title: Endoscopic band ligation: beyond prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices.
abstract: Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is the preferred endoscopic technique for the endoscopic treatment of acute esophageal variceal bleeding. EBL has also been used to treat nonvariceal bleeding. Recently, Han et al demonstrated that EBL can be a feasible and safe alternate technique for the management of iatrogenic gastric perforation especially in cases in which closure with endoclips is difficult. EBL is technically simpler to perform than other methods and provides a good view of the lesions under direct pressure and suction from the transparent ligation cap. EBL can be used even if the diameter of the perforation is greater than 10 mm or if there is a severe tangential angle. In this commentary, we discuss the efficacy and safety of EBL for the closure of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforation. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of EBL for the treatment of nonvariceal bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Incheon 403-720, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong-Seon
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Young-Seok
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D016558:Hemostasis, Endoscopic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries*; D013525:Surgical Instruments
keywords: Band ligation; Endoscopy; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Intestinal perforation