Esophageal perforation--associated risk with balloon tamponade after endoscopic therapy. Myth or reality?
OBJECTIVE
Variceal bleeding is still associated with high mortality and balloon tamponade may be a lifesaving measure when endoscopic therapy is not available or feasible. The risk of esophageal perforation with balloon tamponade after endoscopic therapy is still uncertain. The aims of the study were to investigate balloon tamponade effectiveness and safety after endoscopic therapy.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive episodes of acute variceal bleeding treated with the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.


RESULTS
Balloon tamponade had an overall effectiveness of 61%. The Child-Pugh score was significantly higher in patients who failed balloon tamponade. In 48 cases balloon tamponade was preceded by failure of endoscopic therapy. Balloon tamponade was more effective if a previous attempt to perform endoscopic therapy happened (75% vs. 48%; p = 0.006). Aspiration was the most frequent complication. No cases of esophageal perforation were registered.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently balloon tamponade is only used as a temporary bridge to other strategies, when other forms of hemostatic therapies do not succeed. Balloon tamponade was more effective in patients with less severe hepatic dysfunction. Previous attempts to perform endoscopic therapy may augment tamponade effectiveness without increasing the risk of esophageal perforation.
Pinto-Marques
P
P
Gastroenterology Division, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal. pedromarq@hotmail.com
Romãozinho
J M
JM
Ferreira
M
M
Amaro
P
P
Freitas
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D021721:Balloon Occlusion; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged