About Endoscopic Variceal Ligation
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no external incisions.Highly effective in controlling and preventing life-threatening variceal bleeding.Typically performed as an outpatient or short-stay procedure.Lower risk profile compared to surgical shunt procedures.Can be repeated for surveillance and treatment of new varices.Often allows for quicker recovery and return to normal activities./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Primary prophylaxis: To prevent a first episode of bleeding in patients with medium or large esophageal varices.
- Acute variceal hemorrhage: To stop active bleeding from esophageal varices.
- Secondary prophylaxis: To prevent re-bleeding in patients with a history of variceal hemorrhage.
- Gastric varices (specific types) that are amenable to banding.
- Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension diagnosed with significant varices via endoscopy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging, to assess liver function and bleeding risk.
- Patient must fast (no food or drink) typically for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by the doctor.
- Intravenous (IV) access will be established for sedation and fluids.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, benefits, and risks.
- Arrangement for a responsible adult to drive the patient home after the procedure due to sedation.
Risks & possible complications
- Post-procedure chest pain or discomfort, which is usually temporary.
- Sore throat from the endoscope.
- Risk of bleeding from the banding site, though this is the condition being treated.
- Perforation (a tear) of the esophagus, which is rare but serious.
- Adverse reactions to sedative medications.
- Recurrence of varices, requiring repeat surveillance endoscopy and treatment.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) immediately after the procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Patients are monitored in a recovery area until sedation wears off (1-2 hours).
- Mild chest discomfort, bloating, or a sore throat are common for 24-48 hours.
- A soft or liquid diet is recommended for the first 24 hours post-procedure.
- Patients should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for at least 24 hours.
- Follow-up endoscopy is usually scheduled in 2-4 weeks to check the treated varices and apply more bands if needed.
- Long-term management involves treating the underlying liver disease and regular endoscopic surveillance.
- Contact the doctor immediately for severe pain, fever, difficulty breathing, or vomiting blood.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Often outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for normal activities; 2-3 weeks for complete internal healing
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering endoscopic variceal ligation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for endoscopic variceal ligation in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform endoscopic variceal ligation. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for endoscopic variceal ligation compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 25 Thousand – 70 Thousand | 0-1 days (Often outpatient) | ~ 1-3 days for normal activities; 2-3 weeks for complete internal healing | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 87.5 Thousand – 245 Thousand | 0-1 days (Often outpatient) | ~ 1-3 days for normal activities; 2-3 weeks for complete internal healing | Know More |
Top hospitals for Endoscopic Variceal Ligation in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing endoscopic variceal ligation.
Sarah Saxena, a 42-year-old high school...
Sarah Saxena, a 42-year-old high school English teacher and mother of two, had been living with autoimmune hepatitis for eight years, managed with medication. Her world tilted when she began vomiting small amounts of blood one morning before class. Rushed to the ER, she was pale and terrified. A subsequent endoscopy revealed large, fragile esophageal varices, swollen veins in her esophagus, a direct consequence of her liver disease. Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, explained gently that these were like ticking time bombs and recommended Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (EVL) to band them, preventing a life-threatening bleed. The procedure itself, under sedation, was painless. Sarah's emotional state was a rollercoaster; before, she grappled with the fear of a sudden bleed and leaving her children motherless. The post-procedure recovery involved a soft diet and mild throat discomfort for a few days. The outcome was a profound relief. Knowing the major risk was controlled lifted a tangible weight. She felt empowered to focus on managing her underlying condition, her anxiety replaced by cautious optimism and a renewed commitment to her health for her family.
Gastroenterologists for Endoscopic Variceal Ligation
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform endoscopic variceal ligation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai