Indications, technique, and complications of balloon tamponade for variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.
Timely treatment of bleeding esophageal varices with balloon tamponade effectively achieves initial hemostatis.  However, therapeutic endoscopy and sclerotherapy in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is associated with better short- and long-term follow-up.  We describe the technique of esophagogastric balloon insertion, as well as principles of monitoring and maintenance.  The different types of balloons for tamponade are described, as well as potential complications.
Department of Clinical Epidemiology, McMaster University Medical Center, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
D
D
Cook
L
L
Laine
D021721:Balloon Occlusion; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015911:Sclerotherapy