Band ligation for colonic bleeding: modification of multiband ligating devices for use with a colonoscope.
BACKGROUND
Current multiband ligating devices can be useful in the treatment of colorectal hemorrhage but are not designed to be used with a colonoscope. This restricts the ability to treat more proximal sites of colonic bleeding with this type of device. This study describes methods of modifying multiband ligating devices for use with a colonoscope, and the application of both single band and modified multiband ligating devices in the treatment of colonic bleeding.


METHODS
Five consecutive patients with colorectal hemorrhage were treated endoscopically with a single-band ligating device or a modified multiband ligating device. The lesions treated included two postpolypectomy ulcers, one arteriovenous malformation, one post-coagulation ulcer after ablation of an arteriovenous malformation, and one diverticulum.


RESULTS
Colonoscopic band ligation using either device was successful in all five patients with follow-up ranging from 2 to 5 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Colonoscopic band ligation appears to be a safe and effective treatment for various types of colorectal hemorrhage. Currently available multiband ligating devices can be easily modified for use with a colonoscope. Endoscopic band ligation of colonic bleeding may be particularly useful in patients with coagulopathies and those cases in which bleeding is uncontrollable with other therapeutic modalities.
Witte
J T
JT
Idaho Gastroenterology Associates, Boise, Idaho 83702, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome