforation is delayed for 2-14 days after the procedure and is due to chemical necrosis of the esophageal wall. The risk of perforation is higher in Child's class C patients. The use of large volumes or high concentrations of sclerosant may increase the risk of perforation. To reduce this risk, we suggest a cautious approach to Child's class C patients, with no more than two sclerosis sessions during the first 2 weeks of treatment using less than or equal to 10 ml of 1.5% sodium tetradecyl sulfate per session.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012597:Sclerosing Solutions